2023 Mercer County, Kentucky Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Mercer County, Kentucky, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Mercer County, Kentucky Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Mercer County, Kentucky Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Mercer County, Kentucky
The following statistics highlight Mercer County, Kentucky population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 22,824
- Median Age (Total)
- 42.8 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 41.3 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 44.7 years
Mercer County, Kentucky Age Distribution Comparison with Kentucky 2023
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky age demographics with Kentucky to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 42.8 yrs | 39.3 yrs | +3.5 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 6.22% | 5.70% | +0.5pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 15.98% | 16.53% | -0.6pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 7.96% | 9.20% | -1.2pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 23.58% | 24.98% | -1.4pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 19.22% | 18.00% | +1.2pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 70.70 | 67.32 | +3.4 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 70.70
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 37.90 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 32.80 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Mercer County, Kentucky Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Mercer County, Kentucky
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Mercer County, Kentucky are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 18.20
- Diversity Tier
- very low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Kentucky
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky racial and ethnic demographics with Kentucky to understand regional diversity patterns.
Mercer County, Kentucky Diversity
18.20
very lowKentucky Diversity
34.45
lowRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 90.28% | 80.30% | +10.0pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 3.56% | 7.03% | -3.5pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 3.20% | 5.51% | -2.3pp |
| Two or More Races | 2.51% | 4.85% | -2.3pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.26% | 1.86% | -1.6pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.10% | 0.30% | -0.2pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.08% | 0.13% | -0.1pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.00% | 0.03% | -0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 18.20 | 34.45 | -16.25 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Mercer County, Kentucky Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Mercer County, Kentucky
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Mercer County, Kentucky, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $63,115 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 9,137
Income Comparison with Kentucky
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky household income with Kentucky to understand regional economic patterns.
Mercer County, Kentucky
$63,115
Kentucky
$64,526
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 14.01% | 15.18% | -1.2pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 11.71% | 12.39% | -0.7pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 14.95% | 11.46% | +3.5pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 18.61% | 17.63% | +1.0pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 28.90% | 28.54% | +0.4pp |
| $150,000 or more | 11.82% | 14.80% | -3.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Kentucky.
Mercer County, Kentucky Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Mercer County, Kentucky
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Mercer County, Kentucky, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $189,700
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 7,048 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Kentucky
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky property values with Kentucky to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Mercer County, Kentucky
$189,700
Kentucky
$226,000
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 7.62% | 5.07% | +2.5pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 2.62% | 4.04% | -1.4pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 9.61% | 10.10% | -0.5pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 34.48% | 24.48% | +10.0pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 39.88% | 46.07% | -6.2pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 5.43% | 9.66% | -4.2pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.35% | 0.58% | -0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Kentucky.
Mercer County, Kentucky Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Mercer County, Kentucky
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Mercer County, Kentucky, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 91.09%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 22.45%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 15,941
Education Level Comparison with Kentucky
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky educational attainment with Kentucky to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Mercer County, Kentucky
22.45%
Bachelor's+ in Kentucky
27.94%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 8.91% | 11.02% | -2.1pp |
| HS Graduate | 34.63% | 32.14% | +2.5pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 34.01% | 28.90% | +5.1pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 13.56% | 16.15% | -2.6pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 8.89% | 11.79% | -2.9pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 91.09% | 88.98% | +2.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Kentucky.
Mercer County, Kentucky Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Mercer County, Kentucky
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Mercer County, Kentucky, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 4.9%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 1,098
- Total Civilian Population
- 22,631
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Kentucky
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky health insurance coverage with Kentucky to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Mercer County, Kentucky
4.9%
Uninsured in Kentucky
6.8%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 2.6% | 1.9% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
| 18-34 years | 11.6% | 5.0% | 15.3% | 9.1% |
| 35-64 years | 9.8% | 4.3% | 9.1% | 7.0% |
| 65+ years | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.8% | 0.4% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Mercer County, Kentucky Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Mercer County, Kentucky
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Mercer County, Kentucky, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 98.1% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 203 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 441
Citizenship Comparison with Kentucky
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky citizenship and nativity with Kentucky to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Mercer County, Kentucky
98.1%
Citizenship in Kentucky
96.7%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 97.1% | 93.9% | +3.2pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.2% | -0.1pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.1% | 0.8% | -0.7pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 0.9% | 1.9% | -1.0pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 1.9% | 3.3% | -1.4pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 98.1% | 96.7% | +1.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Kentucky.
Mercer County, Kentucky Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Mercer County, Kentucky
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Mercer County, Kentucky, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 90.4%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.0%
- Work From Home Rate
- 8.8%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 10,159
Transportation Comparison with Kentucky
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky commuting patterns with Kentucky to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Mercer County, Kentucky
90.4%
Drove in Kentucky
86.3%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 90.4% | 86.3% | +4.1pp |
| Public transportation | 0.0% | 0.6% | -0.6pp |
| Bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | -0.2pp |
| Walked | 0.0% | 1.9% | -1.9pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 0.8% | 1.4% | -0.6pp |
| Worked from home | 8.8% | 9.5% | -0.7pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Kentucky.
Mercer County, Kentucky Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Mercer County, Kentucky
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Mercer County, Kentucky by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 10,235
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Kentucky
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky employment patterns with Kentucky to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Mercer County, Kentucky
4.0% (M) / 9.7% (F)
Government Employment in Kentucky
6.1% (M) / 8.6% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 44.5% F: 30.4% | M: 40.2% F: 30.6% | M: +4.3pp F: -0.2pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 1.6% F: 5.7% | M: 2.8% F: 6.2% | M: -1.2pp F: -0.5pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 4.0% F: 9.7% | M: 6.1% F: 8.6% | M: -2.1pp F: +1.1pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 2.9% F: 1.2% | M: 3.0% F: 2.2% | M: -0.1pp F: -1.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Kentucky.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Mercer County, Kentucky Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Mercer County, Kentucky
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Mercer County, Kentucky, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 1,343
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
387 veterans (28.8%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Kentucky
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky veteran demographics with Kentucky to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Mercer County, Kentucky
1,343
Total Veterans in Kentucky
235,118
- Mercer County, Kentucky: Vietnam Era Only (28.8%)
- Kentucky: Vietnam Era Only (32.7%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 28.8% (387) | 32.7% (76,918) | -3.9pp |
| Gulf War Only | 18.3% (246) | 15.5% (36,521) | +2.8pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 17.8% (239) | 6.2% (14,497) | +11.6pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 13.1% (176) | 14.9% (35,022) | -1.8pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 10.8% (145) | 16.3% (38,333) | -5.5pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 4.8% (64) | 7.5% (17,684) | -2.7pp |
| Korean War Only | 3.1% (42) | 3.5% (8,207) | -0.4pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 2.5% (33) | 1.3% (3,050) | +1.2pp |
| WWII Only | 0.8% (11) | 1.1% (2,703) | -0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Mercer County, Kentucky Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Mercer County, Kentucky
The following data categorizes families in Mercer County, Kentucky by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 7.2% (412 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 33.9% (1,941 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 58.9% (3,368 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Kentucky
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky poverty levels with Kentucky to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Mercer County, Kentucky
7.2%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Kentucky
11.5%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 7.2% (412) | 11.5% (137,063) | -4.3pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 33.9% (1,941) | 33.9% (402,929) | 0.0pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 58.9% (3,368) | 54.6% (649,977) | +4.3pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 3.4% | 5.5% | -2.1pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1.2% | 2.8% | -1.6pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 2.6% | 3.2% | -0.6pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 6.4% | 4.0% | +2.4pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 2.3% | 3.7% | -1.4pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.0% | 4.3% | -2.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Kentucky.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Mercer County, Kentucky SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Mercer County, Kentucky
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Mercer County, Kentucky, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 887 (9.71% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 649 (73.17% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 9,137
SNAP Participation Comparison with Kentucky
Compare Mercer County, Kentucky SNAP participation with Kentucky to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Mercer County, Kentucky
9.71%
887 householdsSNAP Participation in Kentucky
13.39%
249,767 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Mercer County, Kentucky | Kentucky | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 43.07% (382) | 3.27% (29) | 15.61% (38,990) | 9.34% (23,322) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 4.62% (41) | 0.90% (8) | 6.59% (16,458) | 2.94% (7,351) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 25.48% (226) | 0.00% (0) | 22.84% (57,053) | 6.49% (16,215) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.00% (0) | 22.66% (201) | 0.75% (1,868) | 35.44% (88,510) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 887 (9.71% of households) | 249,767 (13.39% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.