Mercer County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in North Dakota
The population of Mercer County, North Dakota is 8,341 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $79,405, the median home value is $196,200, and the median age is 42.8.
The population of Mercer County has declined 0.8% since 2010 (8,418 → 8,348), a -0.06% annualized rate.
8,341
Population
-0.06%
Annual growth
8
People / sq mi
$79,405
Median Income
$196,200
Median Home Value
Mercer County covers 1,043 sq mi of land at 8.0 people per square mile.
About Mercer County, ND
Mercer County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 8,341. It ranks #17 among counties in North Dakota by population. The median age is 42.8, older than the national median. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The median household income in Mercer County is $79,405, above the US median of $74,580. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $196,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,043. The homeownership rate of 80.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mercer County reflects 22.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.4 minutes each way.
Mercer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mercer County had a population of 8,418 in 2010 and 8,348 in 2024, a -0.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,790 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.05%.
8,348
Population (2024)
8,418
Population (2010)
8,790
Peak (2015)
-0.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,418 |
| 2011 | 8,424 |
| 2012 | 8,474 |
| 2013 | 8,589 |
| 2014 | 8,712 |
| 2015 | 8,790 |
| 2016 | 8,634 |
| 2017 | 8,470 |
| 2018 | 8,291 |
| 2019 | 8,228 |
| 2020 | 8,348 |
| 2021 | 8,336 |
| 2022 | 8,333 |
| 2023 | 8,322 |
| 2024 | 8,348 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.8
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
21.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.0% · Seniors (65+): 21.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $79,405+$3,456 vs state |
| Mean household income | $94,487 |
| Per-capita income | $40,062 |
| Poverty rate | 7.5%+1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mercer County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
88.0%
Public transit
4.7%
Work from home
18.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$196,200$-44,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,043
Median rent
80.5%
Homeownership rate
4,657
Total housing units
77.2%
Occupied
22.8%
Vacant
19.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.0%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
23.6%
Foreign-born
8.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.8%
With a disability
93.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.4%
High School+
22.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Dakota
Other counties in North Dakota
Part of North Dakota
Metro areas in North Dakota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mercer County, North Dakota has a population of 8,341 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 8 people per square mile.
The population of Mercer County has declined 0.8% since 2010 (8,418 → 8,348), a -0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mercer County, North Dakota is $79,405, with mean (average) household income of $94,487 and per-capita income of $40,062. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mercer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.7%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mercer County, North Dakota is 42.8 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in Mercer County is $196,200 and median monthly rent is $1,043. 80.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,657 total housing units, 22.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mercer County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Mercer County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
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Statewide data for North Dakota
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Dakota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.