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
What distinguishes Mercer County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 8 people per square mile. With 8,341 residents, Mercer County is a county in North Dakota. It ranks #17 among counties in North Dakota by population.
The typical household earns $79,405 a year, near the US median of $78,538. About 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $196,200, with typical rent around $1,043.
Roughly 22.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 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.
Mercer County, ND Climate
Mercer County, ND has an average annual temperature of 5.6°C (42°F) and receives about 426 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.6°C
Avg Temp
426
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 10° | 10 mm |
| February | -8° / 18° | 9 mm |
| March | -2° / 29° | 18 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 46 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 62 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 86 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 61 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 43 mm |
| September | 15° / 58° | 41 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 25 mm |
| November | -2° / 28° | 14 mm |
| December | -9° / 15° | 11 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, ND
The most comfortable months to visit Mercer County, ND are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -18°C low). June 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.