Mercer County, Ohio Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 57th-largest in Ohio
The population of Mercer County, Ohio is 42,438 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 57th-largest county in Ohio. The median household income is $78,036, the median home value is $208,600, and the median age is 39.1.
The population of Mercer County has grown 4.6% since 2010 (40,791 → 42,648), a +0.32% annualized rate.
42,438
Population
+0.32%
Annual growth
92
People / sq mi
$78,036
Median Income
$208,600
Median Home Value
Mercer County covers 462 sq mi of land at 91.8 people per square mile.
About Mercer County, OH
Mercer County is a county in Ohio with a population of 42,438. It ranks #57 among counties in Ohio by population. The median age is 39.1, in line with the national median. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The median household income in Mercer County is $78,036, near the US median of $74,580. 4.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $208,600, with monthly rent averaging $812. The homeownership rate of 79.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mercer County reflects 22.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.1 minutes each way.
Mercer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mercer County had a population of 40,791 in 2010 and 42,648 in 2024, a 4.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 42,648 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.32%.
42,648
Population (2024)
40,791
Population (2010)
42,648
Peak (2024)
0.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 40,791 |
| 2011 | 40,720 |
| 2012 | 40,710 |
| 2013 | 40,623 |
| 2014 | 40,739 |
| 2015 | 40,735 |
| 2016 | 40,768 |
| 2017 | 40,889 |
| 2018 | 40,986 |
| 2019 | 41,255 |
| 2020 | 42,532 |
| 2021 | 42,387 |
| 2022 | 42,403 |
| 2023 | 42,448 |
| 2024 | 42,648 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.1
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
18.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 22.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $78,036+$8,356 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,650 |
| Per-capita income | $35,087 |
| Poverty rate | 4.3%-4.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mercer County is manufacturing, accounting for 29.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
87.5%
Public transit
3.7%
Work from home
19.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$208,600+$9,400 vs state
Median home value
$812
Median rent
79.6%
Homeownership rate
18,023
Total housing units
90.3%
Occupied
9.7%
Vacant
20.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.3%
With health insurance
92.4%
With broadband internet
10.5%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
10.1%
With a disability
98.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.7%
High School+
22.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Ohio
Other counties in Ohio
Part of Ohio
Metro areas in Ohio
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mercer County, Ohio has a population of 42,438 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 57th-largest county in Ohio. Population density is 92 people per square mile.
The population of Mercer County has grown 4.6% since 2010 (40,791 → 42,648), a +0.32% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mercer County, Ohio is $78,036, with mean (average) household income of $90,650 and per-capita income of $35,087. 4.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mercer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mercer County, Ohio is 39.1 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in Mercer County is $208,600 and median monthly rent is $812. 79.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,023 total housing units, 9.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mercer County, Ohio is manufacturing, employing 29.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.2%.
Columbus is among the largest cities associated with Mercer County, Ohio, with a population of 906,480.
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Statewide data for Ohio
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Ohio
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.