CountyScore

Mercer County

North Dakota · ND

#38 in North Dakota
73.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Mercer County, North Dakota

Mercer Performs Above National Average

Mercer County's composite score of 73.5 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, indicating above-average livability nationwide. The county's profile reflects solid fundamentals in health, cost, and risk management.

Just Below State Average

Mercer scores slightly under North Dakota's 74.8 state average, positioning it in the competitive middle band of state counties. This reflects a mainstream livability profile aligned with regional norms.

Outstanding Health and Risk Scores

Mercer's health score of 78.0 and risk score of 86.2 are among its strongest dimensions, suggesting excellent healthcare access and economic stability. Cost (77.4) and tax (72.2) scores provide additional support for household affordability.

Income Growth Limited

The income score of 35.2, with median household income at $79,405, represents Mercer's biggest gap compared to stronger-earning counties. This income ceiling may limit wealth-building opportunities for ambitious residents.

Perfect for Health-Conscious Families

Mercer County suits families and retirees prioritizing health outcomes, economic stability, and disaster resilience above maximum income potential. Healthcare access and low risk make it especially attractive to seniors and those managing chronic conditions.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax72.2Cost77.4SafetyComing SoonHealth78SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.2Risk86.2WaterComing Soon
🏛72.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡86.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Mercer County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Gunnison County
Colorado
73.5
Median income: $77,358
Towns County
Georgia
73.5
Median income: $58,400
Latah County
Idaho
73.5
Median income: $65,179
Payette County
Idaho
73.5
Median income: $65,723
Sullivan County
Indiana
73.5
Median income: $54,985

Deep Dives

Mercer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mercer County

via TaxByCounty

Mercer's rate slightly below national norm

Mercer County's effective rate of 1.071% is nearly identical to the national median of 1.1%, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,101 is about $589 less than the national median of $2,690.

Among North Dakota's highest rates

Mercer County's 1.071% effective rate is notably higher than North Dakota's state average of 0.885%, placing it in the upper tier of state counties. The median property tax of $2,101 is $641 above the statewide median of $1,460.

Second-highest rate in the region

Mercer County's 1.071% rate is only slightly lower than McIntosh (1.080%), making it one of the priciest in the eight-county area. It's significantly higher than McKenzie (0.412%), Mountrail (0.527%), and McHenry (0.663%).

Your estimated annual property tax

On Mercer's median home value of $196,200, expect approximately $2,101 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $2,274, while those owning outright pay closer to $1,944.

Could your assessment be wrong?

Many North Dakota homeowners discover their property is overassessed during appeal windows. If you believe your home's valuation is inaccurate, filing a tax assessment appeal could reduce your annual bill—often with minimal paperwork and no filing fee.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mercer County

via CostByCounty

Mercer County faces affordability headwinds

Mercer County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national standard of 12%, indicating housing costs that consume a larger share of income than typical. At $1,043 monthly rent against a median household income of $79,405, renters here face tighter budget constraints than national norms.

Mercer County ranks among the least affordable

With a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio, Mercer County significantly outpaces the North Dakota state average of 12.8%, making it one of the state's costlier rental markets. Its median rent of $1,043 represents a 35% premium over the state's $770 median.

Mercer's costs rival other energy-region counties

Mercer County's $1,043 rent closely tracks Morton County at $1,036 and McKenzie County at $1,153, reflecting shared economic pressures in the state's energy corridor. All three counties push significantly above the state median, though Mercer sits in the middle range.

Mercer dedicates 16% of income to housing

Renters pay $1,043 monthly while homeowners pay $794, creating an unusual gap suggesting rental market tightness relative to owner costs. On a $79,405 median income, the 15.8% rent-to-income ratio leaves limited flexibility for other priorities.

Mercer demands careful housing budget planning

If relocating to Mercer County, factor its 15.8% rent-to-income ratio into your budget planning, as housing costs run 23% above the state average. Compare it against more affordable counties like McIntosh or McHenry if housing cost is a primary consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mercer County

via IncomeByCounty

Mercer matches national earnings

Mercer County's median household income of $79,405 runs 6.2% above the national median of $74,755, keeping the county in line with typical American earnings. The county demonstrates solid economic footing compared to national benchmarks.

Solid middle performer for North Dakota

Mercer earns $79,405 in median household income, outpacing the state average of $72,537 by nearly $7,000. The county ranks comfortably in the upper-middle tier of North Dakota's income distribution.

Mid-range among nearby counties

Mercer's $79,405 sits in the middle of its regional peer group, trailing McKenzie County by $8,884 but leading McIntosh County by $15,169. It clusters with other stably-earning neighbors like Morton County and Mountrail County.

Housing costs rising faster than income

Mercer's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% signals that housing costs are consuming a larger share of household budgets than in neighboring counties. The median home value of $196,200 reflects competitive real estate markets in the region.

Protect wealth as costs climb

With housing costs rising relative to income, Mercer families should prioritize financial planning to protect against budget pressure. Lock in favorable mortgage rates, review insurance coverage, and establish automatic investment contributions to build resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Mercer County

via HealthByCounty

Mercer enjoys the state's longest life expectancy

At 79.3 years, Mercer County residents live nearly 3 years longer than the US average of 76.4 years—a remarkable longevity advantage. Just 14.9% report poor or fair health, solidly below the US average of 18%.

Tops North Dakota on longevity and health

Mercer's 79.3-year life expectancy is the highest in North Dakota, nearly 2 years above the state average of 77.5. The county's strong health outcomes extend across metrics, making it a model for public health success statewide.

Regional health leader by a wide margin

Mercer's 79.3-year life expectancy far exceeds all regional peers—nearly 5 years ahead of McKenzie (74.3) and 2.5 years ahead of McHenry (76.1). The 6.6% uninsured rate is the lowest in its cluster, reinforcing healthcare access strength.

Exceptional provider access fuels health outcomes

Mercer boasts 84 primary care and 84 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—double or more the state typical rate. With 6.6% uninsured, fewer residents face financial barriers to the robust care infrastructure.

Maintain coverage to sustain health leadership

Mercer's success depends on sustained insurance enrollment: with only 6.6% uninsured, the county should protect and expand that advantage. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov; if insured, share information with neighbors and friends to strengthen community health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mercer County

via RiskByCounty

Mercer ranks among America's safest counties

Mercer County's composite risk score of 13.87 places it firmly in the Very Low category—safer than the vast majority of U.S. counties. This position reflects low to modest exposure across most natural hazard types.

Mercer is ND's second-safest county

At 13.87, Mercer's score places it well below North Dakota's average of 22.19, ranking among the state's most resilient counties. Only Nelson County (7.92) scores lower across all North Dakota counties.

Safest in its region alongside McHenry

Mercer's 13.87 score matches McHenry County (11.74) as one of northwestern North Dakota's safest areas, both significantly outperforming McLean (43.10) and McKenzie (25.03). Mercer ranks second in regional resilience.

Wildfire is the primary concern

Wildfire risk reaches 61.58 in Mercer County, making it the clear leading hazard despite relatively low overall risk. Tornado risk is modest at 28.53, and flood and earthquake risks remain minimal.

Maintain wildfire coverage and awareness

Ensure homeowners insurance includes wildfire protection and create defensible space—clearing brush and debris from your property's perimeter. Stay informed during fire season through local emergency management channels.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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