Cost of Living in Mercer County, Missouri
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, Missouri
Mercer's rent burden beats the nation
Mercer County residents spend just 10.9% of their income on rent, well below the national sweet spot of 12-15%. This means renters here have significantly more breathing room in their budgets compared to typical American households.
Most affordable county in Missouri
With a rent-to-income ratio of 10.9%, Mercer ranks as one of Missouri's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 15.6%. Residents here enjoy some of the strongest housing affordability in the Show-Me State.
Cheaper rent than surrounding areas
Mercer's median rent of $548/month is $220 less than the state average of $768, and significantly below nearby counties like Miller ($724) and Moniteau ($766). This affordability advantage makes Mercer an attractive option for budget-conscious renters in central Missouri.
Where Mercer's housing dollars go
The typical Mercer household earns $60,357 annually, spending $548/month on rent or $636/month on mortgage payments. Combined with other costs, housing consumes roughly 11-13% of median household income, leaving substantial income for savings and other expenses.
Consider Mercer for affordability
If you're relocating and prioritizing housing affordability, Mercer County delivers exceptional value with sub-$550 rents and home values around $95,300. The combination of low rental costs and manageable homeownership expenses makes this a smart choice for budget-minded families.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mercer County
Rent Burden
10.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,408
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Mercer County
Median home value is $95,300. Estimated monthly cost: $761 vs. your max of $1,408.
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.