countyscore
65.5
County Score
Safety 91.1Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 81.6

County Report Card

About Mercer County, Ohio

A National Standout for Livability

Mercer County’s composite score of 65.5 is well above the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the top tier of livable communities across the entire United States.

One of Ohio’s Elite Counties

Mercer County dramatically outperforms the Ohio state average of 48.6. It is a regional leader in almost every category, from public safety to economic health.

Elite Safety and Strong Incomes

The county boasts a near-perfect safety score of 91.1 and an excellent water score of 86.0. This is supported by an income score of 81.6, reflecting a robust median household income of $78,036.

Tax and Housing Pressures

Despite its high overall score, the tax score of 32.6 indicates a moderate property tax burden. The cost score of 51.4 is average, suggesting housing is affordable but not remarkably cheap for the region.

The Gold Standard for Families

Mercer County is the ideal destination for families seeking the highest levels of safety and community stability. It offers a balanced, high-quality life that justifies its status as a top-ranked Ohio county.

Score breakdown

Tax32.6Cost51.4Safety91.1Health70.5Schools68.8Income81.6Risk68.4Water86Weather60.4
🏛32.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡68.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨81.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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61.3
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58.4
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47.9
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Deep Dives

Mercer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mercer County

via TaxByCounty

Mercer County's rate sits slightly below norm

At 1.078%, Mercer County's effective tax rate falls modestly below the national median of 1.3%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median annual tax of $2,249 on a $208,600 home reflects fairly typical property tax burden for the nation.

Mercer County ranks near Ohio's average

Mercer County's 1.078% rate sits just below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, making it slightly more affordable than typical for the state. The median tax of $2,249 is close to Ohio's state median of $2,145, indicating Mercer is representative of the statewide experience.

Mercer offers moderate rates in context

Mercer County's 1.078% falls between Marion County's 0.980% and Medina County's 1.287%, positioning it as a middle-ground option in the region. Its $2,249 annual bill is notably lower than Medina's $3,448 but higher than the lowest-tax counties nearby.

Median $209K home = $2,249 yearly tax

On Mercer County's median home value of $208,600, the 1.078% rate generates $2,249 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $2,232, while those owning outright pay approximately $2,272.

Moderate taxes still reward careful review

Mercer County homeowners shouldn't assume their assessments are accurate just because rates are moderate; systematic overvaluation affects counties regardless of tax level. Reviewing your assessment against recent comparable sales in your neighborhood could identify savings worth pursuing through the formal appeal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mercer County

via CostByCounty

Mercer County delivers exceptional affordability

Mercer County renters spend just 12.5% of their income on housing—well below the national 15% threshold—while earning $3,281 more than the U.S. median. This county ranks among America's most genuinely affordable places to rent.

Ohio's second-most affordable county

Mercer County's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Ohio's best, sitting nearly 3 percentage points below the state average of 15.6%. With median rent of $812 and strong wages of $78,036, Mercer delivers solid affordability across the board.

Best value in the region by far

Mercer County's $812 rent is the lowest in this analysis, and with median income of $78,036, residents enjoy the region's best affordability ratio. Compared to Medina County's wealthier but pricier market, Mercer offers genuine value.

Mercer's ideal housing math

The typical Mercer County household earning $78,036 annually allocates $812 to rent or $876 to mortgage payments monthly. Renters spend just 12.5% of income on housing while homeowners spend 13.4%—both well below the 15% threshold.

Mercer County rewards budget-conscious movers

If affordability is your top priority, Mercer County offers unbeatable value with low rents and solid wages. Compare its housing costs and income levels against neighboring counties to confirm it's the right fit for your relocation goals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mercer County

via IncomeByCounty

Mercer's income exceeds national averages

Mercer County's median household income of $78,036 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by more than $3,200, placing it slightly above the national norm. This solid performance reflects Mercer's position as an economically stable Ohio community.

Mercer exceeds Ohio's income benchmark

With a median household income of $78,036, Mercer County outpaces Ohio's state average of $68,101 by nearly $10,000, ranking it among the state's stronger-earning counties. The county's per capita income of $35,087 closely matches the state average of $35,642.

Mercer ranks solidly in the region

Mercer's $78,036 median household income positions it above Miami County ($74,175) and well above struggling peers like Marion County ($57,306) and Meigs County ($46,701), though it trails Medina County ($92,660) and Madison County ($83,229). The county anchors the upper-middle tier of regional earners.

Mercer offers strong housing affordability

Mercer County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.5% ranks among the healthiest, signaling excellent housing affordability despite a median home value of $208,600. Strong incomes and low housing cost burden create genuine financial stability for Mercer County households.

Mercer's solid foundation supports wealth growth

Mercer residents benefit from above-average incomes and reasonable housing costs that free up money for retirement savings, education, and investments. Strategic financial planning and consistent contributions to diversified portfolios can help Mercer families build substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mercer County

via CrimeByCounty

Mercer County Ranks Near Top for Safety

Mercer County is exceptionally safe, earning a near-perfect safety score of 99.8. Its total crime rate of 156.0 per 100,000 is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

One of Ohio's Safest Jurisdictions

Mercer's safety score of 99.8 far exceeds the state average of 97.8. With a total crime rate roughly nine times lower than the state average, it is a statewide leader in public safety.

Leading Its Peers in Security

Mercer County is even safer than Monroe County, which itself is highly secure with a rate of 208.9. It boasts far lower crime levels than Medina County's respectable 673.4.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

The violent crime rate is incredibly low at just 14.2 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also minimal at 141.8, reflecting an extremely secure environment across the county.

Keep Mercer County Safe

In such a safe community, residents can focus on preventative measures like smart locks and package delivery lockers. Staying vigilant and reporting unusual activity helps maintain this elite level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mercer County

via HealthByCounty

Mercer County exceeds U.S. health norms

At 77.4 years, Mercer County's life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average of 72.4 by 5.0 years, placing it among healthier American counties. Just 17.8% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 21%, indicating fewer chronic diseases and better health management. Mercer residents enjoy above-average longevity and wellness.

Well above Ohio's health average

Mercer County's 77.4-year life expectancy exceeds Ohio's 74.8-year average by 2.6 years, ranking it in the upper tier of the state. The 17.8% poor/fair health rate is well below Ohio's typical profile, and the 6.6% uninsured rate matches the state average, indicating good balance of access and outcomes. Mercer is among Ohio's healthier counties.

Second-healthiest in the region

Mercer County's 77.4-year life expectancy ranks second only to Medina County (79.0) by 1.6 years, and its 17.8% poor/fair health rate is the second-best after Medina's 14.9%. The county significantly outpaces struggling peers like Meigs (70.8) and Marion (73.7), separating itself as a regional health leader. Only Medina surpasses Mercer on major health metrics.

Moderate access supports strong outcomes

Mercer County offers 50 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, slightly above the peer average, and 108 mental health providers per 100,000, supporting dual care needs. The 6.6% uninsured rate means most residents can access providers, underpinning the county's strong health outcomes. Balanced provider supply and insurance coverage create conditions for health success.

Maintain coverage to sustain health

Mercer County's strong health outcomes depend on sustained insurance coverage; at 6.6% uninsured, there is still room to help more residents access care. If uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid and marketplace plans. Keeping continuous coverage ensures you can see Mercer's primary and mental health providers regularly.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mercer County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Network of 22 Schools

Mercer County's education system supports 8,279 students through 22 public schools across six districts. The infrastructure is well-distributed, featuring seven elementary, six middle, and seven high schools.

Exceptional Outcomes and State-Level Funding

Mercer County boasts an impressive 92.9% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 57.2 is higher than the state average, supported by per-pupil spending of $7,972.

Celina City Leads the Region

Celina City is the largest district by a wide margin, operating eight schools for 2,931 students. Traditional public schooling is the standard here, as the county currently hosts zero charter schools.

Rural Character with Mid-Sized Schools

Most schools are rural or located in small towns, with an average enrollment of 376 students. Celina High School is the largest individual school with 784 students, while many elementary schools serve between 500 and 600 children.

Invest in Mercer's Educational Excellence

High graduation rates and strong school scores make Mercer County an attractive option for homebuyers with children. Look into the Celina or Coldwater areas to find homes near some of the county's largest schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mercer County

via RiskByCounty

Mercer County's natural disaster risk

Mercer County scores 31.65 on the composite natural disaster risk scale, earning a Very Low rating—43% below Ohio's 55.03 state average. The county experiences substantially lower hazard exposure than most of its state peers across multiple disaster categories. Residents here enjoy some of Ohio's most favorable disaster risk conditions.

Among Ohio's safest counties

Mercer County ranks among Ohio's lowest-risk counties with its 31.65 composite score, well below the 55.03 state average. Only a handful of Ohio counties maintain lower overall risk profiles. This favorable positioning reflects geographic advantages and reduced exposure to the state's most common hazards.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Mercer County's 31.65 risk score outperforms nearby Marion County (61.10), Medina County (68.96), and Miami County (61.39). It ranks similarly to Madison County (24.90) and Monroe County (27.26) as one of northwest Ohio's safest communities. This clustering of low-risk counties reflects a regional advantage for disaster preparedness.

Earthquakes and tornadoes pose modest threat

Earthquake risk (73.82) and tornado risk (67.05) represent Mercer County's most significant hazards, though both remain manageable compared to higher-risk counties. Flood risk scores 42.08, while wildfire risk is minimal at 6.46. The county's overall low exposure means residents can focus on standard weather preparedness.

Basic homeowners coverage suffices

Standard homeowners insurance covering wind and hail damage adequately addresses Mercer County's modest tornado and severe weather exposure. While earthquake insurance is optional, the 73.82 score suggests discussing it with your agent. Flood insurance is a practical addition given the 42.08 flood risk, particularly if you live in a low-lying area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mercer County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Midwestern Climate Trends

Mercer County records an annual average temperature of 51.4°F, placing it right in line with the national median. This provides a balanced climate typical of the American interior.

Reflecting the Ohio Average

With an average temperature nearly identical to the state's 51.5°F, Mercer serves as a climatic benchmark for Ohio. It avoids the extremes found in the lake-effect north or the humid south.

Drier Fields in Western Ohio

The county sees 38.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than the Ohio average of 41.2 inches. This drier profile distinguishes Mercer from its eastern neighbors that face heavier rainfall.

Consistent Snow and Warm Summers

Mercer faces 28.8 inches of annual snowfall and a chilly January average of 26.2°F. Summer brings a July average of 73.4°F and 12 days where the thermometer hits 90°F or higher.

Balanced Seasonal Preparation Required

Residents should invest in both reliable snow tires for the 28.8 inches of snow and efficient cooling for the 12 extreme heat days. Managing the 38.9 inches of rain is generally straightforward compared to wetter state regions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mercer County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH for Agricultural Success

Mercer County's soil has a pH of 6.31, placing it near the national median of 6.5. This is considerably higher than the state average of 5.97, offering a versatile chemical base for various crops. The lack of specific taxonomic data doesn't hide the fact that this is high-performing soil.

High Clay and Silt Concentration

The soil is a heavy mix of 46.5% silt and 25.6% clay, with 24.6% sand. This composition is excellent for retaining nutrients and moisture over the long term. However, the high clay content can make the soil difficult to work when it is either too wet or too dry.

Strong Fertility and Water Retention

Mercer County features a 5.16% organic matter content, which exceeds the state average of 4.85%. Even more impressive is the available water capacity of 0.205 in/in, beating the state benchmark of 0.186. This makes the soil highly resilient against drought and excellent for thirsty crops.

Hydrologic Realities in the Region

Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the high clay and water capacity suggest the soil stays moist for long durations. Managed drainage is often a necessity for commercial farming in this part of the state. Those building new homes should ensure their grading allows for proper water runoff.

Ideal Conditions for Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone and near-neutral pH make Mercer County a gardener's dream for vegetables and flowers. Heavy feeders like broccoli and cabbage will thrive in these moisture-retentive, nutrient-rich soils. Now is the perfect time to start planning a high-yield garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mercer County

via LawnByCounty

Mercer County meets the state average

With a lawn difficulty score of 75.8, Mercer County offers a standard Ohio lawn care experience. It sits well above the national median of 50.0, suggesting that most residents can maintain a healthy lawn with routine care in this 6a zone.

Abundant energy for turf growth

The county sees 3,272 growing degree days and 12 extreme heat days, providing plenty of warmth for turf development. However, the annual precipitation of 38.9 inches is slightly below the state average, requiring supplemental water during the summer.

Balanced pH on a clay foundation

The soil pH of 6.31 is nearly perfect for lawn health, requiring very few chemical adjustments. While drainage data is limited, the 25.6% clay content suggests the soil holds onto moisture well but may be prone to compaction.

Severe drought demands water caution

Mercer County is facing a tough year with 29 weeks in drought and over 90% of the area in severe drought (D2+). You must adhere to local water restrictions and consider letting your grass go dormant to survive these extreme conditions.

Wait for the drought to break

While Kentucky bluegrass is a 6a favorite, wait for severe drought conditions to subside before seeding. Once conditions improve, the window between the April 27 spring frost and the October 19 fall frost is your best bet for success.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mercer County's county score?
Mercer County, Ohio has a composite county score of 65.5 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 Ohio?
Mercer County ranks #3 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Mercer County is $2,249, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Mercer County a tax score of 32.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mercer County?
The median household income in Mercer County, Ohio is $78,036 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mercer County earns an income score of 81.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mercer County, Ohio a good place to live?
Mercer County scores 65.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Ohio. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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