247 movers in Merrillville
What to know when moving to Merrillville, IN
Merrillville at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 24.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 36.4% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $61,735, providing a solid economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- Poverty rate is 14.4%, which is a significant consideration for many.
- Commute:
- Only 1.6% of residents use public transit for their daily commute.
- Top Tip:
- Median rent is $1,267, so budget accordingly.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Merrillville has a population of about 38,803, with a median household income of $61,735, indicating a stable economic environment. The education level shows that 24.4% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to a moderately skilled workforce. With 36.4% of the population renting, there is a noticeable rental market, but be prepared for the 14.4% poverty rate that might affect the overall community dynamics.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high percentage of public transit users, as only 1.6% of residents utilize this option.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,267, making it relatively affordable.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $192,100, which shows a reasonable entry point for buyers.
- 24.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a focus on education within the community.
- 14.4% poverty rate could impact community resources and services.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Indiana, the overall crime rates indicate some promising trends. Violent crime has seen a decrease of 27.2% from 2022 to 2025, with a state annual rate of 269.3 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 325.3. Property crime also dropped by 34.7%, with a state annual rate of 1,121.6 per 100,000, which is 27.5% lower than the national average.
- Violent crime: 269.3 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3
- Property crime: 1,121.6 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 48.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Indiana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Merrillville has access to a total of 12 postsecondary institutions in the nearby area, providing various options for education. Notable institutions include Denmark College and Paul Mitchell the School-Merrillville, among others.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 12
- Nearby institutions include:
- Denmark College
- Paul Mitchell the School-Merrillville
- Indiana University-Northwest
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Lake County experiences approximately 33.1 inches of precipitation annually, with about 106 rainy days each year. The area sees minimal snowfall, averaging only 2.6 inches annually. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several parks worth visiting.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Wicker Memorial Park - 4.6 stars (3,043 reviews)
- Centennial Park, Munster, IN - 4.6 stars (1,811 reviews)
- Marquette Park Pavilion - 4.5 stars (1,559 reviews)
- Central Park - 4.7 stars (1,288 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Lake County has a labor force of 238,826, with 230,438 people employed as of December 2025. The unemployment rate stands at 3.5%, indicating a relatively healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% (December 2025)
- Labor force: 238,826
- Employed: 230,438
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
