Median Income
$69,583
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$210,400
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
64/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.2%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$784
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
36% lower than US avg
How Mercersburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,940
Median Age46.3 yrs
Density2,156/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,583
Per Capita$40,321
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty7.9%
County GDP$8,379M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$210,400
Rent$784
Ownership59.3%
Zillow$283,577
Housing Units920
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent64/100K
Property2,248/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary385/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
UninsuredN/A
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain35.6 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation547 ft (167 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.2%
High School+88.8%
Graduate+9.9%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute29 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Mercersburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mercersburg receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Mercersburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mercersburg is $69,583, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mercersburg is $210,400, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $784 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Mercersburg is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,248 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Mercersburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Mercersburg has a population of 1,940 with a density of 2,156 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 46.3 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. The city is predominantly White (90.1%), with 3.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 17.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.3yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mercersburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mercersburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mercersburg is $69,583, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,321. The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,466 business establishments, including 288 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mercersburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,583 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,321 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,390 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,466 |
| County GDP | $8,379M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 288 |
| Healthcare | 343 |
| Retail | 454 |
| Manufacturing | 201 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,983 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in Mercersburg is $210,400, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,577, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $784 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 920 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $4,983 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $210,400 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $283,577 |
| Median List Price | $424,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $424,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $144 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $784 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.7% |
| Housing Units | 920 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,983 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.37% |
In Mercersburg, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628. The dentist ratio is 1:2,149. 73.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mercersburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,628 |
| Dentists | 1:2,149 |
| Mental Health | 1:727 |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,611/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 343 |
Mercersburg has a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 64.2, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,248 per 100,000, 15% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,863, burglary at 385, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mercersburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mercersburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 64.2/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 64.2/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,247.9/100K |
| 15% above US avg |
| Burglary | 385.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,862.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 37 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mercersburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 302 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 35.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 547 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.4°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 547 ft (167 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,156/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8319°N, 77.9029°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hagerstown Regional/Richard A Henson Field (HGR) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.6"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 25, 2021.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
76 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
57 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
85 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
84 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
109 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
132 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
99 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
120 km |
| Mar 10, 1993 |
3 km WSW of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.5 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
299 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 52 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1994 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1992 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1990 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Nov 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1989 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAR DEN (945 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
66 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Mercersburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 32°F in February to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Mercersburg. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercersburg
What is the population of Mercersburg?
Mercersburg has a population of 1,940 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 2,156 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
Is Mercersburg expensive to live in?
Mercersburg has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,583, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $210,400 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $784 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mercersburg safe?
Mercersburg is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,248 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mercersburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mercersburg?
Mercersburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Mercersburg?
Mercersburg has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 3,466 business establishments in the area, including 288 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mercersburg?
The median home value in Mercersburg is $210,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,577. For renters, the median monthly rent is $784. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,983.
How are the schools in Mercersburg?
Schools in Mercersburg score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.2% of adults in Mercersburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. 9.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mercersburg?
The obesity rate in Mercersburg is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 73.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628.
What is transportation like in Mercersburg?
The average commute in Mercersburg is 29 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mercersburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mercersburg is 90.1% White, 3.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.6% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.