countyscore
35
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.4Health 74.1Schools 65.9

County Report Card

About Mercer County, New Jersey

Lags Behind National Quality of Life

Mercer County's composite score of 35.0 trails the national median of 50.0. Despite its central location and educational assets, it struggles with the high costs typical of the Northeast.

Trailing the State Performance Average

At 35.0, Mercer sits below the New Jersey average score of 41.4. The county faces a difficult trade-off between its high-income opportunities and one of the state's highest tax burdens.

Strong Incomes and Health Resources

The county features a robust income score of 94.4, with a median household income of $96,333. It also performs well in healthcare, earning a health score of 74.1.

Heavy Taxation and Safety Concerns

A tax score of 0.6 is one of the lowest in the region, driven by a high 2.508% effective tax rate. Additionally, a safety score of 22.9 and a risk score of 4.6 suggest areas for systemic improvement.

Best for Education-Focused Professionals

Mercer suits those working in academia or state government who value high earnings and good healthcare. It appeals to residents willing to trade high tax rates for access to regional economic hubs.

204060801000.64.422.974.165.994.44.662.357Tax0.6Cost4.4Safety22.9Health74.1Schools65.9Income94.4Risk4.6Water62.3Weather5735/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Mercer County DNA

Foverall

How Mercer County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Mercer County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (94.4/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (0.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
0.6-51.4
Cost
4.4-43.6
Safety
22.9-32.1
Health
74.1+24.099999999999994
Schools
65.9+11.900000000000006
Income
94.4+43.400000000000006
Risk
4.6-42.4
Water
62.3
Weather
57
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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

$351,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,515/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$351,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$60,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $96,333/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.3

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 Sutter County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Bucks County
Pennsylvania
53.1
Burlington County
New Jersey
46.6
Middlesex County
New Jersey
41.9
Hunterdon County
New Jersey
55.3
Somerset County
New Jersey
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Monmouth County
New Jersey
46
Philadelphia County
Pennsylvania
28.8
Camden County
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32.1

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 taxes exceed national norm

Mercer County's 2.508% effective tax rate ranks in the top quarter nationally, well above the U.S. median of 2.11%. The median property tax of $8,804 reflects a relatively high rate applied to homes averaging $351,000 in value.

Mercer ranks highest in New Jersey

Mercer County's 2.508% effective tax rate is the highest among all 21 New Jersey counties, significantly exceeding the state average of 2.211%. This distinction marks Mercer as an outlier in Jersey's already high-tax environment.

Mercer taxes dwarf surrounding counties

Mercer's 2.508% rate towers over Hudson (1.851%), Monmouth (1.765%), and Morris (1.796%), making it substantially more expensive for homeowners in this region. Even Hunterdon (2.005%) and Passaic (2.276%) lag behind Mercer's burden.

A $351K home costs $8,804 yearly

The median Mercer County home is valued at $351,000, generating approximately $8,804 in annual property taxes at the county's elevated rate. With mortgage deductions, the cost rises slightly to $8,934.

Mercer homeowners should challenge assessments

Given Mercer's status as New Jersey's highest-taxed county, overassessment is a real concern for many residents. Filing a formal assessment appeal with the county could yield significant savings—the process is free and can address inflated property valuations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mercer County

via CostByCounty

Mercer hits near-perfect affordability balance

Mercer County achieves an 18.9% rent-to-income ratio—just barely below New Jersey's 19.1% state average—supported by a median income of $96,333 and median rent of $1,515. This combination positions Mercer as one of New Jersey's most balanced housing markets, avoiding both extremes of affordability crisis or wage stagnation.

Mercer ranks among Jersey's best

At 18.9%, Mercer's rent-to-income ratio edges out the state average of 19.1%, making it one of New Jersey's more affordable counties for renters. The median rent of $1,515 is also $62 below the state average, a meaningful advantage in a high-cost state.

Cheaper than Hudson, Passaic, Morris

Mercer's $1,515 median rent undercuts Hudson ($1,811), Passaic ($1,553), and Morris ($1,860), though incomes vary—Mercer earners ($96,333) fall short of Morris ($134,929) but exceed Passaic ($87,137). For renters prioritizing lower absolute costs, Mercer stands out in the central-Jersey corridor.

Renters and owners both comfortable

Renters pay $1,515 monthly while homeowners face $1,984, with the median household income of $96,333 supporting both paths without strain. Mercer's lower-than-state-average rents make it a rare New Jersey county where median earners don't feel squeezed by housing.

Balanced housing, strong location

Mercer County offers New Jersey's sweet spot: below-state-average rents, near-state-average affordability, and central access to Princeton, Trenton, and transit. If you want New Jersey living without the affordability crunch, Mercer's towns deserve a close look.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mercer County

via IncomeByCounty

Mercer County earns 29% above national median

Mercer County's median household income of $96,333 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $21,578, positioning residents solidly in the upper-middle income tier nationally. This advantage reflects a diverse economy anchored by healthcare, education, and technology sectors.

Mid-tier income county in New Jersey

At $96,333, Mercer County ranks toward the middle of New Jersey's 21 counties, falling about $4,558 short of the state median of $100,891. The county's income profile reflects its mix of affluent suburbs and economically diverse urban areas like Trenton.

Mercer trails wealthy northern counties

Mercer County's $96,333 median income falls below nearby Morris County ($134,929) and Hunterdon County ($139,453), but exceeds Hudson County ($90,032) and Passaic County ($87,137). The income spread reflects Mercer's position as a bridge between New Jersey's wealthy northern tier and middle-income communities.

Reasonable housing affordability for the region

Mercer residents spend 18.9% of household income on rent, comfortably below the 20% affordability threshold and among the best ratios statewide. The median home value of $351,000—the lowest in this comparison—makes homeownership accessible while maintaining cost-of-living stability.

Build savings with favorable affordability

With a median household income of $96,333 and the lowest housing costs in this county cluster, Mercer County households can allocate resources toward retirement savings, education funds, and home equity building. Starting automatic transfers to high-yield savings accounts and contributing to employer 401(k) plans positions families for long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mercer County

via CrimeByCounty

Mercer Stays Below National Average

Mercer County reports a total crime rate of 1,967.0 per 100,000, sitting comfortably below the national benchmark of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 96.9.

Comparing Mercer to the State

Mercer's crime rate is higher than the New Jersey average of 1,525.9. Its safety score is slightly below the state average of 97.6, reflecting its status as a busy urban-centered hub.

Regional Crime Variations

Mercer sees more crime activity than neighboring Middlesex (1,432.7) and Monmouth (1,259.5) counties. Local law enforcement agencies work across borders to manage these regional variations.

Property vs. Violent Crime

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 342.9 per 100,000, while property crime is more common at 1,624.1. Residents should be aware that the vast majority of local incidents involve property theft.

Be Vigilant in Mercer

Maintaining visibility and home lighting remains a core strategy for deterring property crimes. Utilizing doorbell cameras provides peace of mind in this busy central New Jersey corridor.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Mercer County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education at the State Capital

Mercer County features 109 public schools across 20 districts, providing education to 56,529 students. The landscape is well-balanced with 59 elementary schools, 23 middle schools, and 21 high schools.

Matching National Success Standards

Mercer's 87.5% graduation rate aligns closely with the national average of 87.0%, though it falls below the New Jersey average of 91.4%. The county spends $12,247 per pupil to maintain its school score of 63.5.

Large Districts and Charter Diversity

The Trenton Public School District is the largest with 12,483 students, followed closely by Hamilton Township with 11,973. Eight charter schools operate in the county, providing alternative options for about 7% of the total school population.

Diverse Suburban and City Locales

Most students attend one of the 68 suburban schools, though 40 schools are located in city settings like Trenton. The average school size is 538 students, ranging from smaller primary schools to large campuses like Trenton Central High with 2,255 students.

Central Jersey Schools and Your Home

Mercer County offers a variety of educational environments, from the competitive Princeton Public Schools to expansive suburban districts. Choosing a home here means balancing school size, locale, and district performance for your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mercer County

via RiskByCounty

Mercer County faces relatively high disaster risk

Mercer County scores 95.36 out of 100 for composite risk, placing it squarely in the relatively high category and well above the national average. This score reflects significant exposure to floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other hazards across the county.

Third-riskiest county in New Jersey

Mercer County ranks third in statewide disaster risk with a composite score of 95.36, behind only Middlesex (97.77) and Hudson (97.23) counties. Its score exceeds the state average of 90.81 by nearly 5 points.

Higher risk than inland neighbors

Mercer County (95.36) carries significantly more risk than Hunterdon County to the north (78.69) and moderately more than Morris County (92.88). Its position in central New Jersey makes it vulnerable to multiple hazard types from different directions.

Floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes dominate

Mercer County faces exceptional flood risk at 97.17, driven by the Delaware and Raritan rivers and urbanization patterns. Hurricane risk scores 94.62 and earthquake risk 94.02, while wildfire risk (73.44)—notably higher than many neighbors—reflects growing dry conditions and forest coverage.

Secure comprehensive disaster coverage now

Mercer County residents must obtain flood insurance as a priority, given the county's 97.17 flood risk score and exposure to river flooding. Add earthquake and wind coverage to your policy, and create an emergency plan that accounts for the county's multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Mercer County

via WaterByCounty

Stable Drinking Water Quality in Mercer

Mercer earns a 'B' grade with 15 health violations recorded over five years. Its violation rate of 5.0 per 100K remains well below the state average of 20.0.

Watershed Impairments Below State Average

Approximately 92.3% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which is slightly better than the New Jersey average of 94.1%. PCBs, mercury, and DDT in fish tissue are the leading causes of impairment in the 2022 cycle.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage

The county features 158 monitoring sites that have generated 42,283 measurements recently. Top measured groups include physical characteristics, organics, pesticides, and nutrients.

Delaware River Maintains Typical Flow

The Delaware River at Trenton reports a discharge of 11,000 cfs, which is 91% of its long-term typical flow. This indicates relatively stable hydrological conditions for the county's primary waterway.

Awareness of Local Watershed Contaminants

While drinking water systems perform well, residents should be cautious regarding local fish consumption due to mercury and PCB impairments. Private well owners should also monitor for pesticide runoff.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mercer County

via WeatherByCounty

Mirroring the typical American climate

Mercer County sits at an annual average of 53.5°F, almost exactly matching the national median. It represents a standard transition zone between northern and southern climate patterns.

The definition of New Jersey average

Mercer’s temperature is just 0.1 degrees shy of the New Jersey state average of 53.6°F. It serves as a benchmark for the state's overall climatic conditions.

Drier than the surrounding counties

The county receives only 46.5 inches of rain, significantly less than the 50.8 inches found in Hunterdon. This makes it one of the drier regions in the immediate area.

Hot summers with steady snowfall

July averages reach 75.6°F with 24 days of extreme heat annually. Winter brings 25.1 inches of snow, often falling when January temperatures hover around 31.5°F.

Adapt for moderate year-round extremes

A balanced heating and cooling plan is necessary to handle both the 24 heat days and the 25 inches of snow. Yard drainage is less of a concern here than in wetter neighboring counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mercer County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity Near the State Capital

Mercer County's soil registers an average pH of 5.00, sitting comfortably between the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 4.24. This moderately acidic profile is typical for the transitional landscape of central New Jersey. It provides a stable foundation for both suburban landscapes and remaining agricultural tracts.

A Balanced Blend of Silt and Sand

The mineral makeup includes 42.6% silt and 40.5% sand, with a 14.7% clay component. This nearly even split between silt and sand creates a soil that is easy to till and well-aerated. The clay content is high enough to provide the necessary structure for plant roots.

Strong Organic Matter Levels

At 5.91% organic matter, Mercer's soil is nearly triple the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, which is just slightly below the New Jersey state average of 0.168. This combination supports healthy plant growth with decent moisture management during the summer months.

Stable Water Dynamics

Though specific drainage classes are unlisted, the 40.5% sand content ensures that water moves through the profile at a steady rate. The 14.7% clay prevents the soil from drying out too quickly compared to coastal neighbors. This balance makes Mercer's land versatile for both building and gardening.

Thriving in the Heart of Jersey

The 7a hardiness zone supports a wide variety of perennials and seasonal vegetables. Tomatoes and peppers do exceptionally well in this silty-sand mix once the spring soil warms up. You can start your garden with confidence knowing the organic matter levels are naturally high.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mercer County

via LawnByCounty

Mercer Leads the State

Mercer County is one of the more favorable spots for lawn care in the state, boasting a difficulty score of 51.9. This outperforms both the national average of 50.0 and the New Jersey state average of 48.0. In hardiness zone 7a, local conditions provide a strong foundation for a lush, green landscape.

Ideal Rainfall for Turf

The county receives 46.5 inches of annual precipitation, falling perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for lawns. With 3411 growing degree days and 24 heat days, the climate supports steady growth without excessive thermal stress. You can expect a reliable growing season from late April through the beginning of November.

Boosting Soil Productivity

At a pH of 5.00, the soil is moderately acidic and needs lime to hit the sweet spot for turfgrass. The texture is well-balanced with 14.7% clay and 40.5% sand, which helps with both drainage and nutrient holding. Regular soil testing will help you maintain the right chemical balance for your specific yard.

Staying Vigilant During Dry Weeks

Despite a good overall score, Mercer faced 31 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire county is currently abnormally dry. To keep your lawn resilient, use mulch-mowing to return moisture and nitrogen to the soil surface. This natural recycling helps the lawn survive dry spells without relying solely on the hose.

Timing Your Mercer Garden

Zone 7a favors a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescues for durability and color. Your best window for spring projects opens after April 25th, once the risk of frost has largely passed. Planting in early autumn is also highly effective here, as the first frost usually arrives around November 1st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mercer County's county score?
Mercer County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 35 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 New Jersey?
Mercer County ranks #15 among all counties in New Jersey 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, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Mercer County is $8,804, with an effective tax rate of 2.51%. This earns Mercer County a tax score of 0.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mercer County?
The median household income in Mercer County, New Jersey is $96,333 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mercer County earns an income score of 94.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mercer County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Mercer County scores 35/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in New Jersey. 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.