Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Merlin, OR
Thinking of moving to Merlin, OR? With a small-town population of 1,690 and a median home price of $338,000, Merlin offers affordable living, beautiful weather with 71% sunny days, and a relaxed rural feel. Crime rates are moderate, and typical commutes are a manageable 23 minutes. Families enjoy access to local schools and major amenities in nearby Grants Pass, making Merlin a charming choice for those seeking a quieter, scenic Oregon lifestyle.
Demographics - Merlin, OR
Demographics - Merlin, OR
Merlin, OR is a small, close-knit community of 1,690 residents, with a median age of 48.5, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White (91%), with minimal ethnic diversity and about 5.7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Residents enjoy a balanced gender ratio and a peaceful, rural atmosphere.
Population:
1,690
Density:
190 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.5
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
7.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Merlin, OR?
Merlin offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $338,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average at 97.5, making it budget-friendly for families and retirees. Utility costs and state taxes are moderate, contributing to a manageable monthly budget.
Median House Value:
$338,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.5
Grocery:
101.2
Housing:
91.5
Utilities:
95.6
Transportation:
102.0
Health Care:
104.3
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Merlin, OR a safe place to live?
Crime in Merlin is moderate, with a property crime rate of 2,020 per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 265 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 49 chance of experiencing property crime and a 1 in 377 chance of violent crime. Overall, Merlin maintains a relatively safe environment compared to larger urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
265
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,020
Crime Index:
2,285
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 377
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Merlin, OR year-round?
Merlin experiences mild winters and warm summers, with average highs reaching 90°F in summer and lows dipping to 32°F in winter. The area gets about 32.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 71% of the year. These conditions support an active outdoor lifestyle and beautiful scenery year-round.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
49°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Local households in Merlin have a median income of $48,900, with a poverty rate of 14.5%. Most residents drive to work, facing an average commute of about 23 minutes, and only a small fraction use public transportation. The community is well-educated, with over 86% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$28,700
Household Income:
$48,900
Family Income:
$54,600
Per Capita Income:
$23,100
Income Male:
$33,400
Income Female:
$28,200
Poverty Rate:
14.5%
Non English Speakers:
5.7%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.3%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Merlin, OR?
Families in Merlin benefit from access to local public schools, including Manzanita Elementary and North Valley High, both offering a supportive learning environment. Higher education is also accessible with Rogue Community College located just 7 miles away in Grants Pass. While private school options are limited, public education meets the needs of most residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Manzanita Elementary School
Street:
310 Poplar Dr
Phone:
541-479-6433
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
North Valley High School
Street:
6741 Monument Dr
Phone:
541-479-3388
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.0
Colleges
Name:
Rogue Community College
City:
Grants Pass
State:
OR
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
4,300
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Merlin is supported by nearby facilities like Asante Three Rivers Medical Center, just a short drive away in Grants Pass. With 91.6% of residents covered by health insurance and 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, medical needs are well-served. The area’s healthcare index reflects reasonable access to essential services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Asante Three Rivers Medical Center
Address:
500 SW Ramsey Ave, Grants Pass, OR 97527
Phone:
(541) 472-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Merlin, OR?
The housing market in Merlin is stable, with a median home price of $338,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of nearly 73%. Rental options are available, with average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050 and a low vacancy rate of 5.7%. Home values have appreciated by 6.4% over the past year, signaling ongoing demand.
Median Home Price:
$338,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Merlin can access Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services at the Grants Pass office, conveniently located nearby. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers. For more information or to schedule visits, residents can visit the official Oregon DMV website or call the local office.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
162 NE Beacon Dr, Grants Pass, OR 97526
Phone:
1-503-945-5000
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.