Mercer County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Mercer County, Ohio, had a population of approximately 42,528. The racial composition was predominantly White at around 96.6%, with small percentages of other groups, including African American (0.6%), Asian (0.3%), and Hispanic or Latino (2.4%). The median household income was about $59,711, and the poverty rate stood at 7.2%. The population density was roughly 89 people per square mile. The age distribution showed 24.1% under 18, 59.8% aged 18-64, and 16.1% 65 and older. The county seat is Celina.

As of the latest data, Mercer County, OH, has a median home value of approximately $170,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $600 per month. The homeownership rate is 78%, and the vacancy rate stands at about 6%. The area has a mix of single-family homes and rental properties, catering to various income levels. Property taxes are relatively low, with an average rate of 1.1% of home value. Real estate trends indicate moderate growth with a steady demand for housing.

Mercer County, Ohio, conducts elections for various local, state, and federal positions. As of the latest data:

1. Voter Registration: Approximately 28,000 registered voters.
2. Recent Turnout: Around 70% for presidential elections, 40-50% for midterms and local elections.

Key positions include:

• County Commissioner: Recent candidates include Jerry Laffin (R) and Amy Denney (D).
• County Auditor: Incumbent, Randy Grapner (R), re-elected.
• Sheriff: Jeff Grey (R), incumbent.
• Prosecuting Attorney: Randy L. Meyer (R).

State and national positions encompass Ohio House and Senate members, and U.S. Congresspersons.

Next Election: Upcoming municipal elections feature races for mayors, city council members, and local judges. Check the Mercer County Board of Elections website for specific candidate lists and detailed voting information.

In Mercer County, OH, approximately 90.4% of adults have a high school diploma or higher, slightly below the national average of 91.0% and Ohio's state average of 90.9%. About 19.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of 32.1% and Ohio’s average of 28.3%. School district performance metrics like graduation rates tend to be above state averages, with some high schools reporting graduation rates over 95%. However, higher education attainment lags behind both state and national levels, reflecting a more local or trade-focused workforce.

As of the most recent data, Mercer County, OH, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 65% and an unemployment rate around 2.9%, notably lower than the national average of around 3.7% and Ohio's state average of approximately 4.1%. The county employs roughly 24,000 individuals across various sectors.

Top industries in Mercer County include manufacturing, which employs around 40% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of about 8.5% and the Ohio state average of 12.5%. Other key sectors are healthcare and social assistance (14%), retail trade (11%), and educational services (~9%).

These figures highlight Mercer's strong manufacturing presence compared to broader employment trends, suggesting a robust industrial base driving local employment.

As of the latest available data, Mercer County, OH has a median household income of approximately $61,000. For comparison, the median household income in Ohio is around $58,000, while the national median household income stands at approximately $68,700. This positions Mercer County's median income slightly above the state average but below the national average.

Income Comparison Table:

Mercer County's income levels suggest a relatively stable economic standing within the state but indicate potential for improvement compared to the broader national landscape.

As of the most recent data, Mercer County, OH, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county registered a crime rate of approximately 1,678 per 100,000 residents. Below is a table summarizing the types of crimes and their occurrences:

Mercer County’s crime rate is significantly lower than national and state averages, reflecting its relatively safe and secure community environment.