Michigan · Metropolitan Area
Merrill is a small town in Michigan with a population of 825. Residents earn $47,000 per year, which is 37% below the national average.
Based on current data, Merrill receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Merrill offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
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.
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.
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 5.2/10.
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. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches, including 38.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 98.2% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.8% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $47,000 |
| 37% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $20,248 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,116 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,856 |
| Unemployment | 13.4% |
| 272% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 16.4% |
| 32% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 3,966 |
| County GDP | $11,010M |
| Restaurants | 417 |
| Healthcare | 603 |
| Retail | 754 |
| Manufacturing | 184 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,370 |
| 53% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.99% |
| Commute Time | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
| Census Median | $89,700 |
| 68% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,374 |
| Census Median Rent | $722 |
| 38% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,370 |
| 53% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 5.99% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.7% |
| Depression | 30.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,742/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 603 |
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 34.5 inches |
| 9% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 38.3 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| 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 FIPS | 26145 |
Winner: Republican by 3.3 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 13.2% |
| 61% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 97.8% |
| School Test Score | 5.23 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 1,179/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.7 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 92.2% |
| Public Libraries | 13 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 603 |
| Restaurants | 417 |
| Retail Stores | 754 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Commute | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |