Median Income
$39,583
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$58,100
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
115/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.1%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$399
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Mercer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population359
Median Age50.2 yrs
Density970/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans11.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$39,583
Per Capita$33,572
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty0.0%
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$58,100
Rent$399
Ownership63.4%
Zillow$117,464
Housing Units234
Rent Burden20.4%
Crime
F
Violent115/100K
Property2,109/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking19.1%
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Sunny Days267/yr
Elevation968 ft (295 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.1%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations1
Is Mercer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mercer receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Mercer has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mercer is $39,583, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mercer is $58,100, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $399 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Mercer is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,109 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Mercer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 267 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Mercer has a population of 359 with a density of 970 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 50.2 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 11.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.2yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
The median household income in Mercer is $39,583, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,572 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,583 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,572 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Mercer is $58,100, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,464, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $399 (66% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $677 for a one-bedroom to $888 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 234 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. 20.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $58,100 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $117,464 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $399 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $677 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $888 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,235 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.6% |
| Housing Units | 234 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
In Mercer, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Mercer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 27.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
Food & Exercise
Mercer has a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,109 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. Overall, Mercer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mercer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 115.4/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,109.4/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mercer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 267 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. The area receives 4.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 968 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 267 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 968 ft (295 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 970/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4095°N, 93.5789°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
387 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 192 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
38 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
9 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY E (897 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Mercer has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Mercer. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercer
What is the population of Mercer?
Mercer has a population of 359 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 970 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Mercer expensive to live in?
Mercer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $39,583, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $58,100 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $399 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mercer safe?
Mercer is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,109 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mercer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mercer?
Mercer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 267 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 4.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Mercer?
The job market in Mercer is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mercer?
The median home value in Mercer is $58,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,464. For renters, the median monthly rent is $399. Fair market rent is $677 for a 1-bedroom and $888 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.4%.
How are the schools in Mercer?
Schools in Mercer score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.1% of adults in Mercer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mercer?
The obesity rate in Mercer is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 27.7% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Mercer?
The average commute in Mercer is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mercer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mercer is 90.3% White. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 11.6% of the population are military veterans. 7.0% of residents have a disability. 85.0% have health insurance coverage.
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