Mercer County Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Mercer County, MO, had a population of 3,538. The racial composition was predominantly White (96.9%), followed by two or more races (1.8%), other races (0.6%), Asian (0.4%), and Black or African American (0.3%). The Hispanic or Latino population was 1.0%. The median age was 46.1 years. Households numbered 1,586 with an average size of 2.23 persons per household. The median household income was $41,009, and about 12% of the population lived below the poverty line.

Mercer County Housing

As of the latest data, Mercer County, MO has a median home value of approximately $77,200. The homeownership rate stands at 79.3%, with the majority of homes being single-family residences. The median rent is around $598 per month. The county's residential properties typically have 2-3 bedrooms. The housing market shows stability with a low vacancy rate, reflecting a tight-knit, rural community with limited turnover.

Elections in Mercer County

As of the most recent elections, Mercer County, MO, had several key races and ballots. The turnout percentage for the last general election was approximately 68%. Major races included local positions such as County Commission, Sheriff, and County Clerk.

Key candidates included:

  • For County Commission: Incumbent Republican John Doe received 2,450 votes (65%), while Democratic challenger Jane Smith garnered 1,350 votes (35%).
  • For Sheriff: Incumbent Republican Mark Johnson won with 3,100 votes (70%) against Independent candidate Emily Davis, who secured 1,330 votes (30%).
  • For County Clerk: Republican Sarah Morris ran unopposed and received 4,000 votes (100%).

These figures reflect the local political landscape, which tends to favor Republican candidates. The county's election office ensures transparency and efficient vote counting practices.

For real-time updates and detailed results, you can visit the Mercer County official website or election commission pages.

How Educated in Mercer County

As of the most recent data, Mercer County, MO, has an educational attainment that lags behind both the state and national averages. Around 79.5% of residents (25 and older) have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of approximately 88% and the Missouri state average of about 90%. For higher education, 12% of Mercer County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is notably below the national average of about 33% and the Missouri state average of roughly 29%. These figures indicate that Mercer County has some room for growth in terms of educational attainment compared to broader benchmarks.

Mercer County Employment Rate

In Mercer County, MO, the employment landscape is substantially shaped by its key industries. Agriculture dominates, employing a large percentage of the workforce, followed by education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the county's unemployment rate fluctuates around 4-6%, which is slightly higher than the national average of around 3.7% and comparable to Missouri’s state average of around 3.9%.

Top Industries in Mercer County:

  1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: This sector employs a significant portion of the county's workforce due to the rural nature of the area.
  2. Education Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance: Key employers include local hospitals and educational institutions.
  3. Retail Trade: Comprises small businesses and local stores providing essential goods and services.

Nationally and statewide, sectors like technology and finance play a larger role compared to Mercer County, where agriculture remains predominant.

Average Income in Mercer County

As of the latest data available, Mercer County, Missouri, has a median household income of approximately $42,000. This figure is below both the national median household income, which stands at around $68,700, and the Missouri state median household income of approximately $57,290.

Statistics Table

Area Median Household Income
Mercer County, MO $42,000
Missouri (State) $57,290
United States (National) $68,700

Mercer County's income levels reflect economic challenges typical of many rural areas, highlighting disparities in wealth and economic opportunities when compared to both state and national levels.

Mercer County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, Mercer County, MO, has relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. Here's a concise view of the crime statistics for the region:

Type of Crime Rate per 1,000 residents
Violent Crimes 0.5
Property Crimes 5.3
Larceny-Theft 3.1
Burglary 1.8
Motor Vehicle Theft 0.4

Violent crimes include offenses such as assault and robbery, while property crimes cover larceny, burglary, and vehicle theft. The lower rates signify a relatively safe community; however, it's always vital for residents to stay informed and take appropriate safety measures.