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. …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. Merkel is located 17 miles west of Abilene near Interstate 20. The town has a total area of 2.8 square miles, all land.