| Statistic | Merrillville | Indiana | National |
| Population | 35,881 | 6,996,062 | 336,919,644 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,080 | 195 | 91 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 37.4 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 49% | 56% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 45% | 43% | 43% |
| Speak English | 87% | 92% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 9% | 5% | 13% |

Merrillville demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Merrillville population is 35,881 and has a population density of 1,080 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 40.1, 49% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 45% have kids under the age of 18. In Merrillville, 13% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 14% of households report a median income above $150,000.
The Merrillville 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 Merrillville, the racial breakdown reveals 42.4% White, 43.1% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, 0.3% American Indian and 0.1% Native Hawaiian, with 16.7% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 87.3% reported speaking English only, while 8.5% reported speaking Spanish only. Moreover, 7.4% of residents were classified as foreign-born.
Merrillville 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 Merrillville population density is 1,080, surpassing the national average of 91 per square miles, positioning itself to capitalize on the advantages of dense urban living.
Social Cohesion: The reporting and analysis of demographics are essential for fostering social cohesion and understanding among diverse communities. By acknowledging and valuing differences in Merrillville demographics, societies can champion inclusivity, diversity and social harmony while tackling social disparities and advocating for equal opportunities. Racial demographics showcase the varied makeup of a population and play a vital role in nurturing inclusive and hospitable communities. Embracing diversity bolsters social cohesion, enhances cultural comprehension and enriches society by honoring the contributions of individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Healthcare Planning: The examination of Merrillville demographics can potentially inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. By comprehending demographic trends, healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs, and address health inequities within communities. Through the utilization of demographic statistics, healthcare providers and policymakers aim to achieve equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of populations.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics serve as vital tools for informing policy and decision-making processes across various levels of government, as well as within organizations and businesses. Through the reporting and analysis of demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of need, allocate resources efficiently, and craft tailored policies and programs to address the unique needs and priorities of different demographic groups. The utilization of demographic data in Merrillville is instrumental in policy planning, facilitating resource allocation, evidence-based decision-making, priority identification, trend forecasting, policy impact assessment, and the promotion of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can devise targeted, impactful, and inclusive policies that cater to the diverse needs of communities.
| Race | Merrillville | Indiana | National |
| White | 42.39% | 83.99% | 73.35% |
| Black | 43.05% | 9.23% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 1.10% | 1.98% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.28% | 0.24% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.09% | 0.04% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 6.12% | 2.22% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 6.97% | 2.30% | 4.75% |