Mercer County, Illinois

Income Data

+5% vs. Illinois average
$71,710
Median Household Income
$36,295
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$71,710
+5% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$36,295
-8% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
51.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Illinois
#30 / 102
by median household income

How Mercer County Compares

Mercer County$71,710
Illinois Average$68,580
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$71,710
Median Household Income
$36,295
Per Capita Income
$139,300
Median Home Value
51.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Mercer County, Illinois

Mercer slightly trails national median

Mercer County's median household income of $71,710 falls about $3,045 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it near the national average. The county sits just 4.1% below the U.S. benchmark.

Above state average but modest gains

Mercer County earns $71,710 against Illinois's state average of $68,580, a $3,130 advantage representing 4.6% higher income. The county ranks in the middle tier among Illinois counties.

Mid-range among regional peers

Mercer's $71,710 sits between Moultrie County ($71,676) and Ogle County ($79,244), but trails Monroe County ($101,635) significantly. The county earns modestly more than Morgan County ($65,175) and considerably more than Montgomery County ($61,863).

Tight but manageable housing costs

At 12.7%, Mercer's rent-to-income ratio approaches the 30% affordability threshold, indicating moderate housing cost burden. Median home values of $139,300 remain accessible, though residents should budget carefully.

Strategic savings build Mercer prosperity

With income tracking national averages, Mercer households benefit from disciplined budgeting and consistent retirement contributions. Focus on reducing debt and establishing an emergency fund to strengthen long-term financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Mercer County, Illinois?
The median household income in Mercer County, Illinois is $71,710, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Mercer County?
The per capita income in Mercer County is $36,295, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $71,710.
How does Mercer County compare to the Illinois average?
Mercer County's median household income of $71,710 is higher than the Illinois state average of $68,580. The per capita income is $36,295, compared to the state average of $36,009.
What is the per capita income in Mercer County, Illinois?
The per capita income in Mercer County, Illinois is $36,295, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Mercer County income higher than the Illinois average?
Mercer County's median household income of $71,710 is higher than the Illinois average of $68,580. This difference of $3,130 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Mercer County rank for income in Illinois?
Mercer County ranks #30 out of 102 counties in Illinois by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $71,710 and per capita income of $36,295, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $71,710 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. National Median4% below

Income Adequacy

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.