countyscore
60.6
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.

2040608010033.140.174.983.759.683.186.28631.5Tax33.1Cost40.1Safety74.9Health83.7Schools59.6Income83.1Risk86.2Water86Weather31.560.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 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 (86.2/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (31.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
33.1-18.9
Cost
40.1
Safety
74.9+19.900000000000006
Health
83.7+33.7
Schools
59.6
Income
83.1+32.099999999999994
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

$196,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,043/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$196,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,405/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
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Nearby counties

McLean County
North Dakota
60.1
Oliver County
North Dakota
74.1
Dunn County
North Dakota
61.5
Stark County
North Dakota
46.8
Morton County
North Dakota
38.5
Burleigh County
North Dakota
45.4
Mountrail County
North Dakota
60.7
Sheridan County
North Dakota
62.1

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 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

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

Schools in Mercer County

via SchoolsByCounty

Exceptional Performance in a Focused System

Mercer County operates a streamlined system of 6 schools across just 2 primary districts, serving 1,329 students. The infrastructure is modern and comprehensive, featuring two elementary, two middle, and two high schools. This structured approach ensures a clear developmental path for students as they age.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Mercer County achieves a remarkable 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the North Dakota average of 84.8% and the national 87.0% benchmark. Most impressively, the county attains these results with a per-pupil spend of only $6,770, making it one of the most efficient systems in the state. The school score of 55.7 sits comfortably above the state average.

Beulah and Hazen Lead the Way

The Beulah 27 district is the largest in the county, serving 761 students, while Hazen 3 educates 568 students. These two districts manage all six schools in the county, providing a stable and well-resourced environment for their respective communities. There are no charter schools in Mercer County, focusing all resources on these high-performing public districts.

A Blend of Small Town and Rural Life

Unlike many neighboring counties, Mercer split its schools between rural and town locales, creating a more diverse feel. The average school size is 222 students, with Beulah Elementary being the largest at 319 students. This scale allows for competitive athletics and extracurriculars while maintaining a manageable student-to-teacher ratio.

Join a Top-Tier Educational Community

For families prioritizing academic excellence and high graduation rates, Mercer County is a premier destination in North Dakota. Homes in Beulah or Hazen put your children in districts that consistently outperform state benchmarks. Make a smart investment in both real estate and your child's future by exploring Mercer County today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Mercer County

via WaterByCounty

Top-Tier Drinking Water Compliance

Mercer County maintains a Grade A for drinking water, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. This performance places the county well ahead of the broader state and national averages for water safety.

High Levels of Watershed Impairment

Data from 2022 shows that 32.6% of the 46 assessed water bodies in Mercer County are impaired, which is significantly higher than the state average of 19.3%. The leading causes for these failures are E. coli, fecal coliform, and methylmercury.

Extensive Water Quality Data Network

Mercer County hosts 37 monitoring sites that have contributed 11,964 measurements over the last five years. This dense network focuses on nutrients, physical properties, and inorganics to track the health of local streams.

Active Discharge on the Knife River

The Knife River near Stanton is currently flowing at 47 cfs according to the primary USGS gauge. While live discharge is being measured, historical mean data is currently unavailable for this specific station.

Mitigating High Watershed Risks

Because nearly a third of local water bodies are impaired by bacteria and mercury, residents should prioritize awareness of source water origins. Ensure any private wells are tested regularly for the specific contaminants identified in the watershed report.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 60.6 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 #34 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 $2,101, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Mercer County a tax score of 33.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mercer County?
The median household income in Mercer County, North Dakota is $79,405 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mercer County earns an income score of 83.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mercer County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Mercer County scores 60.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 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 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.