Cost of Living in Mercer County, North Dakota
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 #539 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mercer County, North Dakota
Mercer County faces affordability headwinds
Mercer County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national standard of 12%, indicating housing costs that consume a larger share of income than typical. At $1,043 monthly rent against a median household income of $79,405, renters here face tighter budget constraints than national norms.
Mercer County ranks among the least affordable
With a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio, Mercer County significantly outpaces the North Dakota state average of 12.8%, making it one of the state's costlier rental markets. Its median rent of $1,043 represents a 35% premium over the state's $770 median.
Mercer's costs rival other energy-region counties
Mercer County's $1,043 rent closely tracks Morton County at $1,036 and McKenzie County at $1,153, reflecting shared economic pressures in the state's energy corridor. All three counties push significantly above the state median, though Mercer sits in the middle range.
Mercer dedicates 16% of income to housing
Renters pay $1,043 monthly while homeowners pay $794, creating an unusual gap suggesting rental market tightness relative to owner costs. On a $79,405 median income, the 15.8% rent-to-income ratio leaves limited flexibility for other priorities.
Mercer demands careful housing budget planning
If relocating to Mercer County, factor its 15.8% rent-to-income ratio into your budget planning, as housing costs run 23% above the state average. Compare it against more affordable counties like McIntosh or McHenry if housing cost is a primary consideration.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mercer County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Mercer County is affordable. The median rent is $1,043/month against a median household income of $79,405, putting rent at 15.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,043/month rent versus $794/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $249/month cheaper — a 24% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,029/year. With a median household income of $79,405, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Mercer County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Mercer County sits 6% less expensive than Williams County ($1,108/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mercer County
Rent Burden
15.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,853
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Mercer County
Median home value is $196,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,566 vs. your max of $1,853.
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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