countyscore
60.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 86.2Water Quality 86Health 83.7

County Report Card

About Mercer County, North Dakota

Mercer County exceeds the national median

Mercer County holds a composite score of 60.6, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of resident satisfaction across key metrics.

Holding steady in North Dakota

A composite score of 60.6 keeps Mercer County right in line with the North Dakota average of 61.5. It maintains a competitive position against its neighboring counties.

Exceptional health and safety standards

Mercer shines in the health (83.7) and risk (86.2) categories. This combination makes it one of the more secure and health-conscious areas in the region.

Tax rates and housing costs

The tax score of 33.1 is the result of a higher 1.071% effective tax rate. Additionally, the cost score of 40.1 suggests housing is less affordable than in other rural neighbors.

The verdict: Secure and healthy living

Mercer County is best for those who prioritize wellness and safety over absolute tax savings. It provides a robust infrastructure for a secure, high-income lifestyle.

2040608010028.742.574.983.759.682.886.28631.5Tax28.7Cost42.5Safety74.9Health83.7Schools59.6Income82.8Risk86.2Water86Weather31.560.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Mercer County DNA

Doverall

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

Mercer County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (86.2/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (31.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
28.7-23.3
Cost
42.5
Safety
74.9+19.900000000000006
Health
83.7+33.7
Schools
59.6
Income
82.8+31.799999999999997
Risk
86.2+39.2
Water
86+28
Weather
31.5-24.5
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

$198,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,031/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$198,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,946/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

36.0

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 Harrison County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Harrison County
Kentucky
Median income: $66,442
60.4
Muhlenberg County
Kentucky
Median income: $51,927
60.4
Ozark County
Missouri
Median income: $44,163
60.4
Sanders County
Montana
Median income: $57,476
60.4
Guadalupe County
New Mexico
Median income: $42,750
60.4
Converse County
Wyoming
Median income: $81,558
60.4
Sumter County
Alabama
Median income: $33,310
60.3
Custer County
Colorado
Median income: $72,674
60.3

Nearby counties

McLean County
North Dakota
59.9
Oliver County
North Dakota
72.9
Dunn County
North Dakota
61.5
Stark County
North Dakota
47.2
Morton County
North Dakota
38.2
Burleigh County
North Dakota
45.2
Mountrail County
North Dakota
59.2
Sheridan County
North Dakota
60.6

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'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

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

Safety in Mercer County

via CrimeByCounty

Mercer County Among the Nation's Safest

Mercer County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.1, far exceeding the national average. Its total crime rate of 597.7 per 100K is less than a quarter of the national rate of 2,385.5. This ranks it among the safest counties in the entire country.

Outperforming State Safety Norms

Mercer outperforms the North Dakota average safety score of 98.5 with its own 99.1 rating. Its total crime rate of 597.7 is much lower than the state average of 976.6. Three reporting agencies contribute data, ensuring a reliable and comprehensive look at local safety.

A Regional Standout in Public Safety

Mercer is significantly safer than neighboring Morton County, which has a much higher crime rate of 3097.2. It even edges out McLean County's rate of 940.6. These comparisons cement Mercer's status as a regional leader in public safety.

Minimal Crime Across All Categories

Property crime is remarkably low at 514.0 per 100K, while violent crime sits at just 83.7. Both figures are tiny compared to national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively. In Mercer, the statistical likelihood of being a victim of crime is extremely low.

Keeping a Safe Community Secure

While Mercer is exceptionally safe, maintaining home security helps keep it that way. Simple measures like deadbolt locks and garage door security are effective deterrents. Staying connected with neighbors helps ensure the community remains a difficult target for crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mercer County

via WeatherByCounty

Northern Interior Climate Patterns

Mercer County averages 43.2°F annually, which is significantly colder than the U.S. national average. It is characterized by high summer temperatures and very cold winters.

A Warm Spot in North Dakota

Mercer is one of the warmest counties in the state, with its 43.2°F average sitting well above the 41.0°F state benchmark. It is also drier than most, seeing just 17.3 inches of rain.

Unusually High Summer Heat Days

Mercer experiences 29 days of extreme heat, significantly more than neighboring McLean's 13 days. It is one of the most heat-prone areas in the regional vicinity.

Hot Summers and Less Snow

July averages 70.6°F, which is warm for the state. While winters are cold at a 16.3°F average, the annual snowfall of 33.4 inches is lower than many neighboring counties.

Manage Summer Heat and Winter Cold

Residents need high-capacity cooling systems to handle nearly a month of 90°F days. Winter prep remains important, though snow removal is less intensive than in Mountrail.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mercer County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Ground in Mercer

Mercer County boasts a near-neutral pH of 6.97, which is closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average. This slightly lower pH compared to its neighbors allows for a broader variety of garden plants.

Crumbly Texture for Easy Tilling

A blend of 42.0% sand, 37.3% silt, and 20.7% clay defines the local soil texture. This profile creates a crumbly structure that is easy to till and resistant to extreme compaction during wet seasons.

Solid Foundation for Pasture Lands

Organic matter levels reach 3.68%, which is strong compared to the national 2.0% average. The water capacity of 0.183 in/in sits just below the North Dakota average, requiring mindful water management during dry spells.

Mineral Retention and Stable Drainage

While specific hydrologic data is missing, the 20.7% clay content provides enough density to prevent nutrients from leaching too quickly. This balance supports stable building sites and healthy pasture lands across the county.

Productive Gardening in Zone 4a

Mercer County's Zone 4a climate is ideal for rye and cold-season legumes. With a soil score of 63.5, the land offers a solid foundation for anyone looking to start a productive home vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mercer County

via LawnByCounty

High Heat Challenges in Mercer

With a score of 49.2, Mercer County is slightly more difficult for lawn care than the national median. While located in Hardiness Zone 4a, its summer climate is surprisingly intense compared to its northern neighbors.

Summer Heat Hits Lawns Hard

Lawns here endure 29 extreme heat days per year, more than double the North Dakota average of 13. Combined with a low 17.3 inches of annual rain, this heat puts cool-season grasses at high risk for summer dormancy.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Uptake

Mercer County features a soil pH of 6.97, which is almost perfect for turfgrass health. The soil is composed of 42.0% sand and 20.7% clay, allowing for good root penetration though drainage data for the area remains limited.

Frequent Heat Requires Smart Watering

Despite 15 weeks of drought in the past year, current conditions are stable. Because of the high number of extreme heat days, watering in the early morning is essential to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal growth.

Beat the Frost in Mercer

Focus on heat-tolerant varieties of Fine Fescue to withstand the 29 days of temperatures over 90°F. Your growing season is framed by a late spring frost on May 21 and an early fall frost on September 20.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mercer County's county score?
Mercer County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 60.4 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 North Dakota?
Mercer County ranks #32 among all counties in North Dakota 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, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Mercer County is $2,184, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Mercer County a tax score of 28.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mercer County?
The median household income in Mercer County, North Dakota is $80,946 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mercer County earns an income score of 82.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mercer County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Mercer County scores 60.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in North Dakota. 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.