Cost of Living in Mercer County, Ohio
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 #233 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mercer County, Ohio
Mercer County delivers exceptional affordability
Mercer County renters spend just 12.5% of their income on housing—well below the national 15% threshold—while earning $3,281 more than the U.S. median. This county ranks among America's most genuinely affordable places to rent.
Ohio's second-most affordable county
Mercer County's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Ohio's best, sitting nearly 3 percentage points below the state average of 15.6%. With median rent of $812 and strong wages of $78,036, Mercer delivers solid affordability across the board.
Best value in the region by far
Mercer County's $812 rent is the lowest in this analysis, and with median income of $78,036, residents enjoy the region's best affordability ratio. Compared to Medina County's wealthier but pricier market, Mercer offers genuine value.
Mercer's ideal housing math
The typical Mercer County household earning $78,036 annually allocates $812 to rent or $876 to mortgage payments monthly. Renters spend just 12.5% of income on housing while homeowners spend 13.4%—both well below the 15% threshold.
Mercer County rewards budget-conscious movers
If affordability is your top priority, Mercer County offers unbeatable value with low rents and solid wages. Compare its housing costs and income levels against neighboring counties to confirm it's the right fit for your relocation goals.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mercer County
Affordability Verdict
Mercer County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $812/month — about 12.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $812/month rent versus $876/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $64/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,543/year. With a median household income of $78,036, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Mercer County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Mercer County sits 7% more expensive than Crawford County ($761/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mercer County
Rent Burden
12.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,821
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Mercer County
Median home value is $208,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,665 vs. your max of $1,821.
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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Counties with Similar Housing Costs
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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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