Mercer
West Virginia

What stands out

Three things set Mercer County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (91 per 100,000), violent crime is in the top 3% of American counties (5.2 per 1,000), and life expectancy is in the bottom 4% of American counties (69.9 years). Within West Virginia it ranks 3rd of 55 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Mercer County, West Virginia. 59,530 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -190).

West Virginia has some of the lowest home prices in the country, a graduated income tax with rates cut sharply since 2023, and it fully exempts Social Security from tax starting with the 2026 tax year. Property taxes are low. The state has lost population in most years since 2012, and its economy still leans on coal, natural gas and, increasingly, outdoor recreation and remote-worker incentive programs.

Money

The typical household here brings in $46,409 a year, lower than 86% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,193. Unemployment runs 4.5%, higher than 81% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 22 minutes each way.

West Virginia takes 3.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,377 a year.

Home

The median home costs $149K, cheaper than 84% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $750 a month. Property tax is 0.50% of home value, roughly $578 a year on that median home, lower than 88% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 97% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 91 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 69.9 years, shorter than 96% of American counties. There are 113 active physicians in the county, about 19.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 7.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.64 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 89% of American counties. 86% 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. 53% of eligible voters turned out. Under West Virginia law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 52°F, highs near 63 and lows near 41, colder than 65% of American counties. About 38 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 44 out of 100, safer than 56% of American counties; the county has had 27 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 278 Mbps down, faster than 88% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.