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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mercer County ranks #367 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 12%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mercer County
Affordability Verdict
Mercer County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $757/month — about 12.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Mercer County pay $757/month on average, compared to $947/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,586/year. With a median household income of $71,710, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Mercer County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Mercer County is less affordable than Fulton County by roughly 6% ($757/mo vs $808/mo).
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
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.
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