Counties › Illinois

Cost of Living in Mercer County, IL

Population 15,495 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$786
Median home value$146,700
Median household income$74,182

The median rent in Mercer County, IL is $786/month, 38% lower than the Illinois median and 44% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $146,700, 56% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $74,182 a year, 11% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 12.7%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $31,440/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 2.0×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $742/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Mercer County vs. Illinois vs. U.S.

Mercer CountyIllinoisU.S.
Median rent$786$1,274$1,413
Median home value$146,700$263,300$332,700
Median household income$74,182$83,390$80,734
Homeownership rate83.8%67.1%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher20.9%37.8%35.7%
Poverty rate8.9%11.8%12.5%
Unemployment rate3.2%5.8%5.2%
Work from home10.1%15.9%15.1%
Median age44.739.038.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Mercer County, IL?

The median gross rent in Mercer County, IL is $786 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Mercer County, IL?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $31,440 a year in gross income.

Is Mercer County, IL expensive to live in?

Rent there is 44% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 2.0 times the median household income.

Other counties in Illinois

Cook County, ILRent $1,435 · Income $83,498DuPage County, ILRent $1,688 · Income $112,096Lake County, ILRent $1,477 · Income $110,416Will County, ILRent $1,462 · Income $109,984Kane County, ILRent $1,453 · Income $103,163McHenry County, ILRent $1,401 · Income $104,802

Counties with a similar cost of living

Gaines County, TXRent $789 · Income $74,132Osage County, KSRent $785 · Income $74,467Ray County, MORent $782 · Income $74,573Jones County, IARent $784 · Income $73,531Oconto County, WIRent $791 · Income $75,049Lyon County, MNRent $781 · Income $75,303

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

Explore more

Wix Alternatives for Small Businesses & Freelancers (2026)Best Web Hosting for First-Time Site Owners (2026)Mortgage Payment CalculatorDiscount CalculatorPlay: Tide Pool PopPlay: Orbit Dodge
Get the best finds weekly

New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.