Mercer, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,006
8.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,054/yr
4.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
993
6.5% year-over-year change

Mercer population

How many people live in Mercer

Mercer is home to 2,006 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.4% of Mercer locals are male, and 54.6% are female.

Total population
2,006
8.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.4%
911
Female
54.6%
1,095
Value Percent YoY change
Male 911 45.4% 11.4%
Female 1,095 54.6% 6.4%
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 is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.6% are children under 15, then 8.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.6%
15 to 24
8.6%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 453 22.6% 17.4%
15 to 24 173 8.6% 24.5%
25 to 44 526 26.2% 6.9%
45 to 64 469 23.4% 6.6%
Over 65 385 19.2% -1.3%
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, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 4.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,982 98.8% 8.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 24 1.2% -4.0%
Racial breakdown
White
91.7%
Black or African American
3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,839 91.7%
Black or African American 73 3.6%
Two or more races 94 4.7%

Households in Mercer

A peek inside Mercer households

Mercer has 915 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.6% are families, while the remaining 42.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
915
7.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
388
Family households
527
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 388 42.4% 0.3%
Family households 527 57.6% 13.3%
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

The housing landscape of Mercer

Mercer's housing consists of 993 units, with 51.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% 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 2.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
993
6.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 509 51.3%
1 unit, attached 45 4.5%
2 units 71 7.2%
3 or 4 units 112 11.3%
5 to 9 units 86 8.7%
10 to 19 units 26 2.6%
20 to 49 units 123 12.4%
Mobile home 21 2.1%
Homes built since 2020
6
20.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Mercer

In Mercer, the median construction year is 1947. About 43.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 429 43.2% 4.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 100 10.1% 156.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 123 12.4% 10.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 42 4.2% 121.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 85 8.6% -19.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 98 9.9% -22.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 59 5.9% 13.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 32 3.2% -49.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 19 1.9% N/A
Built in 2020 or later 6 0.6% 20.0%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 915 occupied housing units in Mercer, 51% are owner-occupied, while 49% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
915
7.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
448
Owner occupied
467
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 448 49% 14.6%
Owner occupied 467 51% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
7.9%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Mercer come to a median of $736 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $660.

Median housing costs per month
$736/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
$660/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

Mercer education at a glance

About 47% of the population in Mercer went to high school, while 15.7% pursued college studies. Another 16.3% earned an associate degree and 12.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 24 1.6% -38.5%
High school diploma 705 47% 7.0%
College diploma 236 15.7% -8.2%
Associate degree 245 16.3% 20.7%
Bachelor's degree 192 12.8% 22.3%
Graduate degree 97 6.5% -3.0%
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

How much people earn in Mercer

The average annual household income in Mercer was $85,108 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,054, reflecting a +4.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Mercer
$85,108/year
12.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Mercer
$47,054/year
4.9% year-over-year change

Mercer income by age

In Mercer, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,139. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,990 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,205, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,000 in earnings. Overall, 83.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,205 N/A
25 - 44 $75,139 1.9%
45 - 64 $53,990 44.5%
Over 65 $40,000 18.5%
Above poverty level
1,671
Below poverty level
327
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,671 83.6% 7.9%
Below poverty level 327 16.4% 16.0%

Average renter income in Mercer

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Mercer, their median household income was $16,392 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 48.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$16,392
Rent-to-income ratio
48.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Mercer

Workforce and job types in Mercer

The job market in Mercer is powered by 804 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.7% run their own businesses, 72.3% are employed by private companies, and 11.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
804
17.2% year-over-year change
White collar
581
Blue collar
223
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 581 72.3% 16.0%
Blue collar 223 27.7% 20.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6.7%
Private companies
72.3%
Governmental workers
11.3%
Not for profit companies
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 54 6.7% 28.6%
Private companies 581 72.3% 20.8%
Governmental workers 91 11.3% -8.1%
Not for profit companies 78 9.7% 21.9%
Unemployment rate
8.0%
25.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Mercer stands at 8%, 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

How people get around in Mercer

Commuting methods vary: 86.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 687 86.4% 14.3%
Walk 11 1.4% 120.0%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
16137 12,490 4,539 $71,250 $87,489

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FAQs about Mercer demographics 

What is the total population of Mercer?

Mercer has a total population of 2,006 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 +8.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Mercer?

The gender ratio in Mercer is as follows:
  • 45.4% males (911 residents)
  • 54.6% females (1,095 residents)

What is the median age in Mercer?

The median age in Mercer is 38.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Mercer?

The age distribution in Mercer is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.6% (453 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.6% (173 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (526 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (469 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.2% (385 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Mercer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mercer is as follows:
  • White: 91.7% (1,839 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.6% (73 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.7% (94 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.8% of the population in Mercer.

How many housing units are there in Mercer?

There are 993 housing units in Mercer, reflecting a +6.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Mercer has a total of 915 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Mercer?

Mercer has a median household income of $47,054, representing a +4.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92% in Mercer, with a workforce of 804 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.3% (581 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.7% (223 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.7% (54 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.3% (581 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.3% (91 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.7% (78 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