Home Value
$9,999
96% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
855/100K
125% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% 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
Population61
Median Age60.3 yrs
Density35/mi²
Male / Female66% / 34%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans61.0%
Economy
Per Capita$41,775
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,331M
Housing
Home Value$9,999
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$195,559
Housing Units67
Rent Burden30.6%
Crime
F
Violent855/100K
Property1,140/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking16.1%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain57.8 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation420 ft (128 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+52.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.00
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Broadband50.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
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 unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Mercer faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mercer is $9,999, 96% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
With 855 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,140 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 52.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Mercer enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Mercer has a population of 61 with a density of 35 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 60.3 years, 55% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.4% female and 65.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 61.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.3yrs
Median Age
55% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $41,775. The average weekly wage is $1,439. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 412 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $41,775 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,439 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,445 |
| Gini Index | 0.471 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 412 |
| County GDP | $1,331M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 51 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,547 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 25.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Mercer is $9,999, 96% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,559, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 67 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $2,547 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $9,999 |
| 96% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $195,559 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 67 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,547 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 25.47% |
In Mercer, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 15.2% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,424. The dentist ratio is 1:4,388. 49.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mercer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,424 |
| Dentists | 1:4,388 |
| Mental Health | 1:17,328 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 16,656/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Mercer has a violent crime rate of 855 per 100,000 residents, 125% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,140 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 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 | 854.7/100K |
| 125% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,139.6/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mercer enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 301 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 57.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 420 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (5°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.2°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 420 ft (128 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 35/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.4745°N, 89.0394°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Haywood County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Kellar-Sipes Regional (MKL)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.8"
52% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
311 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
141 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
108 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
114 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
85 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
95 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
90 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
96 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
82 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
96 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
105 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
96 km |
| Jan 8, 1993 |
6 km WSW of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Aug 25, 2015 |
9 km W of Henning, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
62 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
9 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Aug 29, 1990 |
9 km WSW of Central, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
65 km |
| Apr 28, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
470 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 212 fatalities, 1,698 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF5 |
97 km |
3 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
72 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
5 km |
11 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF4 |
19 km |
6 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| Apr 19, 1970 |
EF4 |
84 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
53 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
62 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
95 km |
17 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
73 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
23 km |
38 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
89 km |
16 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
41 km |
9 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2010 |
EF3 |
76 km |
3 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
32 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
124 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: C-55 CHILLI LAKE (3,555 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
C-55 CHILLI LAKE |
3,555 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,152 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
C-39 EAST CHEWALLA |
3,107 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,031 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,848 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,248 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 51/52/53 |
2,182 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 42 |
2,142 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB10 11 12 14 |
1,977 |
68 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,785 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
HOLLY SPRINGS RX |
1,780 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
HSRD 47 1 2 RX |
1,634 |
82 km |
| 2015 |
BURN BLOCK 58 PISGAH RD |
1,464 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,298 |
71 km |
| 2015 |
YELLOW RABBIT |
1,274 |
71 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,259 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
BURN BLOCK 61 COLLIER RD |
1,254 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
HOLLY SPRINGS - BB41 |
1,254 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 35/37/38 |
1,243 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
HOLLY SPRINGS - BB 20/21 |
1,239 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (5°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
5.4 in |
|
Mercer has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 40°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.7 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.4") and October the driest (3.0").
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) |
$230 ($138–$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184–$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735–$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138–$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368–$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138–$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676–$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368–$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055–$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460–$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595–$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838–$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735–$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184–$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919–$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76–$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30–$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30–$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76–$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68–$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103–$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551–$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460–$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184–$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368–$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595–$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercer
What is the population of Mercer?
Mercer has a population of 61 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 35 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.4% female and 65.6% male.
Is Mercer expensive to live in?
Mercer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $9,999 (96% below the U.S. median).
Is Mercer safe?
Public safety is a concern in Mercer, with a violent crime rate of 855 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,140 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mercer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mercer?
Mercer enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Mercer?
The job market in Mercer is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,439. There are 412 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Mercer?
The median home value in Mercer is $9,999. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,559. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,547.
How are the schools in Mercer?
Schools in Mercer have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 19.7% of adults in Mercer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 52.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mercer?
The obesity rate in Mercer is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,424.
What are the demographics of Mercer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mercer is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 61.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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