Merrimac, VA
Population 2,955 · Virginia
About Merrimac, VA
Merrimac is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 2,955 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,202 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 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 Merrimac features a median home value of $73,400, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Merrimac one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,099, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,715 total housing units, 28% are owner-occupied (432 units) and 72% are renter-occupied (1,110 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Merrimac shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Merrimac have an average one-way commute time of 14 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
42.4% of Merrimac 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 11.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 17.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Merrimac Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Merrimac, VA
Compared to national averages, Merrimac has a median household income of $55,202 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $73,400, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,099 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Merrimac's income is 37% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 78% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Merrimac, VA?
Merrimac offers affordable housing with a median home value of $73,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,099/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 42.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,202) that falls below the national average. However, Merrimac’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Merrimac has a population of 2,955 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare Merrimac with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Merrimac
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 2,940 | $44,234 | $118,100 | Compare |
| Elkton | 2,973 | $61,385 | $232,300 | Compare |
| Grottoes | 2,926 | $84,508 | $267,500 | Compare |
| Timberville | 2,998 | $56,837 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Hillsville | 2,869 | $62,861 | $132,600 | Compare |
| Pearisburg | 2,864 | $72,924 | $160,200 | Compare |
| Arcola | 2,858 | $133,992 | $602,700 | Compare |
| Cloverdale | 3,095 | $71,929 | $338,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Merrimac With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Merrimac
What is the population of Merrimac, VA?
The population of Merrimac, VA is 2,955 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Merrimac?
The median household income in Merrimac, VA is $55,202 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merrimac?
The median home value in Merrimac, VA is $73,400, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Merrimac?
The median monthly rent in Merrimac, VA is $1,099, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merrimac?
The unemployment rate in Merrimac, VA is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Merrimac, VA a good place to live?
Merrimac offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,955 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Merrimac, VA?
42.4% of residents in Merrimac 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 Merrimac?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Merrimac, VA: median home value is $73,400 (70% below national), median rent is $1,099/month, and median household income is $55,202. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Merrimac?
The poverty rate in Merrimac, VA is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Merrimac, VA?
Merrimac's population is 11.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races. 17.8% of residents are foreign-born.