Cost of Living in Mercer County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mercer County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mercer County, Illinois
Mercer rents beat national averages
Mercer County renters spend 12.7% of income on rent, comfortably below the national benchmark of roughly 15%. Though household income ($71,710) trails the U.S. median by $3,045, the county's low rents help offset that gap.
Mercer ranks among state's most affordable
At 12.7% rent-to-income, Mercer outperforms Illinois's 14.7% state average, with median rents of $757 standing below the state's $837 benchmark. This affordability advantage makes Mercer a standout for budget-conscious renters statewide.
Mercer offers lowest rents in the region
Mercer's $757 median rent edges out Menard County ($780) as this region's cheapest option, though Mercer households earn noticeably less ($71,710 vs. $81,334). For renters prioritizing lowest absolute housing costs over income security, Mercer delivers.
Housing takes modest bite here
Mercer residents dedicate 12.7% of income to rent and 15.8% to owner costs—both reasonable allocations. A median home value of $139,300 with $947/month mortgages keeps homeownership within reach for typical county households.
Mercer delivers affordable renting
If minimizing rent expense ranks first on your list, Mercer County offers Illinois's lowest-cost rentals without sacrificing basic income stability. Explore how far your rent dollar stretches here compared to higher-cost counties.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mercer County
Rent Burden
12.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,673
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Mercer County
Median home value is $139,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,112 vs. your max of $1,673.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.