Merkel, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Merkel, Texas
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Street in Merkel, March 2014
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Location of Merkel, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Taylor |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.80 sq mi (7.25 km2) |
| • Land | 2.80 sq mi (7.25 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,870 ft (570 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,471 |
| • Density | 883.13/sq mi (340.98/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
79536
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| Area code(s) | 325 |
| FIPS code | 48-47796 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2412986 |
Merkel is a city in Taylor County, Texas, United States. Its population was 2,471 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Abilene metropolitan area.
Geography
Merkel is located 17 miles west of Abilene near Interstate 20. The town has a total area of 2.8 square miles (7.2 km2), all land.
Climate
According to the Köppen climate classification, Merkel has a semiarid climate, BSk on climate maps.
History
Around 1870, when the Texas and Pacific Railway was built, the city was founded as Windmill Town. In 1881, it was renamed as Merkel in honor of the first settler in this area, S. M. Merkel, from Germany. In 1882, the first mercantile store and in 1883, the first post office opened.
Demographics
2020 census
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 1,778 | 71.95% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 26 | 1.05% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 9 | 0.36% |
| Asian (NH) | 5 | 0.2% |
| Some other race (NH) | 2 | 0.12% |
| Mixed/multracial (NH) | 80 | 3.24% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 570 | 23.07% |
| Total | 2,471 |
As of the 2020 United States census, 2,471 people, 875 households, and 640 families were residing in the town.
Education
The City of Merkel is served by the Merkel Independent School District.
Notable people
- Cody Lambert (born 1961), professional rodeo cowboy, was raised in Merkel.
- Tommy Robison (born 1961), football player
See also
In Spanish: Merkel (Texas) para niños
