Merrick, NY
Population 21,816 · New York
About Merrick, NY
Merrick is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 21,816 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $179,415 per year, which is 139% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Merrick features a median home value of $715,700, which is 192% above the national median of $244,900. This places Merrick in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,756, 137% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,331 total housing units, 96% are owner-occupied (6,952 units) and 4% are renter-occupied (299 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Merrick shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 2.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Merrick have an average one-way commute time of 38.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
61.6% of Merrick residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian residents, with 10.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Merrick, NY
Compared to national averages, Merrick has a median household income of $179,415 (139% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $715,700, which is 192% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,756 is 137% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Merrick's income is 85% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 85% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Merrick, NY?
Merrick offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $179,415, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 61.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $715,700. However, Merrick’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Merrick has a population of 21,816 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare Merrick with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Merrick
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massapequa | 21,822 | $179,844 | $661,900 | Compare |
| Selden | 21,707 | $111,339 | $435,700 | Compare |
| East Patchogue | 21,364 | $107,721 | $459,200 | Compare |
| Mineola | 21,082 | $138,385 | $624,300 | Compare |
| Rotterdam | 22,798 | $81,830 | $203,700 | Compare |
| North Bellmore | 20,776 | $183,250 | $636,800 | Compare |
| Niskayuna | 20,774 | $128,346 | $326,600 | Compare |
| Hauppauge | 20,772 | $145,987 | $634,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Merrick With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Merrick
What is the population of Merrick, NY?
The population of Merrick, NY is 21,816 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Merrick?
The median household income in Merrick, NY is $179,415 per year, which is 139% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merrick?
The median home value in Merrick, NY is $715,700, which is 192% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Merrick?
The median monthly rent in Merrick, NY is $2,756, which is 137% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merrick?
The unemployment rate in Merrick, NY is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Merrick, NY a good place to live?
Merrick offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,816 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Merrick, NY?
61.6% of residents in Merrick 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 Merrick?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Merrick, NY: median home value is $715,700 (192% above national), median rent is $2,756/month, and median household income is $179,415. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Merrick?
The poverty rate in Merrick, NY is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Merrick, NY?
Merrick's population is 0.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 10.7% of residents are foreign-born.