Mercer County, West Virginia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Mercer County is located in West Virginia with a total population of 59,062. It is the 8th most populous county out of 55 in West Virginia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Mercer County is 43.3 years. This is 1% higher than the state median of 42.7 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Mercer County is $47,799. This is 17% lower than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 39% lower. The poverty rate stands at 18.0%. This is 8% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.6%. The unemployment rate is 4.0%. This is 30% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $118,600. Housing costs are 24% lower than the state median of $155,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x, Mercer County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 69.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% lower than the state average of 74.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Mercer County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.9% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 4.2%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 0.8%.

Education

20.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 11% lower than the state rate of 23.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.6%.