Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Merit, TX
Considering a move to Merit, TX? This small, close-knit town of about 320 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $235,000 and average rents near $1,080. Crime rates are low, and the area enjoys 66% sunny days each year. Commutes average about 33 minutes, and local schools provide favorable student-teacher ratios. Enjoy a peaceful rural setting with easy access to healthcare and nearby college options.
Demographics - Merit, TX
Merit, TX is a small rural community of approximately 320 residents, where the median age is 41 and the population is predominantly White, with a modest Hispanic or Latino presence. The area maintains a balanced gender ratio and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its low population density offers a peaceful, close-knit environment.
Population:
320
Density:
150 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.0
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.0%
Black:
5.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Merit, TX?
Merit offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $235,000 and typical rents around $1,080. Utilities and daily expenses are generally affordable, and Texas’s 0% state income tax adds to local financial advantages. This makes Merit an appealing choice for those seeking budget-friendly small-town living.
Median House Value:
$235,000
Gross Rent:
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
91.0
Housing:
81.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
95.5
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Merit, TX a safe place to live?
Merit experiences very low crime rates, with only 120 violent and 950 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe community for families and individuals. The chance of encountering violent crime is extremely low, at about 1 in 830. Residents enjoy a sense of safety and security in this rural setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
950
Crime Index:
1,070
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 105
Weather
What is the weather like in Merit, TX year-round?
Residents of Merit enjoy mild winters with average highs in the mid-50s and warm summers reaching up to 95°F. The town receives about 42 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 66% sunny days, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes are distinct but rarely extreme.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
55°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
95°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
Households in Merit typically earn around $68,400, and the area maintains a moderate poverty rate of 10.8%. Most adults have completed high school, with a smaller portion holding college degrees, and the average commute is just over 33 minutes. The community is largely owner-occupied and enjoys a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$68,400
Family Income:
$75,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$40,100
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,080
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
33.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.0%
Education
How are the schools in Merit, TX?
Merit is served by public schools like Bland High School and Bland Elementary, both offering small class sizes for personalized attention. For higher education, Texas A&M University-Commerce and Collin College are within a short drive, providing access to a range of degree programs. The educational environment supports students from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Bland High School
Street:
1106 County Road 1146, Merit, TX 75458
Phone:
903-527-3491
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Bland Elementary School
Street:
5121 FM 2194, Merit, TX 75458
Phone:
903-527-3164
Students:
325
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
Texas A&M University-Commerce
City:
Commerce
State:
TX
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
11,600
Name:
Collin College
City:
Farmersville
State:
TX
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
Merit residents have access to Hunt Regional Medical Center in nearby Greenville, offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. With about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 83% health insurance coverage, basic healthcare needs are well-supported locally. The overall healthcare environment provides peace of mind for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hunt Regional Medical Center
Address:
4215 Joe Ramsey Blvd E, Greenville, TX 75401
Phone:
(903) 408-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.4%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Merit, TX?
The housing market in Merit is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $235,000 and high owner occupancy at over 82%. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% in the past year, indicating healthy growth. Rental options are available, but most residents choose to own their homes in this low-vacancy market.
Median Home Price:
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Austin and comprehensive services available online. Texas offers efficient DMV processes and does not require state vehicle inspections for all vehicles. Local branches and online resources make maintaining vehicle compliance straightforward.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4000 Jackson Ave, Austin, TX 78731
Phone:
1-888-368-4689
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.