Merkel, TX
Population 2,630 · Texas
About Merkel, TX
Merkel is a small town located in Texas with a population of 2,630 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,368 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Merkel features a median home value of $99,000, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Merkel one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $992, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,084 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (707 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (207 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Merkel shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Merkel have an average one-way commute time of 32.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.6% of Merkel 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 12.8% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 4.6% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Merkel, TX
Compared to national averages, Merkel has a median household income of $62,368 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $99,000, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $992 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Merkel's income is 14% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 53% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Merkel, TX?
Merkel offers affordable housing with a median home value of $99,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $992/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,368) that falls below the national average. However, Merkel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Merkel has a population of 2,630 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Merkel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Merkel
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Briarcliff | 2,630 | $129,524 | $477,400 | Compare |
| Troy | 2,628 | $81,193 | $188,200 | Compare |
| Overton | 2,633 | $76,384 | $114,100 | Compare |
| Pottsboro | 2,624 | $75,909 | $246,300 | Compare |
| Floydada | 2,618 | $45,848 | $83,400 | Compare |
| Westworth Village | 2,618 | $90,750 | $330,000 | Compare |
| Panhandle | 2,613 | $86,354 | $151,800 | Compare |
| Shadybrook | 2,649 | $66,373 | $226,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Merkel With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Merkel
What is the population of Merkel, TX?
The population of Merkel, TX is 2,630 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Texas.
What is the median household income in Merkel?
The median household income in Merkel, TX is $62,368 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merkel?
The median home value in Merkel, TX is $99,000, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Merkel?
The median monthly rent in Merkel, TX is $992, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merkel?
The unemployment rate in Merkel, TX is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Merkel, TX a good place to live?
Merkel offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,630 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Merkel, TX?
12.6% of residents in Merkel 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 Merkel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Merkel, TX: median home value is $99,000 (60% below national), median rent is $992/month, and median household income is $62,368. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Merkel?
The poverty rate in Merkel, TX is 14.5%, 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 Merkel, TX?
Merkel's population is 12.8% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.