Mercer
Ohio

What stands out

Three things set Mercer County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the school test score is in the top 3% of American counties (3.56 where 3.0 is grade level), the share working from home is in the bottom 10% of American counties (3%), and the uninsured rate is in the bottom 10% of American counties (6.0%). Within Ohio it ranks 3rd of 88 counties for the school test score.

Where you are

You live in Mercer County, Ohio. 42,321 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.0% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -224).

Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax on income over $26,050 and exempts Social Security. Cities and school districts can add their own income taxes, so the total rate depends on the municipality. Home prices are well below the national average in all three major metros. Ohio has allowed permitless concealed carry since June 2022 and legalized recreational marijuana by ballot in 2023.

Money

The typical household here brings in $73,278 a year, higher than 80% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,671. Unemployment runs 2.7%, lower than 76% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 18 minutes each way.

Ohio takes 1.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,299 a year.

Home

The median home costs $276K, pricier than 63% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $768 a month. Property tax is 1.07% of home value, roughly $2,055 a year on that median home, higher than 64% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 70% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 14 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.0 years, longer than 75% of American counties. There are 42 active physicians in the county, about 9.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 6.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.53 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 97% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 60 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 79% of eligible voters turned out. Under Ohio law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 51°F, highs near 61 and lows near 42, colder than 70% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 58 out of 100, riskier than 58% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 169 Mbps down, slower than 64% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries.