Merrillville, IN
Population 36,343 · Indiana
About Merrillville, IN
Merrillville is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 36,343 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,791 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Merrillville features a median home value of $194,000, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Merrillville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,304, 12% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,255 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (10,573 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (4,852 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Merrillville shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Merrillville have an average one-way commute time of 32.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.2% of Merrillville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 11.1% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 6.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Merrillville Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Merrillville, IN
Compared to national averages, Merrillville has a median household income of $64,791 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $194,000, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,304 is 12% above the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Merrillville's income is 7% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 19% above the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Merrillville, IN?
Merrillville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $194,000, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,791) that falls below the national average. However, Merrillville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Merrillville has a population of 36,343 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Merrillville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Merrillville
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainfield | 35,783 | $85,074 | $263,900 | Compare |
| Richmond | 35,551 | $46,395 | $107,600 | Compare |
| New Albany | 37,589 | $54,152 | $169,600 | Compare |
| Portage | 37,951 | $72,833 | $210,800 | Compare |
| Valparaiso | 34,377 | $67,664 | $250,500 | Compare |
| Goshen | 34,374 | $55,436 | $175,200 | Compare |
| Crown Point | 34,042 | $95,757 | $272,800 | Compare |
| Michigan City | 31,894 | $52,979 | $129,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Merrillville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Merrillville
What is the population of Merrillville, IN?
The population of Merrillville, IN is 36,343 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Merrillville?
The median household income in Merrillville, IN is $64,791 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merrillville?
The median home value in Merrillville, IN is $194,000, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Merrillville?
The median monthly rent in Merrillville, IN is $1,304, which is 12% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merrillville?
The unemployment rate in Merrillville, IN is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Merrillville, IN a good place to live?
Merrillville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 36,343 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Merrillville, IN?
25.2% of residents in Merrillville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Merrillville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Merrillville, IN: median home value is $194,000 (21% below national), median rent is $1,304/month, and median household income is $64,791. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Merrillville?
The poverty rate in Merrillville, IN is 13.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Merrillville, IN?
Merrillville's population is 11.1% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 44.6% two or more races. 6.7% of residents are foreign-born.