Mercer County, Kentucky Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Mercer County is located in Kentucky with a total population of 22,824. It is the 51st most populous county out of 120 in Kentucky.

Age Demographics

The median age in Mercer County is 42.8 years. This is 9% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Mercer County is $63,115. This is 1% higher than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 20% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%. This is 30% lower than the state poverty rate of 16.1%. The unemployment rate is 2.9%. This is 41% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $189,700. Housing costs are 1% lower than the state median of $192,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 77.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 68.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Mercer County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.3% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 3.6%. The Black or African American population (3.6%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

22.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% lower than the state rate of 27.0%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.1%.