Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Merkel, TX
Considering a move to Merkel, TX? This friendly small town of 2,460 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $112,000 and average rents near $785. Residents enjoy a low commute time of just over 21 minutes, abundant sunshine (74% sunny days), and a relaxed pace. Merkel boasts low violent crime, local schools with small class sizes, and quick access to healthcare in nearby Abilene. With its warm climate, low cost of living, and welcoming community, Merkel is a great fit for those seeking Texas charm and value.
Demographics - Merkel, TX
Demographics - Merkel, TX
Merkel, TX is a close-knit community of 2,460 residents, with a median age of 37.9 and a balanced gender ratio. The town is predominantly White, with nearly 10% of the population speaking languages other than English at home, reflecting modest diversity. Its manageable population density gives Merkel a small-town feel while still offering a sense of community.
Population:
2,460
Density:
850 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.9
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
79.2%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
17.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Merkel, TX?
Living in Merkel is notably affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average. Median home values are around $112,000, and average rents are just $785, making housing costs accessible for most families. Residents also benefit from low state income taxes and modest utility expenses, contributing to an overall budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$112,000
Gross Rent:
$785
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,390
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
88.2
Housing:
62.5
Utilities:
95.4
Transportation:
93.1
Health Care:
97.3
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Merkel, TX a safe place to live?
Merkel experiences low rates of violent crime, with only 178 incidents per 100,000 residents, providing peace of mind for families and individuals. Property crime rates are more typical for small towns, but the overall crime index suggests Merkel is a relatively safe place to call home. Most residents feel secure in their daily lives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
178
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,410
Crime Index:
1,588
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 561
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Merkel, TX year-round?
Residents of Merkel enjoy a warm, sunny climate, with 74% of days featuring sunshine and average annual rainfall of about 24 inches. Winters are mild, with lows around 32°F, while summers can be hot, reaching highs near 97°F. The pleasant weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle much of the year.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
78°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
97°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
The Merkel area offers a moderate cost of living with a median household income of $57,200 and a poverty rate of 13.2%. Most residents drive to work, with an average commute time of about 21 minutes, and only a small fraction rely on public transportation. The community values education, with nearly 87% of adults having completed high school or higher.
Median Income:
$41,600
Household Income:
$57,200
Family Income:
$62,900
Per Capita Income:
$25,300
Income Male:
$42,900
Income Female:
$31,800
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
9.6%
Rent:
$785
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.5%
Bachelors or More:
14.8%
Education
How are the schools in Merkel, TX?
Merkel offers quality public education with small class sizes, such as Merkel High School and Merkel Elementary, serving local students. The area is also close to higher education opportunities, with Hardin-Simmons University and Abilene Christian University just a short drive away in Abilene. These options ensure accessible education from elementary through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Merkel High School
Street:
200 Tiger Dr
Phone:
325-928-4667
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.4
Name:
Merkel Elementary School
Street:
900 Ash St
Phone:
325-928-5813
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Colleges
Name:
Hardin-Simmons University
City:
Abilene
State:
TX
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
Abilene Christian University
City:
Abilene
State:
TX
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
5,200
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Merkel is convenient, with major hospitals like Hendrick Medical Center and Abilene Regional Medical Center located nearby. There are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and almost 89% of locals have health insurance. The healthcare system provides solid coverage for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Hendrick Medical Center
Address:
1900 Pine St, Abilene, TX 79601
Phone:
(325) 670-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Abilene Regional Medical Center
Address:
6250 US-83, Abilene, TX 79606
Phone:
(325) 428-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.5%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Merkel, TX?
Merkel’s housing market is attractive for buyers and renters alike, featuring a median home price of $112,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom unit at $785. Homeownership is popular, with nearly 70% of residents owning their homes, and the market has seen modest appreciation in recent years. Rental vacancies are available, offering options for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$112,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$785
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Merkel residents are served by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Austin and accessible online. The DMV provides essential services such as driver licensing and vehicle registration. Residents can find up-to-date information and resources through the official Texas DMV website.
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.