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Mercer County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#46 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
55.9
County Score
Property Tax 86.3Lawn Care 82.3Cost of Living 76.1

County Report Card

About Mercer County, West Virginia

Steady Performance Above the National Median

Mercer County holds a composite score of 55.9, which sits nearly six points above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a standard of living that is higher than many regions across the country.

A Mid-Tier West Virginia Option

Compared to the West Virginia average of 62.0, Mercer County has room for growth. It currently occupies a middle-ground position relative to its regional state peers.

Low Tax Burden and Affordable Living

Tax and cost scores drive the county's appeal, scoring 86.3 and 76.1 respectively. Homeowners benefit from a low 0.497% effective tax rate and median home values of $118,600.

Infrastructure and Health Needs Attention

Water infrastructure is a primary concern with a score of 14.9, while health outcomes score at 31.0. The Income Score of 10.8 reflects a median household income of $47,799.

A Value Play for Mountain Lovers

This county is a strong fit for individuals seeking a low tax burden in a scenic setting. It rewards residents who can bring their own employment or work remotely to capitalize on low housing costs.

2040608010086.376.147.23161.410.834.814.970Tax86.3Cost76.1Safety47.2Health31Schools61.4Income10.8Risk34.8Water14.9Weather7055.9/100
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 Property Tax (86.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (14.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86.3+34.3
Cost
76.1+28.099999999999994
Safety
47.2
Health
31-19
Schools
61.4
Income
10.8-40.2
Risk
34.8-12.200000000000003
Water
14.9-43.1
Weather
70+14
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Whether buying or refinancing in Mercer County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$118,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$813/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$118,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,799/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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57.4
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Raleigh County
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Wyoming County
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Tazewell County
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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 County matches West Virginia's state average

Mercer County's effective rate of 0.497% aligns precisely with West Virginia's state average, placing it in the lowest 10% nationally. The median property tax of $589 sits comfortably below the national median of $2,690.

Right at West Virginia's statewide standard

Mercer County's 0.497% rate matches West Virginia's state average exactly, making it a textbook example of typical statewide taxation. The median tax of $589 tracks well below the state median of $699, reflecting Mercer's lower median home values.

Moderate rates in the southern region

Mercer County's 0.497% rate falls between Monroe County (0.478%) and Mason County (0.535%), positioning it as a middle-ground option in its peer group. The median tax of $589 reflects balanced property valuations across the region.

Median home generates $589 annual tax

A typical Mercer County home valued at $118,600 produces an annual property tax of $589. Homeowners with mortgages generally pay approximately $777 when escrow is included.

Verify your assessment value today

Overassessed properties are widespread across West Virginia, including Mercer County. Contact your county assessor to request a reassessment if you believe your home is valued above its market price.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mercer County

via CostByCounty

Mercer County rents exceed national norms

Mercer County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% surpasses the national average of 16.9% by more than 200 basis points, signaling above-average housing stress. With a median income of $47,799 and median rent of $813/month, Mercer renters spend significantly more of their paychecks on housing than typical American households.

Above average burden for West Virginia

Mercer County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio places it in the upper tier of burden among West Virginia counties, worse than the state average of 16.9%. The combination of below-average income and above-average rents creates a particularly tough affordability squeeze for local renters.

Priciest rents, tightest income stretch

Mercer County's $813/month rent ties with Marshall County but exceeds nearby Mingo ($604) by $209 and Mason ($654) by $159, yet local incomes lag most neighbors. This unfavorable ratio makes Mercer County among the least desirable for renters seeking value in the southern region.

Rent demands more than ownership

Renters carry a $813/month burden (20.4% of income), while homeowners allocate $516/month (12.9%)—a $297 monthly gap that highlights the rental disadvantage. The median home value of $118,600 suggests ownership remains more affordable than renting for those with down-payment capacity.

Compare carefully before settling

Mercer County's combination of high rents and modest incomes makes it one of West Virginia's tougher housing markets—renters should explore nearby Mason or Mingo counties for better value. If considering relocation here, ensure job prospects justify the above-average cost of living.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mercer County

via IncomeByCounty

Mercer trails U.S. income median

Mercer County's median household income of $47,799 lags the national median of $74,755 by $26,956, placing the county in the lower income tier nationally. This gap is typical for rural Appalachian counties facing post-industrial economic transitions.

Below-average but stable statewide

Mercer County's $47,799 median income ranks below the West Virginia average of $54,746 by $6,947, positioning it in the lower-middle range of state counties. The county's performance reflects broader rural income challenges across the state.

Mid-range income among peers

Mercer County's $47,799 median income ranks above struggling McDowell County ($29,980) and Mingo County ($39,527), but trails Monroe County ($54,508) and Marshall County ($60,329). The county occupies a lower-middle position within its regional economy.

Housing costs pressure household budgets

Mercer County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds healthy affordability levels, meaning housing consumes one-fifth of median household earnings. With median home values at $118,600, homeownership remains accessible but requires disciplined financial management.

Strategic financial planning essential

Mercer County households earning $47,799 must carefully budget to create wealth-building capacity, potentially redirecting 5-8% of income to retirement and emergency savings. Working with financial counselors can help residents navigate housing constraints while building long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mercer County

via CrimeByCounty

Mercer Maintains a Strong Safety Standard

Mercer County maintains a solid safety score of 98.1, with a total crime rate of 1,184.3 per 100K. This is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5, positioning the county as a safe place to live.

An Active Hub in Southern West Virginia

Mercer's safety score sits just below the West Virginia state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,184.3 is slightly higher than the state average of 949.0, reflecting its role as a regional center.

A Middle Ground in Regional Safety

Mercer experiences more reported crime than McDowell's 386.0 per 100K but is much safer than Marshall’s 3,792.3. It strikes a balance between regional activity and the rural safety West Virginians expect.

Theft Outpaces Violent Crime Reports

Property crime totals 732.4 per 100K, while violent crime accounts for 451.9 incidents. Residents should focus on property protection, as theft is more common than violent encounters.

Visible Deterrents Discourage Local Crime

Enhancing your home's exterior with motion-sensor lights can effectively discourage property crime. Staying informed about neighborhood activity through local alerts adds an extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Mercer County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Wide-Reaching School Infrastructure

Mercer County maintains 25 public schools, including 16 elementary schools and four high schools. This extensive network serves 8,686 students, the largest enrollment among its immediate neighbors.

Solid Performance and Consistent Graduation

The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, nearly matching the state average and exceeding the national benchmark. With a school score of 56.0 and per-pupil spending of $7,671, the district focuses on efficient resource management.

Mercer County Schools Manages Thousands

The single district of Mercer County Schools oversees all 8,686 students across its 25 campuses. No charter schools exist in this county, ensuring a unified traditional public school experience for all residents.

A Mix of Town and Country Schools

The county features 16 schools in town settings and nine in rural areas, with an average school size of 362 students. Princeton Senior High School is the largest campus, serving 983 students.

Discover Homes in Thriving School Zones

Mercer County provides diverse educational settings from town centers to rural landscapes. Explore local real estate to find a home near one of the county’s sixteen elementary schools or major high school hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mercer County

via RiskByCounty

Mercer County significantly exceeds national average risk

Mercer County's composite risk score of 65.24 is 33% above West Virginia's state average of 49.21 and substantially above the national baseline. The county ranks in the upper tier nationally for overall disaster exposure, driven by multiple concurrent hazards.

Fifth-highest risk county in West Virginia

Mercer County ranks among West Virginia's most hazard-exposed counties, with its 65.24 score placing it in the top five statewide. Only McDowell, Mingo, Monongalia, and one other county carry comparably high or higher overall risk profiles.

Higher risk than Marshall, lower than McDowell

Mercer County's score of 65.24 exceeds Mason County (57.44) and Marshall County (56.81) to the north, but falls below McDowell County (76.65) to the south. The county occupies the mid-to-upper range among its regional peers.

Flood, earthquake, and wildfire are primary hazards

Mercer County's flood risk of 78.34 is the highest single hazard, followed by earthquake risk at 70.99—the second-highest in the state. Wildfire risk of 62.85 further elevates the county's overall exposure profile, while tornado and hurricane risks remain moderate.

Flood and earthquake insurance both recommended

Flood insurance is essential given the 78.34 flood risk score, particularly in floodplain areas. Earthquake insurance should be strongly considered as well, given the county's exceptionally high seismic score of 70.99—among the state's highest.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Mercer County

via WaterByCounty

Water systems receive a failing F grade

Mercer County reports 63 health violations over a five-year period, resulting in a failing grade for drinking water quality. The violation rate of 200.5 per 100,000 people exceeds the state average of 173.7. These numbers highlight significant challenges for the county’s aging water infrastructure.

Surface waters pass federal assessments

Data from the 2022 ATTAINS cycle shows that 0.0% of the 27 assessed water bodies in Mercer County are impaired. The county follows the state trend of zero recorded impairments for the current reporting period. Although tap water systems struggle, the underlying watershed health remains within federal limits.

Focus on inorganic and biological monitoring

Researchers have collected 600 measurements from 15 monitoring sites over the past five years. Data collection targets inorganic metals and biological counts to assess overall aquatic health. This monitoring provides a essential baseline for understanding how pollutants move through the county's streams.

Bluestone River flow significantly reduced

The USGS gauge on the Bluestone River near Spanishburg shows a flow of 86 cfs, representing only 41% of its typical volume. Low water levels reduce the river's ability to dilute natural or man-made pollutants. This trend can affect both the ecosystem and the quality of water available for treatment.

Stay alert during low-flow periods

The F-rated compliance signal combined with low Bluestone River levels increases the risk of concentrated contaminants. Residents should check for any 'boil water' advisories and consider using filters designed for heavy metal removal. Investing in a home water test kit can help you monitor quality during these low-flow events.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mercer County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Highlands and Above Average Snow

Mercer County's 51.9°F average temperature is cooler than the national median. It experiences a relatively dry climate for the east, with 42.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Among the State's Coolest Counties

The county stays nearly a full degree cooler than the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F. It is also drier than the state benchmark, falling 4.4 inches below the average precipitation of 47.0 inches.

The Snow Capital of the Southern Region

Mercer records 32.7 inches of snow annually, far exceeding the totals in nearby Logan or Lincoln. It is also much cooler in summer, seeing only 3 days of extreme heat per year.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winter Months

July is very moderate with a 70.6°F average and almost no days over 90°F. Winter is the main event, featuring 32.7 inches of snowfall and an average seasonal temperature of 33.9°F.

Winter Preparedness is the Top Priority

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment and winter tires are essential for the 32.7 inches of annual snow. Air conditioning is rarely needed as the county averages only 3 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mercer County

via SoilByCounty

Regional Character in the Southern Hills

Specific soil data for Mercer County remains sparse, though the region typically follows the state's trend toward acidic conditions. Without a recorded pH, gardeners should expect a profile lower than the 6.5 national median.

Testing for Site-Specific Texture

We lack specific measurements for the sand, silt, and clay ratios in this county. Understanding local workability requires individual testing, as West Virginia terrain varies wildly between ridge and valley elevations.

Natural Nutrients and High Benchmarks

Organic matter and water capacity figures are unavailable for Mercer at this time. To reach the state average of 21.03% organic matter, local growers often supplement their plots with compost and natural mulch.

Understanding Local Water Movement

There is no current data on the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for this area. It is important to observe local runoff patterns before starting large-scale agricultural or construction projects on the hillsides.

Mild Winters for Zone 7a

Mercer County's Zone 7a climate provides a warm environment for many temperate crops. This hardiness level encourages a long growing season for everything from tomatoes to flowering shrubs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mercer County

via LawnByCounty

West Virginia’s Top-Tier Lawn Score

Mercer County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 82.3, making it one of the most favorable counties for landscaping in the state. This Hardiness Zone 7a region provides nearly ideal conditions compared to the national average of 50.0.

One of the State’s Coolest Summers

With only 3 extreme heat days per year, Mercer County avoids the summer burnout that plagues other regions. The 42.6 inches of annual rainfall and 2935 growing degree days create a balanced environment for consistent turf growth.

Local Knowledge Drives Results

While detailed soil texture data is not recorded for this county, the surrounding region's success suggests a strong foundation. Residents should focus on maintaining organic matter to help the soil retain the 42.6 inches of rain that falls annually.

Resilience Through Steady Watering

Mercer County experienced 12 weeks of drought in the past year, but current conditions show no immediate threat. Applying about one inch of water per week during the 12-week dry season will help maintain the county's signature green look.

Planting for the 7a Zone

Thanks to the early April 30 last frost date, Mercer is perfect for high-quality Fine Fescue or Bluegrass mixes. Aim to finish your fall overseeding before the first frost on October 15 to ensure the roots are ready for winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mercer County's county score?
Mercer County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 55.9 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 West Virginia?
Mercer County ranks #46 among all counties in West Virginia 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, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Mercer County is $589, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Mercer County a tax score of 86.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mercer County?
The median household income in Mercer County, West Virginia is $47,799 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mercer County earns an income score of 10.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mercer County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Mercer County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in West Virginia. 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.