Merriam, KS
Population 11,036 · Kansas
About Merriam, KS
Merriam is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 11,036 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,665 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Merriam features a median home value of $242,400, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Merriam in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,161, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,370 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (3,206 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (1,977 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Merriam shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Merriam have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.5% of Merriam 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 9.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 7.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Merriam Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Merriam, KS
Compared to national averages, Merriam has a median household income of $71,665 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $242,400, which is 1% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,161 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Merriam's income is 12% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 113% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Merriam, KS?
Merriam offers affordable housing with a median home value of $242,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,161/month, and a well-educated community where 41.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,665) that falls below the national average. However, Merriam’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Merriam has a population of 11,036 with a median age of 38 years. Compare Merriam with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Merriam
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haysville | 11,117 | $69,057 | $155,100 | Compare |
| Lansing | 11,229 | $100,871 | $247,500 | Compare |
| Atchison | 10,795 | $54,695 | $130,200 | Compare |
| Winfield | 11,731 | $58,140 | $121,200 | Compare |
| Arkansas City | 11,909 | $53,475 | $81,700 | Compare |
| Mission | 9,928 | $74,396 | $268,500 | Compare |
| Parsons | 9,482 | $50,838 | $70,300 | Compare |
| Ottawa | 12,632 | $64,655 | $165,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Merriam With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Merriam
What is the population of Merriam, KS?
The population of Merriam, KS is 11,036 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Merriam?
The median household income in Merriam, KS is $71,665 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merriam?
The median home value in Merriam, KS is $242,400, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Merriam?
The median monthly rent in Merriam, KS is $1,161, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merriam?
The unemployment rate in Merriam, KS is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Merriam, KS a good place to live?
Merriam offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,036 and a median age of 38, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Merriam, KS?
41.5% of residents in Merriam aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Merriam?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Merriam, KS: median home value is $242,400 (1% below national), median rent is $1,161/month, and median household income is $71,665. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Merriam?
The poverty rate in Merriam, KS is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Merriam, KS?
Merriam's population is 9.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 6.6% two or more races. 7.3% of residents are foreign-born.