Violent Crime
270/100K
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.0%
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.0%
67% higher 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
Population97
Median Age54.8 yrs
Density441/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans83.0%
Economy
Per Capita$46,627
Unemployment6.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$68M
Commute23 min
Housing
Ownership92.2%
Zillow$129,700
Housing Units70
Rent Burden24.5%
Crime
F
Violent270/100K
Property2,489/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking13.6%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,931 ft (589 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.0%
High School+82.7%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute23 min
Broadband51.0%
EV Stations1
Is Mercer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mercer receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Mercer faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 6.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mercer is below the national average at 270 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,489 per 100,000, 27% above the national average.
Education
21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Mercer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Mercer has a population of 97 with a density of 441 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 54.8 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (87.6%), with 6.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.8% of residents, while 9.2% speak Spanish. 83.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.8yrs
Median Age
41% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.8%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.2%
31% below US avg
Per capita income is $46,627 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $701, 51% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 52 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $46,627 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $701 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,463 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.0% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 52 |
| County GDP | $68M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,700. Fair market rent ranges from $881 for a one-bedroom to $1,156 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 70 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. 24.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $875 |
| 1 Bedroom | $881 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,156 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,386 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,531 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.8% |
| Housing Units | 70 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
In Mercer, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 24.8% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 14.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 37.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mercer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 14.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 15,039/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.6% |
Mercer has a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 residents, 29% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,489 per 100,000, 27% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mercer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mercer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 270.1/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,489.3/100K |
| 27% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mercer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. 83% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,931 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.6°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,931 ft (589 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 441/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.4906°N, 100.7111°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sheridan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 83.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 6 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
252 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 43 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1956 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1955 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MCCLEAN BOTTOMS (6,421 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
53 km |
| 2002 |
BISRURAL2 |
1,649 |
97 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,492 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
RICE LAKE 1 |
1,150 |
64 km |
| 2007 |
ROBINSON SUNFLOWER |
1,115 |
45 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,062 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,049 |
92 km |
| 2005 |
KIMBALL BOTTOMS FIRE |
1,028 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Mercer has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").
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) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $869 |
| Toddler | $794 |
| Preschool | $735 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $638 |
| Toddler | $603 |
| Preschool | $607 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercer
What is the population of Mercer?
Mercer has a population of 97 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 441 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Mercer expensive to live in?
Mercer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Mercer safe?
Mercer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,489 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Mercer?
The unemployment rate in Mercer is 6.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $701. There are 52 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Mercer?
Schools in Mercer score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.0% of adults in Mercer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mercer?
The obesity rate in Mercer is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 37.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Mercer?
The average commute in Mercer is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mercer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mercer is 87.6% White, 6.2% Black or African American. 90.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.2% speak Spanish. 83.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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