Merrill, OR
Population 985 · Oregon
About Merrill, OR
Merrill is a small community located in Oregon with a population of 985 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,469 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Merrill features a median home value of $172,900, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Merrill in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $789, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 340 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (186 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (143 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Merrill shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Merrill have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.4% of Merrill residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 42.3% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 11.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Merrill Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Merrill, OR
Compared to national averages, Merrill has a median household income of $50,469 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $172,900, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $789 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Merrill's income is 34% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 55% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Merrill, OR?
Merrill offers affordable housing with a median home value of $172,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $789/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,469) that falls below the national average. However, Merrill’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Merrill has a population of 985 with a median age of 30.2 years. Compare Merrill with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Merrill
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Orford | 983 | $34,122 | $247,500 | Compare |
| Siletz | 990 | $83,636 | $234,000 | Compare |
| Lookingglass | 994 | $85,813 | $445,100 | Compare |
| Drain | 975 | $47,281 | $241,000 | Compare |
| Metolius | 969 | $62,841 | $220,100 | Compare |
| Williams | 1,030 | $76,875 | $541,400 | Compare |
| Mission | 938 | $45,750 | $258,800 | Compare |
| South Lebanon | 1,044 | $56,042 | $345,900 | 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 Merrill With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Merrill
What is the population of Merrill, OR?
The population of Merrill, OR is 985 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Merrill?
The median household income in Merrill, OR is $50,469 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merrill?
The median home value in Merrill, OR is $172,900, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Merrill?
The median monthly rent in Merrill, OR is $789, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merrill?
The unemployment rate in Merrill, OR is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Merrill, OR a good place to live?
Merrill offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 985 and a median age of 30.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Merrill, OR?
9.4% of residents in Merrill 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 Merrill?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Merrill, OR: median home value is $172,900 (29% below national), median rent is $789/month, and median household income is $50,469. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Merrill?
The poverty rate in Merrill, OR is 15.7%, 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 Merrill, OR?
Merrill's population is 42.3% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 11.7% of residents are foreign-born.