Merlin, OR
Population 1,355 · Oregon
About Merlin, OR
Merlin is a small town located in Oregon with a population of 1,355 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,342 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Merlin features a median home value of $419,100, which is 71% above the national median of $244,900. This places Merlin in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,090, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 595 total housing units, 94% are owner-occupied (558 units) and 6% are renter-occupied (37 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Merlin shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Merlin have an average one-way commute time of 35.7 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
24.5% of Merlin 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 2.5% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Merlin Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Merlin, OR
Compared to national averages, Merlin has a median household income of $66,342 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $419,100, which is 71% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,090 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Merlin's income is 13% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 10% above the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Merlin, OR?
Merlin offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,090/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%, and a low poverty rate of 8.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,342) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $419,100. However, Merlin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Merlin has a population of 1,355 with a median age of 53.2 years. Compare Merlin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Merlin
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunes City | 1,358 | $71,125 | $514,900 | Compare |
| Cannon Beach | 1,368 | $70,815 | $760,900 | Compare |
| Lyons | 1,322 | $87,500 | $456,200 | Compare |
| Terrebonne | 1,394 | $102,045 | $440,500 | Compare |
| Tangent | 1,303 | $99,750 | $301,300 | Compare |
| Heppner | 1,420 | $49,564 | $194,600 | Compare |
| Sunriver | 1,429 | $90,529 | $719,800 | Compare |
| Grand Ronde | 1,443 | $40,375 | $309,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oregon
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Merlin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Merlin
What is the population of Merlin, OR?
The population of Merlin, OR is 1,355 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Merlin?
The median household income in Merlin, OR is $66,342 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merlin?
The median home value in Merlin, OR is $419,100, which is 71% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Merlin?
The median monthly rent in Merlin, OR is $1,090, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merlin?
The unemployment rate in Merlin, OR is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Merlin, OR a good place to live?
Merlin offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,355 and a median age of 53.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Merlin, OR?
24.5% of residents in Merlin 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 Merlin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Merlin, OR: median home value is $419,100 (71% above national), median rent is $1,090/month, and median household income is $66,342. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Merlin?
The poverty rate in Merlin, OR is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Merlin, OR?
Merlin's population is 2.5% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.