countyscore
62.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.3Safety 91Lawn Care 80.5

County Report Card

About Mercer County, Illinois

An Exceptionally Livable National Standout

Mercer County achieves a composite score of 63.1, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top-performing counties in the country for overall well-being.

Leading the Way in Illinois

At 63.1, Mercer County is a top performer in Illinois, beating the state average of 52.8 by more than 10 points. It offers a rare balance of safety and environmental resilience for the region.

Superior Safety and Low Risk

The county shines with a risk score of 91.3 and a safety score of 91.0, making it one of the most secure places to live. Education is also a highlight, with a strong school score of 75.7.

High Property Tax Pressures

Low tax scores are a recurring theme here, as the county receives a 3.8 due to a high 1.945% effective tax rate. While housing is affordable with $757 median rent, the tax burden remains a hurdle.

A Haven for Peace of Mind

Mercer County is a premier choice for those seeking a safe, low-risk environment with great schools. It suits families and retirees who value community security above all else.

204060801003.152.49177.275.771.591.355.352.1Tax3.1Cost52.4Safety91Health77.2Schools75.7Income71.5Risk91.3Water55.3Weather52.162.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Mercer County DNA

Doverall

How Mercer County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Mercer County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Disaster Risk (91.3/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Property Tax (3.1/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3.1-48.9
Cost
52.4
Safety
91+36
Health
77.2+27.200000000000003
Schools
75.7+21.700000000000003
Income
71.5+20.5
Risk
91.3+44.3
Water
55.3
Weather
52.1
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Think property taxes are too high in Mercer County?

Many homeowners in Mercer County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$146,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$786/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,182/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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63.1
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41.5
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51.6
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Deep Dives

Mercer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mercer County

via TaxByCounty

Mercer County taxes exceed the national average

Mercer County's effective tax rate of 1.945% tops the national median of 1.831%, placing it above the 50th percentile nationwide. On a home valued at $281,900, this rate would generate roughly $5,473 in annual taxes—significantly higher than the national median of $2,690.

Mercer ranks in the upper half statewide

At 1.945%, Mercer County's effective rate exceeds Illinois's state average of 1.831%. Despite median home values of just $139,300, Mercer's median tax bill of $2,710 still tracks above the state median of $2,782 relative to its modest home prices.

Mercer's rate tops nearby Menard and Montgomery counties

Mercer's 1.945% effective rate significantly outpaces Menard County's 1.637% and Montgomery County's 1.720%. A homeowner with a $150,000 property in Mercer pays roughly $300 more annually than an identical home in Menard.

Typical Mercer home costs $2,710 per year in taxes

The median $139,300 home in Mercer County carries a $2,710 annual property tax. With mortgage-related charges, the total climbs to $2,995, making property taxes a meaningful expense for homeowners.

Appeal your assessment if values seem inflated

Mercer County residents paying above-market rates should request a professional assessment review. Many overassessed homeowners successfully lower their tax burden through formal appeals to the county assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mercer County

via IncomeByCounty

Mercer slightly trails national median

Mercer County's median household income of $71,710 falls about $3,045 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it near the national average. The county sits just 4.1% below the U.S. benchmark.

Above state average but modest gains

Mercer County earns $71,710 against Illinois's state average of $68,580, a $3,130 advantage representing 4.6% higher income. The county ranks in the middle tier among Illinois counties.

Mid-range among regional peers

Mercer's $71,710 sits between Moultrie County ($71,676) and Ogle County ($79,244), but trails Monroe County ($101,635) significantly. The county earns modestly more than Morgan County ($65,175) and considerably more than Montgomery County ($61,863).

Tight but manageable housing costs

At 12.7%, Mercer's rent-to-income ratio approaches the 30% affordability threshold, indicating moderate housing cost burden. Median home values of $139,300 remain accessible, though residents should budget carefully.

Strategic savings build Mercer prosperity

With income tracking national averages, Mercer households benefit from disciplined budgeting and consistent retirement contributions. Focus on reducing debt and establishing an emergency fund to strengthen long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mercer County

via CrimeByCounty

Mercer County is a national safety leader

Mercer County's total crime rate of 159.3 is massively lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county an exceptional safety score of 99.7 out of 100.

A top-tier safety destination in Illinois

The county's crime rate of 159.3 is far better than the state average of 835.0. Mercer's safety score of 99.7 easily beats the state average of 98.7, ranking it among the safest in Illinois.

Outperforming neighboring Illinois counties

Mercer is safer than nearby Mason County, which has a rate of 711.3, and Marshall County at 553.7. It mirrors the high safety levels found in McDonough County (179.0).

Personal safety is a given here

Violent crime is nearly zero, with only 6.4 incidents per 100K reported by five agencies. Property crime accounts for 152.9, which is still incredibly low by state and national standards.

Vigilance for your valuables

The primary threat in Mercer is property-related, though the risk remains minimal. Simple habits like locking vehicles and home doors are usually sufficient to maintain this county's high level of security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mercer County

via WeatherByCounty

A True Four-Season Midwestern Climate

Mercer County's 50.6°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median. This northwestern Illinois county experiences a pronounced winter season and warm, humid summers.

Cooler and Drier Than Average Illinois

The county's 50.6°F average and 37.6 inches of rain both fall below the Illinois state averages. It represents the cooler, northern-fringe climate of the state's midsection.

Higher Snowfall Than Central Peers

Mercer averages 21.1 inches of snow, significantly more than neighbors like McLean. It enjoys a milder summer than southern counties, with only 19 extreme heat days.

Cold Winters and Manageable Summers

The January average is a cold 22.8°F, and the county sees over 21 inches of snow each year. Summers are warm but rarely oppressive, with 19 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Gear Up for Significant Winter Snow

Invest in a reliable snow shovel or blower to handle the 21.1 inches of annual snowfall. You will also need robust home heating to stay comfortable during the 22.8°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mercer County

via SoilByCounty

Standard Midwestern Acidity in Mercer

Mercer County maintains an average soil pH of 6.42, placing it very close to the national median of 6.5 and slightly above the Illinois average. This slightly acidic profile is ideal for the nutrient uptake required by most regional field crops.

Fine-Grained Soil with High Silt

A heavy silt concentration of 63.8% defines the local texture, supported by 22.1% clay and 14.1% sand. This composition creates a fertile, fine-grained earth that is easy to till but requires careful management to prevent surface compaction.

Consistent Hydration for Thirsty Roots

Organic matter levels reach 2.30%, which exceeds the national average of 2.0% even if it trails the state's 2.94% mark. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in ensures that crops have steady access to hydration throughout the growing season.

Observe Water Movement on Site

Detailed drainage class and hydrologic group data are not currently available for this county’s overall profile. Growers should observe how water moves across their land after heavy rains to assess the specific drainage needs of their planting site.

Ready for Cool-Season Success

Mercer County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, favoring cool-season vegetables and hardy perennials. The high silt content and reliable water capacity provide an excellent environment for establishing a productive home vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mercer County

via LawnByCounty

Mercer County Tops the State

With a lawn difficulty score of 80.5, Mercer County is one of the easiest places in Illinois to maintain a healthy yard. This score far exceeds both the state average of 69.8 and the national benchmark of 50.0 for Zone 5b growers.

Cooler Summers Benefit Northern Turf

Annual precipitation of 37.6 inches falls slightly below the state average but remains within the ideal range for cool-season grasses. Residents manage 19 extreme heat days annually, providing a much cooler environment than the state average of 27 days.

Optimal pH for Rich Color

A soil pH of 6.42 means your grass can easily access vital minerals like nitrogen and phosphorus. The soil profile contains 22.1% clay and 14.1% sand, a combination that typically requires minimal amendment for standard residential turf.

Resilient Landscapes in Abnormally Dry Conditions

While 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry, the county has avoided the severe drought levels seen elsewhere in the state. With only 18 weeks of drought in the past year, your lawn likely needs only supplemental watering to maintain its green hue.

Short Growing Season Success

Hardy Zone 5b grasses like fine fescue are perfect for this region's shorter window. Plan your spring seeding for late April once the frost clears on April 22 to ensure young blades are established before the October 24 freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mercer County's county score?
Mercer County, Illinois has a composite county score of 62.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Mercer County rank among counties in Illinois?
Mercer County ranks #14 among all counties in Illinois on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Mercer County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Mercer County is $2,878, with an effective tax rate of 1.96%. This earns Mercer County a tax score of 3.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mercer County?
The median household income in Mercer County, Illinois is $74,182 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mercer County earns an income score of 71.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mercer County, Illinois a good place to live?
Mercer County scores 62.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Mercer County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Mercer County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.