IncomeBy County

Mercer County, West Virginia

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-13% vs. West Virginia average
$47,799
Median Household Income
$28,201
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$47,799
-13% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,201
-29% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
40.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#45 / 55
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Mercer County Compares

Mercer County$47,799
West Virginia Average$54,746
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$47,799
Median Household Income
$28,201
Per Capita Income
$118,600
Median Home Value
40.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Mercer County

Income Verdict

Mercer County has a median household income of $47,799 and per capita income of $28,201 — a gap of $19,598, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $813/month and a median household income of $47,799, rent consumes approximately 20.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $47,799, residents of Mercer County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $28,201 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Mercer County earns approximately 12.7% below the West Virginia state median household income of $54,746.

Data Story

About Household Income in Mercer County, West Virginia

Mercer trails U.S. income median

Mercer County's median household income of $47,799 lags the national median of $74,755 by $26,956, placing the county in the lower income tier nationally. This gap is typical for rural Appalachian counties facing post-industrial economic transitions.

Below-average but stable statewide

Mercer County's $47,799 median income ranks below the West Virginia average of $54,746 by $6,947, positioning it in the lower-middle range of state counties. The county's performance reflects broader rural income challenges across the state.

Mid-range income among peers

Mercer County's $47,799 median income ranks above struggling McDowell County ($29,980) and Mingo County ($39,527), but trails Monroe County ($54,508) and Marshall County ($60,329). The county occupies a lower-middle position within its regional economy.

Housing costs pressure household budgets

Mercer County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds healthy affordability levels, meaning housing consumes one-fifth of median household earnings. With median home values at $118,600, homeownership remains accessible but requires disciplined financial management.

Strategic financial planning essential

Mercer County households earning $47,799 must carefully budget to create wealth-building capacity, potentially redirecting 5-8% of income to retirement and emergency savings. Working with financial counselors can help residents navigate housing constraints while building long-term security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Mercer County, West Virginia?
The median household income in Mercer County, West Virginia is $47,799, 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 $28,201, 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 $47,799.
How does Mercer County compare to the West Virginia average?
Mercer County's median household income of $47,799 is lower than the West Virginia state average of $54,746. The per capita income is $28,201, compared to the state average of $30,335.
What is the per capita income in Mercer County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in Mercer County, West Virginia is $28,201, 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.
Is Mercer County a low-income area in West Virginia?
Mercer County's median household income of $47,799 is below the West Virginia average of $54,746. The per capita income of $28,201 is also lower than the state average of $30,335. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Mercer County rank for income in West Virginia?
Mercer County ranks #45 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $47,799 and per capita income of $28,201, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Mercer County

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Your income is above the Mercer County median

County median: $47,799 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-13%

vs. National Median

-36%

vs. Mercer County MedianAbout equal
vs. West Virginia Average▼ 13% below
vs. National Median▼ 36% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.9x

Your monthly income ($3,983) vs. median rent ($813/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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$47,785
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Iosco County
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$47,753
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Izard County
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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

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