Median Income
$47,000
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,700
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
305/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.2%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$722
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.4%
272% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.4%
32% higher than US avg
How Merrill Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population825
Median Age38.4 yrs
Density1,179/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$47,000
Per Capita$20,248
Unemployment13.4%
Poverty16.4%
County GDP$11,010M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,700
Rent$722
Ownership77.0%
Zillow$193,374
Housing Units299
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
F
Violent305/100K
Property1,602/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking19.7%
Depression30.9%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation671 ft (205 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.2%
High School+97.8%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score4.74
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute29 min
Broadband92.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Merrill a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merrill receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Merrill has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Merrill is $47,000, 37% below the national average of $75,149. At 13.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 16.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Merrill is $89,700, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $722 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Merrill is below the national average at 305 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,602 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
13.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Merrill experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches, including 38.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Merrill has a population of 825 with a density of 1,179 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (69.2%), with 3.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.4yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Merrill is $47,000, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,248 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,116, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,966 business establishments, including 417 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,000 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,248 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,116 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,856 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.4% |
| 272% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,966 |
| County GDP | $11,010M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 417 |
| Healthcare | 603 |
| Retail | 754 |
| Manufacturing | 184 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,370 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Merrill is $89,700, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,374, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $722 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 299 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $5,370 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,700 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,374 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $722 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.0% |
| Housing Units | 299 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,370 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.99% |
In Merrill, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.5% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 30.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,156. The dentist ratio is 1:1,239. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Merrill vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.5% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.7% |
| Depression | 30.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,156 |
| Dentists | 1:1,239 |
| Mental Health | 1:277 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,742/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 603 |
Merrill has a violent crime rate of 305 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,602 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Merrill receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Merrill vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 305.1/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,601.8/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Merrill experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. The area receives 38.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 671 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 671 ft (205 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,179/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4091°N, 84.3345°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Saginaw County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1994.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
323 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 129 fatalities, 1,140 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
52 km |
116 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
84 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROSCOMMON4 (2,109 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Merrill has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Merrill. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $655 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $660 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Merrill
What is the population of Merrill?
Merrill has a population of 825 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,179 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Merrill expensive to live in?
Merrill has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $47,000, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,700 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $722 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Merrill safe?
Merrill is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 305 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,602 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Merrill receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Merrill?
Merrill has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.5 inches, with 38.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Merrill?
The job market in Merrill faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,116. There are 3,966 business establishments in the area, including 417 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Merrill?
The median home value in Merrill is $89,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,374. For renters, the median monthly rent is $722. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,370.
How are the schools in Merrill?
Schools in Merrill have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.2% of adults in Merrill hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Merrill?
The obesity rate in Merrill is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 30.7% are physically inactive. 30.9% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,156.
What is transportation like in Merrill?
The average commute in Merrill is 29 minutes. 89.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Merrill?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Merrill is 69.2% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
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