Mercersburg, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,725
-11.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,114/yr
-5.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
859
-2.3% year-over-year change

Mercersburg population

How many people live in Mercersburg

Mercersburg is home to 1,725 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Mercersburg locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
1,725
-11.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
838
Female
51.4%
887
Value Percent YoY change
Male 838 48.6% -11.1%
Female 887 51.4% -11.0%
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 Mercersburg is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.7% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.4% of the population, while another 30.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.7%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
20.4%
45 to 64
30.4%
Over 65
20.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 254 14.7% -13.3%
15 to 24 245 14.2% 18.4%
25 to 44 352 20.4% -22.6%
45 to 64 524 30.4% -16.4%
Over 65 350 20.3% -2.2%
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 Mercersburg, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.4% of locals are Caucasian, 3.6% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.5%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,663 96.4% -11.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 43 2.5% 16.2%
Non-citizens 19 1.1% -36.7%
Racial breakdown
White
86.4%
Black or African American
3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.8%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 1,490 86.4%
Black or African American 62 3.6%
Asian 15 0.9%
Two or more races 151 8.8%
Other 7 0.4%

Households in Mercersburg

A peek inside Mercersburg households

Mercersburg has 783 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.7% are families, while the remaining 45.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
783
-2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
355
Family households
428
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 355 45.3% 3.2%
Family households 428 54.7% -5.9%
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 Mercersburg

The housing landscape of Mercersburg

Mercersburg's housing consists of 859 units, with 59.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12.2% 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 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
859
-2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 508 59.1%
1 unit, attached 105 12.2%
2 units 73 8.5%
3 or 4 units 52 6%
5 to 9 units 28 3.3%
10 to 19 units 23 2.7%
20 to 49 units 51 5.9%
Mobile home 19 2.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Mercersburg

In Mercersburg, the median construction year is 1942. About 49.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 422 49.1% 2.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 36 4.2% 2.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 72 8.4% -1.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 76 8.8% -3.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 71 8.3% -14.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 65 7.6% -9.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 59 6.9% 31.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 47 5.5% -30.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 11 1.3% -15.4%
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.

Mercersburg occupancy rates

Out of the 783 occupied housing units in Mercersburg, 58.2% are owner-occupied, while 41.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
783
-2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
327
Owner occupied
456
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 327 41.8% 0.6%
Owner occupied 456 58.2% -3.8%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
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.

Mercersburg housing costs

Housing costs in Mercersburg come to a median of $949 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $804.

Median housing costs per month
$949/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 Mercersburg
$804/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 Mercersburg

Mercersburg education at a glance

About 55.2% of the population in Mercersburg went to high school, while 16.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.2% earned an associate degree and 10.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 43 3.1% -6.5%
High school diploma 775 55.2% -16.0%
College diploma 232 16.5% -10.8%
Associate degree 73 5.2% -7.6%
Bachelor's degree 146 10.4% 0.7%
Graduate degree 135 9.6% -0.7%
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 Mercersburg

How much people earn in Mercersburg

The average annual household income in Mercersburg was $84,207 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -10.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,114, reflecting a -5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Mercersburg
$84,207/year
-10.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Mercersburg
$66,114/year
-5.0% year-over-year change

Mercersburg income by age

In Mercersburg, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,688. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $88,077 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $62,813, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $35,250 in earnings. Overall, 89.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $62,813 50.1%
25 - 44 $74,688 -7.8%
45 - 64 $88,077 10.5%
Over 65 $35,250 -16.7%
Above poverty level
1,482
Below poverty level
174
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,482 89.5% -12.1%
Below poverty level 174 10.5% -7.5%

Average renter income in Mercersburg

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Mercersburg, their median household income was $45,893 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,893
Rent-to-income ratio
21%
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 Mercersburg

Workforce and job types in Mercersburg

The job market in Mercersburg is powered by 911 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 71.7% are employed by private companies, and 9.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
911
-15.5% year-over-year change
White collar
641
Blue collar
270
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 641 70.4% -11.3%
Blue collar 270 29.6% -23.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
71.7%
Governmental workers
9.2%
Not for profit companies
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 75 8.2% -28.6%
Private companies 653 71.7% -14.1%
Governmental workers 84 9.2% -9.7%
Not for profit companies 99 10.9% -17.5%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
-14.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Mercersburg stands at 4.8%, 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 Mercersburg

How people get around in Mercersburg

Commuting methods vary: 89.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 802 89.5% -10.4%
Walk 36 4% -63.3%
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 Mercersburg by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17236 8,845 3,492 $79,271 $100,143

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FAQs about Mercersburg demographics 

What is the total population of Mercersburg?

Mercersburg has a total population of 1,725 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 -11.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Mercersburg?

The gender ratio in Mercersburg is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (838 residents)
  • 51.4% females (887 residents)

What is the median age in Mercersburg?

The median age in Mercersburg is 45.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Mercersburg?

The age distribution in Mercersburg is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.7% (254 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (245 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.4% (352 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.4% (524 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.3% (350 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Mercersburg?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mercersburg is as follows:
  • White: 86.4% (1,490 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.6% (62 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (15 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.8% (151 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (7 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in Mercersburg.

How many housing units are there in Mercersburg?

There are 859 housing units in Mercersburg, reflecting a -2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Mercersburg has a total of 783 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Mercersburg?

Mercersburg has a median household income of $66,114, representing a -5.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.2% in Mercersburg, with a workforce of 911 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.4% (641 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.6% (270 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (75 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.7% (653 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.2% (84 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.9% (99 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