Merrillville, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Merrillville, Indiana is 36,343 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest city in Indiana. The median household income is $64,791, the median home value is $194,000, and the median age is 41.3.
The population has grown 5.8% since 2010 (34,961 → 36,989).
36,343
Population
1094
People / sq mi
$64,791
Median Income
$194,000
Median Home Value
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Merrillville covers 33.2 sq mi of land at 1094 people per square mile.
About Merrillville, IN
What distinguishes Merrillville is density: among the most sparsely settled of US cities, around 1,094 people per square mile. With 36,343 residents, Merrillville is a city in Indiana. It ranks #26 among cities in Indiana by population.
The typical household here earns about $64,791, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.5%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $194,000, with typical rent around $1,304.
Roughly 25.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
Merrillville town Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Merrillville town had a population of 34,961 in 2010 and 36,989 in 2024, a 5.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 36,989 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.41%.
36,989
Population (2024)
34,961
Population (2010)
36,989
Peak (2024)
0.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 34,961 |
| 2011 | 35,268 |
| 2012 | 35,308 |
| 2013 | 35,314 |
| 2014 | 35,466 |
| 2015 | 35,185 |
| 2016 | 34,968 |
| 2017 | 34,792 |
| 2018 | 34,746 |
| 2019 | 34,792 |
| 2020 | 36,459 |
| 2021 | 36,422 |
| 2022 | 36,264 |
| 2023 | 36,347 |
| 2024 | 36,989 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 40.7% |
| Black or African American | 45.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$64,791
Median Household Income
$35,768
Per Capita Income
11.5%
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$194,000
Median Home Value
$1,304
Median Rent
68.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
92.2%
High School+
25.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.4%
Drive Alone
80.4%
Public Transit
8.3%
Work From Home
32.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
39.6%
Foreign Born
87.4%
Non-English at Home
6.6%
Veterans
13.9%
With Disability
94.7%
Health Insurance
92.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.5% |
| Manufacturing | 14.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.8% |
| Retail Trade | 10.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.9% |
| Construction | 4.9% |
| Information | 3.6% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Indiana
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Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Merrillville, Indiana has a population of 36,343 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest city in Indiana.
The median household income in Merrillville, Indiana is $64,791, with 11.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Merrillville, Indiana is $194,000, with median monthly rent at $1,304 and a homeownership rate of 68.5%.
The median age in Merrillville, Indiana is 41.3 years. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
The population has grown 5.8% since 2010 (34,961 → 36,989).
Where to stay in Merrillville
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.