countyscore
60.1
County Score
Safety 74.8Lawn Care 71.4Schools 68.7

County Report Card

About Mercer County, Kentucky

Mercer County Maintains a Competitive Edge

With a composite score of 60.1, Mercer County remains comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It offers a consistent quality of life that exceeds the typical American county experience.

Exceeding the Kentucky State Standard

Mercer County’s 60.1 score edges out the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It occupies a solid position in the middle-to-upper tier of the state’s 120 counties.

Strong Schools and Safe Neighborhoods

The county features a high safety score of 74.8 and an impressive school score of 68.7. These factors make it a reliable location for families focused on education and security.

Navigating Tax Burdens and Health Access

The tax score of 51.7 reflects an effective tax rate of 0.819%, which is higher than many rural counterparts. A health score of 51.1 shows that while services are adequate, they don't yet reach elite levels.

The Right Balance for Growing Families

Mercer County is built for families who value educational quality and community safety above all else. Its $63,115 median income supports a stable lifestyle in a region with predictable costs.

2040608010051.75574.851.168.748.558.653.967.7Tax51.7Cost55Safety74.8Health51.1Schools68.7Income48.5Risk58.6Water53.9Weather67.760.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average

Mercer County DNA

Doverall

How Mercer County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Mercer County excels in 4 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Safety (74.8/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Water Quality (53.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
51.7
Cost
55
Safety
74.8+19.799999999999997
Health
51.1
Schools
68.7+14.700000000000003
Income
48.5
Risk
58.6+11.600000000000001
Water
53.9
Weather
67.7+11.700000000000003
Sponsored

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.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$189,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$802/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$189,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,115/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.1

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
Compare Mercer County with Fannin County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Fannin County
Georgia
Median income: $58,073
60.1
Harrison County
Indiana
Median income: $72,468
60.1
Powell County
Kentucky
Median income: $39,811
60.1
Union County
Kentucky
Median income: $60,989
60.1
Shelby County
Missouri
Median income: $52,127
60.1
Red Willow County
Nebraska
Median income: $60,000
60.1
Guadalupe County
New Mexico
Median income: $40,149
60.1
McLean County
North Dakota
Median income: $81,847
60.1

Nearby counties

Jessamine County
Kentucky
47.5
Boyle County
Kentucky
55.2
Woodford County
Kentucky
56.3
Anderson County
Kentucky
59.6
Washington County
Kentucky
65.8
Garrard County
Kentucky
54.2
Fayette County
Kentucky
37.5
Lincoln County
Kentucky
63.5

Deep Dives

Mercer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mercer County

via TaxByCounty

Mercer carries the region's heaviest rate

Mercer County's effective tax rate of 0.819% is the highest in this eight-county region and exceeds the national median of 0.71% by 15%. While median property taxes of $1,553 annually remain well below the national median of $2,690, the rate burden is comparatively steep.

Highest rate among Kentucky comparables

Mercer County's 0.819% rate significantly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it in the upper tier of the state's property tax burden. The median annual tax of $1,553 is 42% higher than the state median of $1,093.

Top tax rate in this regional group

Mercer County's 0.819% effective rate is the highest among all eight counties examined, with Meade County at 0.711% running second. Mercer also has the highest median tax bill at $1,553, reflecting both higher rates and higher home values.

Median home costs $1,553 annually

On a median home valued at $189,700, Mercer County residents pay approximately $1,553 per year in property taxes. This amount increases to roughly $1,714 when mortgage insurance and related fees are included.

Assessment appeals could provide relief

Given Mercer County's higher tax rate, homeowners should especially consider reviewing their property assessments for accuracy. An appeal is free to file and could reduce your annual tax burden if your home is assessed above its current market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mercer County

via CostByCounty

Mercer County: solid affordability choice

Mercer County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% beats both Kentucky's state average of 17.0% and sits well within the affordable range. With a median household income of $63,115 and monthly rent at $802, Mercer offers balanced housing costs compared to national trends.

Top-tier Kentucky affordability

Mercer County ranks among Kentucky's more affordable counties with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio, outperforming the state average of 17.0%. This places Mercer in the upper tier for housing value across the commonwealth.

Mercer competes well regionally

Mercer County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio edges out Montgomery County's 16.6% and Morgan County's 16.9%, though it trails McLean's exceptional 10.2%. At $802 monthly rent, Mercer sits between the region's cheapest and most expensive options.

Housing costs: rent vs. ownership

Renters in Mercer spend $802 monthly (15.3% of income), while homeowners carry an $848 monthly cost with a median home value of $189,700. Both rental and ownership pathways remain accessible on the $63,115 median household income.

Mercer County balances cost and value

Mercer offers solid housing affordability above the state average, with reasonable home values ($189,700) and competitive rents. It's a smart choice for relocators seeking a balance between cost, property values, and regional stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mercer County

via IncomeByCounty

Mercer moderately trails nation

Mercer County's median household income of $63,115 falls $11,640 short of the national median of $74,755—a 16% gap. While below the national average, Mercer's income level demonstrates moderate economic stability and positions the county better than many rural American regions.

Mercer ranks near Kentucky median

At $63,115, Mercer County's median household income exceeds the Kentucky state median of $55,909 by $7,206, reflecting a stronger-than-average county economy. This 13% advantage shows Mercer residents earn notably more than typical Kentuckians, despite trailing national figures.

Mercer holds middle ground

Mercer County's $63,115 income sits between wealthier McLean ($70,549) and Meade ($70,163) counties to the north and less affluent Menifee ($44,672) to the east. This positioning reflects Mercer's role as a moderately prosperous county within a region of varied economic fortunes.

Housing costs are reasonable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.3%, Mercer County residents allocate a manageable portion of earnings to housing costs, well below the national comfort threshold of 28%. The median home value of $189,700 is accessible for local households, supporting both homeownership and rental stability.

Mercer's solid income fuels savings

Mercer County's moderate-to-strong income and reasonable housing costs create opportunity for building savings and investments. Focus on employer-sponsored retirement plans, home equity accumulation, and consistent contributions to investment accounts to transform steady earnings into generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mercer County

via CrimeByCounty

Mercer County Maintains Strong Safety Scores

Mercer County reports a total crime rate of 600.2 per 100,000, significantly beating the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 99.1 out of 100. This data reflects a community that is much safer than the typical American locale.

A Safe Choice Within Kentucky

Mercer County’s safety score of 99.1 exceeds the Kentucky state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 600.2 also remains lower than the statewide average of 786.2 per 100,000. Five different reporting agencies provide comprehensive data, ensuring high transparency for these safety metrics.

Analyzing Safety Against Local Peers

Mercer County’s total crime rate of 600.2 is higher than Metcalfe County’s 494.5. However, Mercer boasts a very competitive violent crime rate of 53.0, which is lower than Meade County's 70.1. Residents benefit from safety levels that are consistently better than the state norm.

Violent Crime Remains Very Low

Violent crime in Mercer County is 53.0 per 100,000, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main contributor to local stats at 547.2, though this is still much lower than the national benchmark of 2,015.7. Practical risks center more on minor property issues than physical threats.

Securing Property in Mercer County

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, residents should prioritize home deterrents. Outdoor lighting and locked entry points are effective ways to discourage opportunistic thieves. These efforts help sustain the county’s reputation as a secure place to live and work.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Mercer County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Mix of Town and Rural Schools

Mercer County supports 3,216 students across 8 public schools, managed by two distinct districts. The system includes two elementary, one middle, and four high school programs to meet varied community needs.

High Performance and Strong Investment

The county delivers a 96.1% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. Local investment remains strong with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,215, resulting in a school score of 57.2 that exceeds the state median.

Dual Districts Serving the Community

Mercer County is the primary district with 2,721 students, followed by the Burgin Independent district which serves 495 students. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of the schools are traditional public or alternative institutions.

Centrally Located Schools with Town Character

Six schools are located in town settings while two remain rural, with an average enrollment of 459 students. Mercer County Senior High is the largest with 731 students, nearly equaled by Mercer County Elementary's 730-student population.

Choose Your District in Mercer County

Homebuyers can choose between the larger county system or the smaller Burgin Independent district when relocating here. With graduation rates near the top of the state, any home in this area is a smart move for education-minded families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mercer County

via RiskByCounty

Mercer sits below national risk average

Mercer County's 41.41 composite risk score places it comfortably below the national average as Very Low risk. The county's hazard profile remains generally manageable across all disaster categories.

Slightly below Kentucky's mean

At 41.41, Mercer scores just below Kentucky's 44.21 average, positioning the county in the safer half statewide. This proximity to the state mean reflects relatively balanced hazard exposure.

High tornado risk among peers

Mercer's tornado risk of 69.12 trails only Meade County (75.92) in the immediate region, making severe weather the defining local threat. Flood (53.31) and earthquake (58.40) risks remain secondary but noteworthy concerns.

Tornado dominates Mercer's hazard profile

Tornado risk at 69.12 is Mercer's primary concern, significantly exceeding wildfire (11.01) and flood (53.31) threats. Earthquake risk of 58.40 adds moderate concern but poses less immediate danger than severe weather.

Wind and flood coverage essential

Confirm your homeowners policy includes comprehensive wind and hail protection, as tornado danger is substantial in Mercer. Add flood insurance if your property is within a mapped floodplain or historic flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Mercer County

via WaterByCounty

Mercer County Maintains a Grade C Rating

Mercer County recorded three health-based drinking water violations over the past five years, resulting in a 'C' grade. Despite these incidents, the county's violation rate of 11.4 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the state average of 35.7. This suggests that while issues occur, they are less frequent than in many neighboring areas.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

Federal Section 303(d) assessments have not yet covered the water bodies within Mercer County's borders. As a result, no official impairment percentage or reporting cycle data is currently available through the ATTAINS database. This lack of data represents a significant gap in the understanding of local aquatic health.

No Federal Monitoring Records Detected

The EPA Water Quality Portal contains no monitoring records or site data for Mercer County over the past five years. Without these results, there is no federal snapshot of local inorganic, biological, or chemical characteristics. Local agencies may maintain internal data, but it is not currently reflected in the national monitoring footprint.

Dix River Flow Monitored at Dix Dam

The USGS gauge on the Dix River near Burgin currently reports a discharge of 159 cubic feet per second. While long-term mean data for this specific location is not provided, the gauge tracks critical flows below the dam. This station serves as the primary indicator for hydrologic conditions in the county's southern reach.

Monitor Local Reports Amid Data Gaps

With no federal watershed assessments or monitoring records available, Mercer County residents should rely heavily on local utility reports. The 'C' compliance grade indicates some risk, so periodic home testing can provide peace of mind where federal data is missing. Contact your local water district to request the latest sampling results for your area.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mercer County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Drier Than the State Average

Mercer County averages 57.0°F annually, making it slightly warmer than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. The county receives 45.9 inches of rain, which is lower than the typical state-wide total of 50.6 inches.

One of Kentucky's Warmer Localities

At 57.0°F, Mercer sits nearly a full degree above the state median temperature. It ranks as one of the warmer counties in the Bluegrass region while remaining slightly drier than its neighbors.

Drier Fields Than Neighboring Nelson County

Mercer’s 45.9 inches of annual rainfall is significantly lower than Nelson County’s 51.6 inches. This relative dryness can influence local gardening and agricultural water needs during the peak summer months.

Hot Summers and Mild Winter Temperatures

The county faces 28 days of extreme heat over 90°F, with July temperatures averaging 76.8°F. Winters are relatively mild, featuring a January average of 35.9°F, though specific snowfall records are limited.

Cooling Systems and Seasonal Irrigation

Efficient air conditioning is essential to handle nearly a month of 90°F weather. Gardeners should plan for supplemental irrigation since the county receives less rain than much of the rest of Kentucky.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mercer County

via SoilByCounty

Bluegrass Bedrock and Soil

Specific taxonomic and pH data for Mercer County is missing, but its location in the Bluegrass region often means limestone-influenced soils. This typically results in a slightly higher pH than the state average of 5.80.

Productive Silt and Loam

While composition percentages are not provided, Mercer is known for rich, silty soils that support legendary horse pastures. These textures provide excellent workability and enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients.

High Potential for Organic Matter

Local organic matter metrics are unavailable, but the state average of 3.55% represents the high standard of Kentucky’s best lands. Maintaining this fertility is the key to Mercer’s storied agricultural success.

Natural Drainage Patterns

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the rolling hills of the region generally provide good natural drainage. Understanding your soil's hydrologic group helps prevent erosion during heavy spring rains.

Gardening in Zone 7a

Hardiness Zone 7a makes Mercer County a paradise for diverse gardening, from vegetable patches to ornamental roses. The fertile landscape is just waiting for you to plant your first seeds of the season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mercer County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Lawn Performance in Mercer

Mercer County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 71.4, indicating it is one of the easier places in Kentucky to maintain a lawn. This score is significantly better than the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 66.3.

Ideal Precipitation and Heat Balance

Mercer County receives 45.9 inches of rain annually, which sits perfectly within the ideal range for lawn health. With 28 extreme heat days—below the state average of 30—lawns here experience less summer burn than many neighboring counties.

Soil Management Strategies

Although specific soil pH and texture data are unavailable, the county's 4,197 growing degree days indicate a robust metabolic window for turf. Testing your soil for acidity is a smart first step to ensure your grass can utilize the available nutrients.

Moderate Drought History

Mercer County saw 4 weeks of drought in the past year, but currently faces 0.0% abnormal dryness. Consistent mulching of grass clippings can help maintain soil moisture and return nutrients to the lawn during these brief dry periods.

Optimal Seeding Windows

Zone 7a conditions favor cool-season grasses like fescue or warm-season types like zoysia. The safest window for spring seeding opens after the April 7th frost, while fall projects should be completed before the November 1st frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mercer County's county score?
Mercer County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 60.1 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 Kentucky?
Mercer County ranks #55 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Mercer County is $1,553, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Mercer County a tax score of 51.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mercer County?
The median household income in Mercer County, Kentucky is $63,115 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mercer County earns an income score of 48.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mercer County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Mercer County scores 60.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Kentucky. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.