Merrillville

Merrillville
Town
Town of Merrillville
Downtown Merrillville Downtown Merrillville
Location of Merrillville in Lake County, Indiana Location of Merrillville in Lake County, Indiana
Country	United States
State	Indiana
County	Lake
Founded	1848
Area
• Total	33.26 sq mi (86.1 km2)
• Land	33.16 sq mi (85.9 km2)
• Water	0.10 sq mi (0.3 km2)  0.30%
Elevation	656 ft (200 m)
Population  (2010)
• Total	35,816
• Density	1,079.9/sq mi (416.9/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	46410, 46411
Area code(s)	219
FIPS code	18-48682
GNIS feature ID	0439037
Website	Official website

Merrillville is a town located in Lake County, Indiana, United States. It is situated in the northwest part of the state and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. With a population of 35,816 as of the 2010 census, Merrillville is the largest town in Indiana by population.

History

Merrillville was founded in 1848 and named after Dudley Merrill, a prominent early settler. The town grew rapidly in the late 19th century due to its location along the railroad lines and its proximity to the industrial city of Gary. It became known as a center for steel production and manufacturing.

Geography

Merrillville is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.26 square miles (86.14 km2), of which 33.16 square miles (85.88 km2) is land and 0.10 square miles (0.26 km2) is water.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, there were 35,816 people, 14,646 households, and 9,428 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,079.9 inhabitants per square mile (416.9/km2). There were 16,392 housing units at an average density of 494.7 per square mile (190.9/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 64.9% White, 26.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 3.4% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.4% of the population.

Economy

Merrillville has a diverse economy with a mix of industries. The town is home to several major retail centers, including the Westfield Southlake Mall, which is one of the largest shopping malls in the region. The healthcare sector is also a significant contributor to the local economy, with several hospitals and medical facilities located in the area. Additionally, Merrillville has a strong manufacturing presence, particularly in the steel and metal fabrication industries.

Education

Merrillville is served by the Merrillville Community School Corporation, which operates several public schools in the town. The school corporation includes Merrillville High School, which is known for its strong academic and athletic programs. There are also several private schools and charter schools in the area.

Attractions

Merrillville offers a variety of attractions and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The town is home to several parks and outdoor spaces, including the Hidden Lake Park and the Turkey Creek Golf Course. The Star Plaza Theatre, located in Merrillville, is a popular venue for concerts and live performances. The town also hosts several annual events and festivals, such as the Merrillville Oktoberfest and the Merrillville Independence Day Parade.

Notable People

• Zach Randolph - NBA player
• Shawn Marion - NBA player
• Tommy John - Former MLB pitcher
• Jenna Fischer - Actress

External links

• Official website
• Merrillville Chamber of Commerce