Median Income
$43,365
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,400
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
160/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.6%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$631
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Mertens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population130
Median Age29.1 yrs
Density295/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans91.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$43,365
Per Capita$18,677
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$10,768M
Commute45 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,400
Rent$631
Ownership51.1%
Zillow$188,961
Housing Units55
Rent Burden17.1%
Crime
F
Violent160/100K
Property2,028/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured17.2%
Smoking13.2%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain40.2 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation527 ft (161 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.6%
High School+85.7%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute45 min
Broadband47.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Mertens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mertens receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Mertens has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mertens is $43,365, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 45 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mertens is $91,400, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mertens is below the national average at 160 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,028 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
8.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Mertens enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Mertens has a population of 130 with a density of 295 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 29.1 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.6% female and 55.4% male. The city is predominantly White (87.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 67.9% of residents, while 32.1% speak Spanish. 91.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.1yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
67.9%
14% below US avg
Spanish
32.1%
140% above US avg
The median household income in Mertens is $43,365, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,677 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,114, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,919 business establishments, including 344 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 45 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,365 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,677 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,114 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,086 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,919 |
| County GDP | $10,768M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 344 |
| Healthcare | 342 |
| Retail | 451 |
| Manufacturing | 181 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,596 |
| 117% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 45.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 38.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Mertens is $91,400, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,961, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $631 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 55 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $7,596 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $91,400 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,961 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $631 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.9% |
| Housing Units | 55 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,596 |
| 117% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.31% |
In Mertens, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 17.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,632. The dentist ratio is 1:3,215. 50.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mertens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 41.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.5% |
| Uninsured | 17.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,632 |
| Dentists | 1:3,215 |
| Mental Health | 1:928 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 53.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,453/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 342 |
Mertens has a violent crime rate of 160 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,028 per 100,000, 3% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 28 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Mertens receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mertens vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 160.1/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,027.8/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mertens enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 527 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.8°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 527 ft (161 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 295/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.0590°N, 96.8942°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ellis County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waco Regional (ACT)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.2"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0466 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 5.1 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
87 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.1 on May 1, 2024.
| May 7, 2015 |
5 km N of Venus, Texas |
M4.0 |
51 km |
| Dec 9, 2013 |
8 km S of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
6 km NE of Irving, Texas |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| Dec 8, 2013 |
0 km NNE of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.6 |
115 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
1 km NNW of Azle, Texas |
M3.6 |
113 km |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
3 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.5 |
59 km |
| Jan 6, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Irving, Texas |
M3.5 |
86 km |
| Sep 30, 2012 |
4 km NW of Irving, Texas |
M3.4 |
87 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
3 km WNW of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.4 |
117 km |
| May 19, 2018 |
8 km NW of Venus, Texas |
M3.4 |
54 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
89 km |
| May 18, 2015 |
5 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
90 km |
| Jan 18, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Godley, Texas |
M3.3 |
66 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
5 km NNW of Grand Prairie, Texas |
M3.3 |
83 km |
| Jun 15, 2012 |
5 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.3 |
57 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
4 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.2 |
88 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km S of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.2 |
54 km |
| Jan 13, 2014 |
2 km ESE of Reno, Texas |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| Sep 30, 2012 |
1 km W of Irving, Texas |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Nov 29, 2013 |
1 km S of Pelican Bay, Texas |
M3.1 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Ike (2008, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
192 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 2 |
294 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
704 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 166 fatalities, 2,037 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 6, 1973 |
EF5 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1953 |
EF5 |
62 km |
114 |
| Apr 29, 2017 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF4 |
87 km |
10 |
| May 15, 2013 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
EF4 |
62 km |
3 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1973 |
EF4 |
59 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 1959 |
EF4 |
39 km |
6 |
| Apr 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2013 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2002 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2000 |
EF3 |
48 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 2000 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2000 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHALK MOUNTAIN (6,461 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
CHALK MOUNTAIN |
6,461 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
BIG TRICKLE RANCH FIRE |
3,623 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
C#491 |
3,616 |
51 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,944 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,067 |
84 km |
| 2005 |
200 MOUNTAIN RIDGE |
2,051 |
84 km |
| 2023 |
DOUBLE BACK |
1,275 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
CEDAR RIDGE |
1,051 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| March |
58°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
65°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Mertens has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 46°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and July the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Mertens. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146-$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194-$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97-$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777-$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73-$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146-$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24-$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49-$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388-$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97-$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58-$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49-$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146-$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884-$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388-$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341-$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486-$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855-$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942-$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777-$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194-$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971-$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73-$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49-$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91-$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43-$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43-$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91-$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88-$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58-$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78-$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49-$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73-$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165-$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29-$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15-$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583-$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486-$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194-$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24-$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388-$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855-$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49-$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97-$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $827 |
| Toddler | $762 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $723 |
| Toddler | $684 |
| Preschool | $675 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mertens
What is the population of Mertens?
Mertens has a population of 130 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 295 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.6% female and 55.4% male.
Is Mertens expensive to live in?
Mertens has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $43,365, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,400 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mertens safe?
Mertens is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 160 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,028 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mertens receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mertens?
Mertens enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Mertens?
The job market in Mertens is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,114. There are 3,919 business establishments in the area, including 344 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 45 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mertens?
The median home value in Mertens is $91,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,961. For renters, the median monthly rent is $631. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.1%. The average annual property tax is $7,596.
How are the schools in Mertens?
Schools in Mertens score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.6% of adults in Mertens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mertens?
The obesity rate in Mertens is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 17.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,632.
What is transportation like in Mertens?
The average commute in Mertens is 45 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 38.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mertens?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mertens is 87.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 67.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 32.1% speak Spanish. 91.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability. 83.5% have health insurance coverage.
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