Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Merrillville, IN
Considering a move to Merrillville, IN? Home to 36,241 residents, Merrillville offers affordable living with a median home price of $225,000 and average rents around $1,140. The city features a friendly, diverse community, solid school options, and convenient access to major hospitals. While property crime rates are higher than average, Merrillville boasts a manageable 27-minute commute and enjoys four seasons with 53% sunny days. Explore all that Merrillville has to offer in cost, schools, housing, and more below to plan your move with confidence.
Demographics - Merrillville, IN
Demographics - Merrillville, IN
Merrillville is home to 36,241 residents, with a median age of 38.5 and a population density of 1,450 people per square mile. The city is notably diverse, with nearly equal proportions of White (44.3%) and Black (41.2%) residents, and 11.3% of the population speaking a language other than English at home. This diversity contributes to the city's vibrant and welcoming community atmosphere.
Population:
36,241
Density:
1,450 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.5
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
44.3%
Black:
41.2%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
12.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Merrillville, IN?
Merrillville offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $225,000 and average rents near $1,140. The city's cost of living index is 87.1, which is below the national average, making daily expenses, housing, and utilities more budget-friendly for residents. State tax rates are moderate, and homeowners generally benefit from manageable monthly costs.
Median House Value:
$225,000
Gross Rent:
$1,140
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,225
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
3.15%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.1
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
70.2
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
95.7
Miscellaneous:
91.8
Crime
Is Merrillville, IN a safe place to live?
Merrillville experiences a moderate crime rate, with a 1 in 293 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 42 chance for property crime. While the property crime rate is higher than the national average, the city's overall safety is comparable to other communities of similar size. Residents should take standard precautions and stay aware of their surroundings.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
341
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,370
Crime Index:
2,711
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 293
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Merrillville, IN year-round?
Residents in Merrillville enjoy all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 84°F and chilly winters dipping to around 19°F. The city receives roughly 39.5 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine about 53% of the year, providing a balanced climate suitable for outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Typical households in Merrillville have a median income of $65,900, with a family income reaching $77,800 and a poverty rate of 11.2%. Most residents drive to work, facing an average commute of 27 minutes, and over 90% have at least a high school diploma. The community is predominantly owner-occupied and features a diverse mix of cultural backgrounds.
Median Income:
$31,200
Household Income:
$65,900
Family Income:
$77,800
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$44,800
Income Female:
$37,900
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
11.3%
Rent:
$1,140
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
27.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.1%
Bachelors or More:
27.4%
Education
How are the schools in Merrillville, IN?
Merrillville offers a range of educational options, including well-regarded public schools like Merrillville High School and several private institutions. The city is also close to higher education opportunities, with Purdue University Northwest and Indiana University Northwest located less than 12 miles away. This ensures families have access to quality education from elementary through college levels.
Public Schools
Name:
Merrillville High School
Street:
276 East 68th Place
Phone:
219-650-5307
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.6
Name:
Edgar L. Miller Elementary School
Street:
5901 Fillmore St
Phone:
219-650-5308
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Private Schools
Name:
Andrean High School
Street:
5959 Broadway
Phone:
219-887-5281
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Purdue University Northwest
City:
Hammond
State:
IN
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
8,600
Name:
Indiana University Northwest
City:
Gary
State:
IN
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals such as Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus and St. Mary Medical Center, both offering emergency and general surgical services. Merrillville has a solid healthcare infrastructure, with 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 93% of residents covered by health insurance. The city's healthcare index of 77.5 indicates reliable medical services for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus
Address:
8701 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone:
(219) 738-5500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Mary Medical Center
Address:
1500 S Lake Park Ave, Hobart, IN 46342
Phone:
(219) 942-0551
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Merrillville, IN?
The housing market in Merrillville is attractive for buyers and renters, with a median home price of $225,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,140. Approximately 68% of homes are owner-occupied, and the local housing market has seen a steady appreciation rate of 4.7% over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting a stable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,140
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Local residents are served by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch at 5117 E. 81st Ave. in Merrillville. The office provides essential services including licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers, and can be reached at 888-692-6841. More information and online services are available on the official Indiana BMV website.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5117 E. 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone:
888-692-6841
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.