Merrill, WI
Population 9,224 · Wisconsin
About Merrill, WI
Merrill is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 9,224 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,947 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 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 Merrill features a median home value of $113,200, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Merrill one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $784, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,570 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (2,575 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (1,664 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 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Merrill have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.8% 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 0.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Merrill, WI
Compared to national averages, Merrill has a median household income of $49,947 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $113,200, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $784 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Merrill's income is 31% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 45% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Merrill, WI?
Merrill offers affordable housing with a median home value of $113,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $784/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,947) 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 9,224 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Merrill with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Merrill
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McFarland | 9,230 | $93,810 | $363,400 | Compare |
| Shawano | 9,236 | $56,457 | $127,200 | Compare |
| St. Francis | 9,318 | $58,490 | $207,200 | Compare |
| Rice Lake | 9,030 | $55,040 | $178,100 | Compare |
| Windsor | 8,992 | $115,111 | $399,900 | Compare |
| Tomah | 9,505 | $51,185 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 8,913 | $67,784 | $194,900 | Compare |
| Altoona | 8,750 | $80,126 | $220,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
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, WI?
The population of Merrill, WI is 9,224 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Merrill?
The median household income in Merrill, WI is $49,947 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merrill?
The median home value in Merrill, WI is $113,200, which is 54% 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, WI is $784, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merrill?
The unemployment rate in Merrill, WI is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Merrill, WI a good place to live?
Merrill offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 9,224 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Merrill, WI?
14.8% 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, WI: median home value is $113,200 (54% below national), median rent is $784/month, and median household income is $49,947. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Merrill?
The poverty rate in Merrill, WI is 17.3%, 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, WI?
Merrill's population is 0.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.