| Statistic | Merrill | Wisconsin | National |
| Population | 9,081 | 5,822,434 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,210 | 108 | 91 |
| Median age | 43.9 | 39.1 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 55% | 57% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 42% | 43% | 43% |
| Speak English | 97% | 91% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 1% | 5% | 13% |
The demographics of Merrill offer invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of both urban and rural areas, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to foster prosperity, equity, and well-being for all residents. With a population of 9,081, Merrill exhibits a population density of 1,210 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 91. The median age stands at 43.9, with 55% of individuals aged 15 or older being married and 42% having children under 18. In terms of income equality in Merrill, 26% of households report a median income below $25,000, while 7% report an income exceeding $150,000, showcasing a diverse economic landscape.
The Merrill racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown could be indispensable tools for recognizing and rectifying systemic inequities, fostering social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities. In Merrill, the racial breakdown reveals 97.6% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 1.2% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 97% reported speaking English only, while 1.1% reported speaking Spanish only. Moreover, 1.3% of residents were classified as foreign-born.
Merrill could serve as a prime example of how areas with higher-than-average population density can champion environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Embracing compact urban development, these densely populated areas promote energy-efficient buildings and encourages walking, cycling and public transit use, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, densely populated regions are renowned for their vibrant social and cultural scenes, driven by a diverse population that organizes an array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity ignites creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The Merrill population density is 1,210, surpassing the national average of 91 per square miles, positioning itself to capitalize on the advantages of dense urban living.
Urban Development: Urban planners could use Merrill demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Merrill demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics serve as valuable tools for guiding policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations, and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of Merrill demographics, policymakers, government officials and organizational leaders can identify areas requiring attention, allocate resources strategically and develop policies and initiatives that cater to the unique needs and preferences of various demographic groups. Merrill demographic statistics can play a critical role in policy planning by informing resource allocation, enabling evidence-based decision-making, identifying priority areas, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and fostering equity and inclusivity. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can craft policies that are targeted, efficient and equitable, thereby addressing the diverse needs of communities.
Healthcare Planning: By analyzing the Merrill demographic data, it can potentially inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities, and risk factors. Understanding demographic trends helps healthcare providers and policymakers allocate resources, develop prevention and intervention programs, and address health inequities within communities. By leveraging demographic data, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards achieving equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive approach to healthcare planning ensures that interventions are targeted, resources are allocated efficiently, and healthcare services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of populations.
| Race | Merrill | Wisconsin | National |
| White | 97.57% | 86.21% | 73.35% |
| Black | 0.44% | 6.29% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.42% | 2.57% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.13% | 0.89% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.02% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 1.42% | 2.19% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.02% | 1.83% | 4.75% |
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