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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 10.5% of the population. With 42,438 residents, Mercer County is a county in Ohio.
Median household income is $78,036, near the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 4.3%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $208,600, with typical rent around $812.
Roughly 22.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 3.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 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.