Mercer County, Ohio Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Mercer County is located in Ohio with a total population of 42,438. It is the 57th most populous county out of 88 in Ohio.

Age Demographics

The median age in Mercer County is 39.1 years. This is 1% lower than the state median of 39.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Mercer County is $78,036. This is 12% higher than the state median of $69,680. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is about average. The poverty rate stands at 6.1%. This is 54% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 1.8%. This is 63% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $208,600. Housing costs are 5% higher than the state median of $199,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Mercer County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% higher than the state average of 67.0%.

Race & Ethnicity

Mercer County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.4% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.2%. The Black or African American population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 12.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.

Education

22.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 28% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.7%.