Mercer County, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
385,864
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$100,645/yr
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
151,138
0.4% year-over-year change

Mercer County population

How many people live in Mercer County

Mercer County is home to 385,864 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Mercer County locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
385,864
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
190,728
Female
50.6%
195,136
Value Percent YoY change
Male 190,728 49.4% 0.6%
Female 195,136 50.6% 0.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Mercer County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 14.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 26.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
14.1%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
26.4%
Over 65
16%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 69,742 18.1% 0.9%
15 to 24 54,511 14.1% -0.2%
25 to 44 98,143 25.4% 1.0%
45 to 64 101,911 26.4% -0.4%
Over 65 61,557 16% 2.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Mercer County, 69.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 15.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 46.2% of locals are Caucasian, 18.4% are African American and 12.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
69.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
15.7%
Non-citizens
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 269,257 69.8% -1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 60,417 15.7% 1.9%
Non-citizens 56,190 14.6% 9.7%
Racial breakdown
White
46.2%
Black or African American
18.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.4%
Asian
12.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.8%
Other
10.8%
Value Percent
White 178,342 46.2%
Black or African American 71,211 18.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5,214 1.4%
Asian 48,018 12.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 68 0%
Two or more races 41,493 10.8%
Other 41,518 10.8%

Households in Mercer County

A peek inside Mercer County households

Mercer County has 144,114 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.5% are families, while the remaining 34.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
144,114
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
49,708
Family households
94,406
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 49,708 34.5% 2.5%
Family households 94,406 65.5% 1.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Mercer County

The housing landscape of Mercer County

Mercer County's housing consists of 151,138 units, with 47.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 20.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
151,138
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 71,825 47.5%
1 unit, attached 30,446 20.1%
2 units 6,401 4.2%
3 or 4 units 6,606 4.4%
5 to 9 units 6,099 4%
10 to 19 units 12,002 7.9%
20 to 49 units 5,978 4%
50 or more units 10,920 7.2%
Mobile home 801 0.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 60 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,298
87.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Mercer County

In Mercer County, the median construction year is 1969. About 17.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 27,117 17.9% -5.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 8,363 5.5% -12.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 22,640 15% -2.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 19,470 12.9% -0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 19,445 12.9% 8.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 19,004 12.6% 2.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 12,864 8.5% 2.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13,610 9% 6.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7,327 4.8% 0.8%
Built in 2020 or later 1,298 0.9% 87.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Mercer County occupancy rates

Out of the 144,114 occupied housing units in Mercer County, 62.2% are owner-occupied, while 37.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
144,114
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
54,545
Owner occupied
89,569
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 54,545 37.8% 1.2%
Owner occupied 89,569 62.2% 2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
4.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Mercer County housing costs

Housing costs in Mercer County come to a median of $1,780 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,623.

Median housing costs per month
$1,780/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Mercer County
$1,623/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Mercer County

Mercer County education at a glance

About 30.2% of the population in Mercer County went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 22.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 14,435 4.8% 6.8%
High school diploma 90,750 30.2% 0.9%
College diploma 53,992 17.9% -4.2%
Associate degree 17,139 5.7% -2.5%
Bachelor's degree 68,615 22.8% 1.5%
Graduate degree 56,105 18.6% 3.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Mercer County

How much people earn in Mercer County

The average annual household income in Mercer County was $142,368 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $100,645, reflecting a +4.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Mercer County
$142,368/year
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Mercer County
$100,645/year
4.5% year-over-year change

Mercer County income by age

In Mercer County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $108,133. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $124,965 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,242, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $69,906 in earnings. Overall, 89.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,242 10.6%
25 - 44 $108,133 5.1%
45 - 64 $124,965 4.5%
Over 65 $69,906 4.1%
Above poverty level
327,027
Below poverty level
37,248
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 327,027 89.8% 1.7%
Below poverty level 37,248 10.2% -6.5%

Employment in Mercer County

Workforce and job types in Mercer County

The job market in Mercer County is powered by 190,020 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.1% run their own businesses, 65.4% are employed by private companies, and 15.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
190,020
2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
156,194
Blue collar
33,826
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 156,194 82.2% 2.0%
Blue collar 33,826 17.8% 2.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.1%
Private companies
65.4%
Governmental workers
15.2%
Not for profit companies
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 15,441 8.1% 4.0%
Private companies 124,326 65.4% 1.4%
Governmental workers 28,938 15.2% 2.6%
Not for profit companies 21,315 11.2% 4.2%
Unemployment rate
6.3%
5.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Mercer County stands at 6.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Mercer County

How people get around in Mercer County

In Mercer County, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 69% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
-1.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 127,205 69% -0.6%
Taxicab 1,489 0.8% 17.3%
Bus or trolleybus 2,568 1.4% -8.0%
Subway or elevated 442 0.2% N/A
Railroad 5,152 2.8% -14.3%
Motorcycle 167 0.1% 11.3%
Bicycle 1,133 0.6% -8.0%
Walk 6,570 3.6% 3.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Mercer County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
08520 29,504 10,974 $118,010 $145,372
08525 4,522 1,903 $165,324 $202,225
08530 8,119 3,596 $120,467 $185,443
08534 13,272 4,995 $175,573 $219,141
08540 50,388 18,609 $176,983 $241,691
08542 2,533 1,264 $105,524 $146,002
08550 21,067 7,817 $224,213 $270,773
08560 3,245 1,333 $128,516 $172,668
08561 325 129 $0 $96,705
08608 1,250 653 $61,201 $59,302

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FAQs about Mercer County demographics 

What is the total population of Mercer County?

Mercer County has a total population of 385,864 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Mercer County?

The gender ratio in Mercer County is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (190,728 residents)
  • 50.6% females (195,136 residents)

What is the median age in Mercer County?

The median age in Mercer County is 39.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Mercer County?

The age distribution in Mercer County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (69,742 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.1% (54,511 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (98,143 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.4% (101,911 residents)
  • Over 65: 16% (61,557 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Mercer County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mercer County is as follows:
  • White: 46.2% (178,342 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.4% (71,211 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.4% (5,214 residents)
  • Asian: 12.4% (48,018 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (68 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.8% (41,493 residents)
  • Other: 10.8% (41,518 residents)

What percentage of the population in Mercer County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 69.8% of the population in Mercer County.

How many housing units are there in Mercer County?

There are 151,138 housing units in Mercer County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Mercer County and what is the average household size?

Mercer County has a total of 144,114 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Mercer County?

Mercer County has a median household income of $100,645, representing a +4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Mercer County?

The employment rate is 93.7% in Mercer County, with a workforce of 190,020 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.2% (156,194 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.8% (33,826 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.1% (15,441 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.4% (124,326 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.2% (28,938 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.2% (21,315 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025