Mercer County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 114th-largest in Missouri
The population of Mercer County, Missouri is 3,501 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 114th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $60,357, the median home value is $95,300, and the median age is 40.8.
The population of Mercer County has declined 8.4% since 2010 (3,770 → 3,452), a -0.63% annualized rate.
3,501
Population
-0.63%
Annual growth
8
People / sq mi
$60,357
Median Income
$95,300
Median Home Value
Mercer County covers 454 sq mi of land at 7.7 people per square mile.
About Mercer County, MO
In Mercer County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $95,300. Mercer County is a county in Missouri with a population of 3,501.
Median household income is $60,357, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.2%, below the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $95,300, with typical rent around $548.
College attainment is 17.9%, below the national 35.0%. About 13.7% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Mercer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mercer County had a population of 3,770 in 2010 and 3,452 in 2024, a -8.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,774 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.62%.
3,452
Population (2024)
3,770
Population (2010)
3,774
Peak (2011)
-0.62%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,770 |
| 2011 | 3,774 |
| 2012 | 3,708 |
| 2013 | 3,664 |
| 2014 | 3,682 |
| 2015 | 3,660 |
| 2016 | 3,654 |
| 2017 | 3,659 |
| 2018 | 3,625 |
| 2019 | 3,619 |
| 2020 | 3,512 |
| 2021 | 3,480 |
| 2022 | 3,469 |
| 2023 | 3,499 |
| 2024 | 3,452 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.8
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
21.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.4% · Seniors (65+): 21.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,357$-8,563 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,290 |
| Per-capita income | $26,940 |
| Poverty rate | 8.2%-0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mercer County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
72.4%
Public transit
13.7%
Work from home
24.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$95,300$-120,300 vs state
Median home value
$548
Median rent
79.1%
Homeownership rate
1,908
Total housing units
67.5%
Occupied
32.5%
Vacant
20.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.9%
With health insurance
88.0%
With broadband internet
35.0%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
15.8%
With a disability
94.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.6%
High School+
17.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mercer County, Missouri has a population of 3,501 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 114th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 8 people per square mile.
The population of Mercer County has declined 8.4% since 2010 (3,770 → 3,452), a -0.63% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mercer County, Missouri is $60,357, with mean (average) household income of $68,290 and per-capita income of $26,940. 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mercer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mercer County, Missouri is 40.8 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Mercer County is $95,300 and median monthly rent is $548. 79.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,908 total housing units, 32.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mercer County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Mercer County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Mercer County, MO Climate
Mercer County, MO has an average annual temperature of 10.6°C (51°F) and receives about 964 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.6°C
Avg Temp
964
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 31 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 32 mm |
| March | 4° / 40° | 67 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 92 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 118 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 109 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 114 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 105 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 109 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 80 mm |
| November | 4° / 40° | 62 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 45 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Mercer County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Mercer County, MO are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Mercer County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.