Mercer County

Pennsylvania · PA

#34 in Pennsylvania
65.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Mercer County, Pennsylvania

Mercer Leads Regional Livability

Mercer County scores 69.0 on the composite index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. At the 72nd percentile nationally, Mercer ranks higher than roughly seven in ten U.S. counties on overall livability.

Among Pennsylvania's Best Counties

Mercer's score of 69.0 exceeds Pennsylvania's statewide average of 66.0 by 3 points, placing it in the upper tier of the state's counties. The county represents a strong livability option within Pennsylvania.

Tax-Friendly and Affordable Living

Mercer excels with the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 1.265%, earning a tax score of 66.7. The county also delivers strong housing affordability with a cost score of 82.2 and median home value of $153,600.

Modest Income Levels

Income remains a relative weakness, scoring 23.0 with a median household income of $60,614. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and water quality prevent a complete livability assessment.

Sweet Spot for Practical Homeowners

Mercer suits households seeking maximum tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs without premium prices. The county appeals to those who value financial stability and affordability over high-income opportunities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax66.7Cost82.2SafetyComing SoonHealth71.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome23Risk22.3WaterComing Soon
🏛66.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠82.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼23
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
71.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
22.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

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's tax rate is below U.S. average

Mercer County's effective tax rate of 1.265% sits slightly below the national median of 1.2%, placing it in the lower-to-middle tier of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,943 trails the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values and a relatively moderate tax rate. For homeowners seeking lower tax exposure, Mercer offers comparative relief.

Below Pennsylvania's state average

At 1.265%, Mercer's effective rate falls slightly below Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, ranking in the lower half of the state's 67 counties. This modest tax rate makes Mercer one of the more affordable counties in the state from a property tax perspective.

Most tax-friendly in its region

Mercer's 1.265% rate is the lowest among its neighbors, undercutting Lycoming (1.353%), Montour (1.030%), McKean (1.636%), and Monroe (1.839%). The county stands out as a relative tax haven in northcentral Pennsylvania, particularly attractive to price-sensitive homebuyers.

Median home generates $1,943 annual tax

A homeowner with Mercer's median property value of $153,600 pays approximately $1,943 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill may rise to $2,065; without one, it drops to $1,813, illustrating a moderate tax burden for the region.

Appeals can still provide modest savings

Even in lower-tax counties, overassessment occurs—some Mercer properties may be valued above fair market worth. Filing a reassessment request or formal tax appeal with the county could recover a few hundred dollars annually if your home is overvalued relative to recent comparable sales.

Cost of Living in Mercer County

via CostByCounty

Mercer stays slightly ahead nationally

Mercer County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio edges out the national standard, offering mild affordability advantages on a $60,614 median income. Rent averages $808 monthly, keeping housing costs lean for a county below the national income median.

Among Pennsylvania's most affordable

Mercer ranks near the top of Pennsylvania's affordability ladder with a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 16.5%. The county's $808 median rent reflects a consistent pattern of lower housing costs across western Pennsylvania.

The middle ground of northwest PA

Mercer's $808 rent sits between McKean ($769) and Lycoming ($887), while its $153,600 median home value bridges the gap between McKean's $98,700 and Lycoming's $195,600. The county offers a balanced third option for those exploring the region.

Balanced renting and ownership costs

Renters allocate $808 monthly (16% of $60,614 income) while homeowners pay $767 monthly (15.2%). This symmetry makes Mercer appealing for both demographics, with neither group overextended on housing.

Mercer splits the difference regionally

Seeking the sweet spot between McKean's rock-bottom costs and Lycoming's slightly higher values? Mercer offers balanced housing prices and ownership affordability across a stable regional job market.

Income & Jobs in Mercer County

via IncomeByCounty

Mercer household income well below national

Mercer County's median household income of $60,614 falls $14,100 short of the national median of $74,755, a 19% decline. This gap places Mercer among lower-income counties nationally, reflecting decades of industrial decline in northwest Pennsylvania.

Lowest-income county in this cohort

At $60,614, Mercer ranks notably below Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by roughly $9,000 per household. Its per capita income of $33,320 also underperforms the state average of $37,407, indicating widespread modest earning power.

Challenges shared across the region

Mercer's $60,614 income trails nearby Lycoming ($64,412), McKean ($61,705), and Mifflin ($61,415) counties. The county sits in a rust-belt region where manufacturing decline has created persistent challenges for household earnings and economic stability.

Affordable rents support stretched budgets

Mercer's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% shows housing remains manageable despite low incomes. The median home value of $153,600 offers modest homeownership opportunity, though it reflects a softened market tied to limited earning power.

Wealth-building requires deliberate action

With median household income at $60,614, Mercer residents must prioritize aggressive financial planning and asset accumulation. Taking advantage of low housing costs to build equity, combined with consistent saving and investment, can help households overcome regional economic headwinds.

Health in Mercer County

via HealthByCounty

Mercer residents face longevity gap vs. nation

Mercer County's 74.6-year life expectancy falls 4.4 years short of the U.S. average of 79 years, placing it among the nation's lower-performing counties. The 17.9% poor or fair health rate—the highest among counties examined here—signals a population struggling with chronic conditions and health management. This gap reflects both individual health behaviors and structural barriers to preventive and specialty care.

Pennsylvania's lower health tier by longevity

Mercer's 74.6-year life expectancy ranks in the bottom tier of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, trailing the state average of 76.4 years by 1.8 years. The uninsured rate of 7.0% matches the state average exactly, indicating typical coverage patterns in Pennsylvania. Primary care provider availability at 62 per 100K residents falls below state norms, creating access gaps for routine care.

Worst health outcomes in regional peer group

Mercer's 74.6-year life expectancy is among the lowest in its regional cluster, edged only by McKean (74.7) and far below Montour (77.5) and Lycoming (76.1). The county's 17.9% poor/fair health rate is the highest regionally, suggesting concentrated health challenges. Mental health provider density at 220 per 100K is respectable, but primary care shortages undermine overall system capacity.

Primary care shortage defines daily healthcare reality

With just 62 primary care providers per 100K residents, Mercer residents often delay routine check-ups and preventive screenings due to limited availability and long wait times. The 17.9% poor/fair health rate suggests many residents are already managing chronic conditions without regular doctor oversight. This gap between need and supply perpetuates the cycle of late-stage diagnoses and hospital emergencies.

Get insured—your health depends on it

With 7.0% of residents uninsured and provider shortages already straining the system, coverage becomes essential for navigating Mercer's constrained healthcare landscape. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Marketplace to explore plans that fit your budget and health needs. Insurance opens doors to the preventive and specialty care that could add years to your life.

Disaster Risk in Mercer County

via RiskByCounty

Mercer's risk exceeds national norms

With a composite risk score of 77.74, Mercer County faces above-average natural disaster exposure compared to typical U.S. counties. The county's "Relatively Low" rating indicates that while hazards are present, they remain manageable with appropriate preparation. Residents should prioritize protections for the hazards that score highest.

Above average for Pennsylvania

Mercer County's risk score of 77.74 exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it among the state's more vulnerable counties. The county's flood (87.88) and tornado (55.34) exposures drive much of this elevated ranking. Despite above-average risk, Mercer maintains a "Relatively Low" rating, meaning hazards are significant but not extreme.

Comparable risk to nearby counties

Mercer County's score of 77.74 is close to Lycoming County (79.58) and significantly higher than McKean County (53.78) to the east. It trails Monroe County (85.08) and Northampton County (90.01) but substantially exceeds Montour County (14.66). Mercer residents face similar challenge levels to those in Lycoming but greater safety than the state's highest-risk counties.

Flooding and tornadoes pose risks

Mercer County's flood risk score of 87.88 represents the county's most serious hazard—among the highest in Pennsylvania. Tornado exposure ranks second at 55.34, making severe thunderstorms a genuine seasonal concern. Wildfire risk is moderate at 36.35, adding another consideration for property owners in forested areas.

Prepare for flooding and storms

Flood insurance is essential in Mercer County given its 87.88 risk score; standard homeowners coverage excludes flood damage entirely. Install a safe room or underground shelter to protect your family during tornado season, typically spring and early summer. Maintain trees around your home to reduce wind damage risk during severe thunderstorms.

ByCounty Network

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