countyscore
62.8
County Score
Cost of Living 88.6Safety 88.2Disaster Risk 87.8

County Report Card

About Mercer County, Missouri

A National Leader in Small-Town Quality

Mercer County earns a robust composite score of 62.8, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds the vast majority of rural American counties.

Outperforming the Missouri Average

With a 62.8 overall score, Mercer County sits well above the Missouri state average of 50.3. It serves as a benchmark for stability and affordability within the state's northern region.

Safety and Savings Lead the Way

The county excels in affordability and security, posting an 88.6 cost score and an 88.2 safety score. Housing is exceptionally accessible, with median home values at just $95,300 and gross rents averaging $548.

Addressing Water and Health Infrastructure

Infrastructure presents a hurdle, as the county receives a very low water score of 4.3. Additionally, the health score of 37.8 suggests that residents may face limited access to medical facilities or wellness resources.

Ideal for Budget-Minded Seekers of Peace

Mercer County is a premier destination for individuals or retirees who prioritize safety and low living costs over metropolitan amenities. Its combination of an 87.8 risk score and high safety makes it a secure, quiet harbor.

2040608010041.888.688.237.855.840.387.84.350.2Tax41.8Cost88.6Safety88.2Health37.8Schools55.8Income40.3Risk87.8Water4.3Weather50.262.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Mercer County DNA

Doverall

How Mercer County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Mercer County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (87.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (4.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
41.8-10.200000000000003
Cost
88.6+40.599999999999994
Safety
88.2+33.2
Health
37.8-12.200000000000003
Schools
55.8
Income
40.3-10.700000000000003
Risk
87.8+40.8
Water
4.3-53.7
Weather
50.2
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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

$95,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$548/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$95,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$21,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,357/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.6

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

Decatur County
Iowa
59.4
Wayne County
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62.9
Harrison County
Missouri
50.3
Grundy County
Missouri
51
Sullivan County
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Putnam County
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Ringgold County
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Appanoose County
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48.6

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's tax rate outpaces the nation

Mercer County's effective tax rate of 0.950% significantly exceeds the national median effective rate of approximately 0.82%, placing the county in the higher tier nationally. While the median home here is worth just $95,300—far below the national median of $281,900—homeowners pay a steeper percentage of that value in property taxes each year.

Among Missouri's higher-taxed counties

At 0.950%, Mercer County's effective rate runs 30% higher than Missouri's statewide average of 0.733%, making it one of the state's pricier tax environments. The county's median tax bill of $905 sits well below the state median of $1,199, a reflection of lower home values rather than a tax break.

Mercer stands out in rural Missouri

Mercer's 0.950% rate towers over neighboring counties like Miller (0.627%), Morgan (0.610%), and Monroe (0.737%), making it a notably steeper tax jurisdiction in north-central Missouri. Even compared to Mississippi County at 0.877%, Mercer homeowners pay a higher effective rate on their property.

A median home costs $905 yearly

If you own a median-value home in Mercer County worth $95,300, expect to pay approximately $905 in annual property taxes—or $1,015 if your mortgage includes an escrow account. That translates to roughly $76 per month in property tax payments.

Check if you're overassessed

With Mercer's above-average tax rate, it's worth investigating whether your home's assessed value is accurate. Many homeowners discover they can appeal their assessment and lower their tax burden—a process that costs little but could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mercer County

via CostByCounty

Mercer's rent burden beats the nation

Mercer County residents spend just 10.9% of their income on rent, well below the national sweet spot of 12-15%. This means renters here have significantly more breathing room in their budgets compared to typical American households.

Most affordable county in Missouri

With a rent-to-income ratio of 10.9%, Mercer ranks as one of Missouri's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 15.6%. Residents here enjoy some of the strongest housing affordability in the Show-Me State.

Cheaper rent than surrounding areas

Mercer's median rent of $548/month is $220 less than the state average of $768, and significantly below nearby counties like Miller ($724) and Moniteau ($766). This affordability advantage makes Mercer an attractive option for budget-conscious renters in central Missouri.

Where Mercer's housing dollars go

The typical Mercer household earns $60,357 annually, spending $548/month on rent or $636/month on mortgage payments. Combined with other costs, housing consumes roughly 11-13% of median household income, leaving substantial income for savings and other expenses.

Consider Mercer for affordability

If you're relocating and prioritizing housing affordability, Mercer County delivers exceptional value with sub-$550 rents and home values around $95,300. The combination of low rental costs and manageable homeownership expenses makes this a smart choice for budget-minded families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mercer County

via IncomeByCounty

Mercer's income trails the nation

Mercer County's median household income of $60,357 falls about $14,400 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. While below the national mark, Mercer households earn slightly above Missouri's state average of $59,503, positioning the county in the middle tier of earning power.

Middle of the pack in Missouri

Among Missouri's 114 counties, Mercer ranks modestly above median with its $60,357 household income. The county outperforms the state average by $854, reflecting a stable but not exceptional economic profile compared to its peers.

Outearning nearby counties

Mercer's median income of $60,357 beats several neighboring counties, including Monroe ($48,299) and Morgan ($49,663). Among its cluster, only Moniteau County ($65,161) and Montgomery County ($61,042) earn noticeably more, making Mercer a middle-ground community.

Housing costs fit comfortably here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 10.9%, Mercer County residents spend well below the standard 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing is genuinely accessible. A median home value of $95,300 pairs with solid incomes to make homeownership within reach for most households.

Build savings and invest wisely

Mercer households have breathing room in their budgets after covering housing. Consider automating savings into emergency funds and retirement accounts—even modest monthly contributions compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mercer County

via CrimeByCounty

Mercer County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Mercer County earns an exceptional safety score of 99.6, placing it far above the national average. Its total crime rate of 255.9 per 100K people is nearly nine times lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Missouri Safety

With a safety score nearly three points above the state average of 97.0, Mercer is one of Missouri's most secure regions. Local data from a single reporting agency suggests a remarkably quiet landscape compared to the state's total crime average of 1,926.2.

A Quiet Neighbor in North Missouri

Mercer's crime rate of 255.9 per 100K sits well below most of its neighbors in the northern part of the state. This low frequency of incidents provides a level of security rarely seen in Missouri's more urbanized counties.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is extremely rare here, occurring at a rate of just 28.4 per 100K residents. Property crime sits at 227.5, which is significantly lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining a Secure Local Community

Even in high-safety areas like Mercer, maintaining awareness remains the best defense for homeowners. Residents should consider simple lighting and lock upgrades to preserve the county's low property crime trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Mercer County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural Education Infrastructure

Mercer County operates two school districts that manage a total of four public schools. The system serves a small student body of 509 individuals, split evenly between two elementary and two high schools.

Competitive Results with Targeted Investment

The county earns a 55.4 school score, outperforming the state average of 52.8 and the national median. While the 90.0% graduation rate is slightly below the state average, the $7,866 per-pupil expenditure is significantly higher than Missouri's $6,334 average.

Two Local Districts Power Student Learning

Princeton R-V is the largest district in the county, educating 364 students across two schools. There are no charter schools in Mercer County, focusing all resources into traditional public districts like North Mercer County R-III.

Close-Knit Rural School Communities

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating an intimate average school size of just 127 students. Princeton R-V Elementary is the largest campus with 184 students, while Mercer High offers a highly personalized environment with only 62 students.

Find Your Home in Mercer County

Families seeking small class sizes and high per-pupil investment should explore homes near Princeton or Mercer. School quality remains a vital factor for homebuyers looking for a community where every student is known by name.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mercer County

via RiskByCounty

Mercer ranks far below national average

Mercer County's composite risk score of 12.28 places it in the "Very Low" category, well below the national median. Most American counties face significantly higher natural disaster risk, making Mercer one of the safer regions in the country for weather and seismic threats.

Missouri's safest county by far

Mercer's score of 12.28 ranks it as the lowest-risk county in Missouri, substantially below the state average of 50.56. This 76% lower risk than the statewide average reflects genuinely favorable hazard exposure across all major disaster types.

Distinctly safer than surrounding areas

Neighboring counties like Moniteau (31.01) and Monroe (21.18) face notably higher risks, while Miller County to the south scores 55.09. Mercer's exceptional safety makes it a statistical outlier in north-central Missouri.

Wildfire and tornado risks are modest

Wildfire risk scores 48.35 and tornado risk 43.99—both well below state and national averages for these hazards. Flood, earthquake, and hurricane risks all remain minimal, with no single threat posing significant danger to most residents.

Standard homeowners insurance suffices here

Your low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate coverage for the modest threats Mercer faces. Annual policy reviews ensure you're not overinsured for hazards that pose minimal risk to your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Mercer County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Violations Threaten Mercer Drinking Water

Mercer County earns an F grade for drinking water safety with 15 health-based violations recorded over five years. The county's violation rate of 936.9 per 100,000 residents is more than ten times the Missouri average of 81.5.

Federal Watershed Assessment Pending

Local water bodies in Mercer County are not yet covered under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) assessment program. Because these streams remain unassessed, residents lack data on whether local basins meet primary recreational and aquatic life standards.

Active Sampling Across Eighteen Monitoring Sites

Water quality monitoring remains active with 18 distinct sites recording 3,270 measurements over the last five years. Agencies focus their efforts on tracking physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganic metals to ensure local water safety.

Limited Live Gauging for Local Waterways

Mercer County currently lacks a primary USGS streamgage to provide real-time flow data for its smaller drainage areas. Without live discharge readings, water managers must rely on historical monitoring and drinking water compliance signals to assess local conditions.

Take Action on Drinking Water Safety

Due to the exceptionally high rate of health violations, residents should prioritize regular tap water testing and consider professional filtration. Monitoring efforts highlight metals and nutrients as key areas of concern for those using private wells.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mercer County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Missouri Profile

Mercer County's annual average temperature of 51.1°F is lower than the national median, reflecting its northern latitude. It receives 38 inches of precipitation, which is drier than many other parts of the Midwest. This climate is characterized by shorter summers and longer, more distinct winters.

Well Below State Average

At 51.1°F, Mercer is nearly four degrees cooler than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. It is one of the coolest counties in the state, contrasting sharply with southern Missouri. The January average of 24.2°F highlights its position as a northern state outlier.

Coolest in the Region

Mercer County is roughly two degrees cooler on average than Marion County to its east. It records only 24 days of extreme heat, fewer than any other county in this local comparison. This makes it a regional leader in cool-weather patterns and winter longevity.

Sharp Winters and Moderate Summers

Winters are cold with a January average of 24.2°F and a winter seasonal average of 27.3°F. While specific snowfall data is unavailable, the cold temperatures ensure frequent freezes. Summers are mild by Missouri standards, with a July average of 75.6°F.

Focus on Winter Heating

Heating systems must be highly reliable to handle the prolonged winter average of 27.3°F. With 38 inches of annual precipitation, the region is drier than the state average, but ice management remains a concern. Home insulation should be a primary focus for all residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mercer County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils of Mercer County

Mercer County's soil features an average pH of 6.29, which is slightly more acidic than the national 6.5 median. While specific taxonomic data is currently unavailable, these soils are more neutral than the Missouri average of 6.09.

A Silty Heartland Blend

The soil composition is 48.7% silt and 26.2% clay, creating a balanced earth for agriculture. The 25.2% sand content helps maintain some porosity, preventing the soil from becoming overly compacted.

Strong Water Retention for Crops

The available water capacity of 0.192 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.183, offering plants a better reservoir during dry spells. Organic matter stands at 2.99%, which beats the national average but trails the state's 4.74% mark.

Management-Dependent Drainage and Hydrology

Official drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for this county. Local landowners typically manage these northern soils with a focus on controlling runoff during heavy Missouri rains.

Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 5b

Located in hardiness zone 5b, Mercer County supports hardy perennials and standard row crops. With a soil score of 69.7, your garden has a high potential for producing robust root vegetables and leafy greens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mercer County

via LawnByCounty

A Top-Tier Environment for Missouri Lawns

Mercer County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 84.8, making it much easier to maintain turf here than the Missouri average of 63.7. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, your lawn benefits from a climate that is significantly more hospitable than the national median of 50.0. Residents can enjoy lush greenery with fewer headaches than most of their neighbors across the state.

Cooler Summers Benefit Northern Lawns

With only 24 extreme heat days per year, Mercer stays cooler than the Missouri average of 37 days. The county receives 38.0 inches of annual precipitation, which falls within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy grass growth. Your 3,378 growing degree days suggest a steady but manageable mowing schedule compared to the faster-growing southern regions.

Balanced Soil for Deep Roots

The soil pH in Mercer County sits at a near-perfect 6.29, requiring minimal lime or sulfur adjustments. A composition of 26.2% clay and 25.2% sand provides a solid foundation for water retention without becoming a muddy swamp. This balanced texture is ideal for traditional Missouri turfgrasses that prefer stable nutrient levels.

Remarkable Resilience Against Recent Dry Spells

While 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry, Mercer has only endured two weeks of drought over the past year. This is significantly lower than many other Missouri counties that have struggled for months. To keep your lawn resilient, prioritize deep, infrequent watering during the early morning hours.

Maximize Your Zone 5b Growing Season

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue thrive in this hardiness zone and should be seeded once the threat of frost passes around April 25. Aim to finish major lawn projects before the first fall frost arrives around October 15. Your high difficulty score means that with basic care, you can achieve a professional-looking lawn with ease.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mercer County's county score?
Mercer County, Missouri has a composite county score of 62.8 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 Missouri?
Mercer County ranks #8 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Mercer County is $905, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Mercer County a tax score of 41.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mercer County?
The median household income in Mercer County, Missouri is $60,357 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mercer County earns an income score of 40.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mercer County, Missouri a good place to live?
Mercer County scores 62.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Missouri. 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

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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.