Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Schools
Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.
Merkel, Texas is a smaller city with a population of 2,618 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 95% of Merkel residents are White, 1% Black and 0% Asian. Something to be aware of when living in Merkel are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 38 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Merkel, Texas. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Merkel and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Merkel has received a livability score of 67/100. This score is ranked in the 71st percentile when compared to all other cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Merkel has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), employment (B-) and housing (A). Unfortunately for Merkel, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F) and education (D-).
The impact of the cost of living on your monthly financial situation cannot be overstated. Whether it's housing expenses, grocery bills or healthcare costs, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen place of residence is not only comfortable but also affordable. Fortunately, in Merkel, the cost of living is 21.39% below the national average, offering the assurance that after meeting your financial obligations, there may be a surplus left in your wallet. This financial advantage not only promotes financial stability but also opens up opportunities for savings and a better quality of life. In a world where expenses can be overwhelming, Merkel stands out as a place where you can enjoy both comfort and fiscal responsibility, ensuring a brighter financial future.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Merkel, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 0.63% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Merkel excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Merkel is real estate affordability. The median home price for Merkel homes is $65,600, which is 54% lower than the Texas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Merkel, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 1.2, which is 53.8% lower than the Texas average.
| Statistic | Merkel | Texas | National |
| Average one way commute | 38min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.7% | 80.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 16.5% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 1.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.5% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
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