Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Merrill, WI
Considering a move to Merrill, WI? With a welcoming population of just over 9,000, Merrill offers affordable living—median home prices are around $133,000 and average rents near $760. The city boasts low violent crime (129 per 100K), short commute times averaging 19 minutes, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Merrill’s schools have strong community support, and the area experiences classic Wisconsin seasons with brisk winters and mild summers. Explore Merrill’s cost of living, housing, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it’s the right fit for you!
Demographics - Merrill, WI
Demographics - Merrill, WI
Merrill, Wisconsin is home to just over 9,000 residents, featuring a predominantly White population and a median age of 41.5. The city maintains a balanced gender ratio and has a low percentage of non-English speakers, offering a close-knit, welcoming community feel.
Population:
9,099
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Merrill, WI?
Living in Merrill is affordable, with a median home value around $133,000 and average rents at $760, well below national averages. The cost of living index is 80.4, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly housing and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$133,000
Gross Rent:
$760
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.4
Grocery:
93.7
Housing:
61.2
Utilities:
101.5
Transportation:
87.7
Health Care:
107.5
Miscellaneous:
94.2
Crime
Is Merrill, WI a safe place to live?
Merrill enjoys a low violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents, and property crime is also modest at 1,210 per 100,000. Residents benefit from a sense of security, with a 1 in 775 chance of experiencing violent crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
129
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,339
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 775
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Merrill, WI year-round?
Merrill experiences classic Wisconsin seasons, with cold winters where temperatures dip as low as 2°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The area receives about 32.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year.

Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
25°F

Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
31°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
The typical household in Merrill earns about $50,400, with a family income averaging $67,200 and a poverty rate of 11.4%. Most residents have completed high school, and commute times are short, averaging just 19 minutes.
Median Income:
$36,400
Household Income:
$50,400
Family Income:
$67,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,000
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$33,200
Poverty Rate:
11.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.6%
Rent:
$760
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.7%
Bachelors or More:
16.5%
Education
How are the schools in Merrill, WI?
Merrill provides a range of public and private school options, including Merrill High School and Prairie River Middle School with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is easily accessible, with Northcentral Technical College just 17 miles away in Wausau.

Public Schools
Name:
Merrill High School
Street:
1201 N Sales St
Phone:
715-536-4594
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Name:
Prairie River Middle School
Street:
106 Polk St
Phone:
715-536-9593
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. John Lutheran School
Street:
1104 E 3rd St
Phone:
715-536-7266
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Northcentral Technical College
City:
Wausau
State:
WI
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Merrill residents have access to Aspirus Merrill Hospital for general and emergency care, with 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people. Over 92% of the population has health insurance, contributing to a strong local healthcare system.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Aspirus Merrill Hospital
Address:
601 S Center Ave, Merrill, WI 54452
Phone:
(715) 536-5511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
71.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Merrill, WI?
The local real estate market offers median home prices around $133,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $760. Homeownership rates are high at 65.7%, and property values have appreciated by 6.2% in the past year, signaling a stable and accessible market.
Median Home Price:
$133,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$760
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Merrill residents are managed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, with the nearest DMV located in Wausau. Residents can access a range of online and in-person services for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1131 North 6th Street, Wausau, WI 54403
Phone:
(608) 264-7447
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.