CountyScore

Mercer County

New Jersey · NJ

#16 in New Jersey
47.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Mercer County, New Jersey

Mercer slightly below national benchmark

Mercer County's composite score of 42.9 falls shy of the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. The county's strong cost advantage and moderate incomes provide some offsetting strengths.

Below New Jersey state average

At 42.9, Mercer's score trails the New Jersey average of 45.0, ranking it among the lower-performing counties in the state. Tax burden is the primary drag on the county's composite standing.

Most affordable housing in the group

Mercer's cost score of 50.4 is the highest among all eight counties, with median home values of just $351,000 and monthly rent at $1,515. This affordability advantage makes homeownership and renting more accessible relative to median incomes of $96,333.

Tax burden significantly higher than peers

Mercer's tax score of 31.7 is the lowest in the group, with an effective tax rate of 2.508%—nearly a full percentage point above Ocean and Monmouth counties. This tax drag offsets the housing affordability advantage for many households.

Best for budget-conscious homebuyers

Mercer County suits first-time homebuyers and middle-income families prioritizing affordable housing over minimal taxes. It's less appealing to high earners seeking tax efficiency or those unwilling to accept above-average property tax rates.

Score breakdown

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

Tax31.7Cost50.4SafetyComing SoonHealth75.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome46.3Risk4.6WaterComing Soon
🏛31.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡4.6
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

Gloucester County
New Jersey
48.2
Median income: $102,807
Suffolk County
New York
48.3
Median income: $128,329
Middlesex County
New Jersey
48.4
Median income: $109,028
Lake County
Illinois
48.5
Median income: $108,917
Salem County
New Jersey
48.6
Median income: $78,412

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 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

Health in Mercer County

via HealthByCounty

Mercer County life expectancy near national average

Mercer County's 78.4-year life expectancy is roughly in line with the US average of 77.2 years, though the county's 14.8% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 13.1%. This reflects mixed health outcomes across the population.

Slightly below New Jersey average

Mercer County's 78.4-year life expectancy falls just short of New Jersey's state average of 78.5 years by 0.1 years, placing it in the middle tier statewide. The county's health challenges require targeted interventions in primary care and insurance access.

Higher uninsured rate than peers

At 8.7% uninsured, Mercer County exceeds neighbors Middlesex (7.3%) and Monmouth (6.1%), though the county excels with 410 mental health providers per 100K—the highest ratio in the state. The 90 primary care providers per 100K suggest adequate capacity, but insurance coverage gaps persist.

Insurance barriers complicate care access

Mercer County's 8.7% uninsured rate means roughly 50,000 residents lack health coverage, making preventive care and emergency treatment unaffordable for many. With 90 primary care providers per 100K, supply meets demand, but uninsured residents struggle to utilize available providers.

Coverage closes the care gap

Mercer County residents without insurance should explore healthcare.gov or Get Covered NJ at getcoverednj.org to find plans. Coverage ensures you can visit those primary care providers when you need them most.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

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