Special Interest
Housing in Mercer County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Mercer County averages $786/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Illinois median of $1,274 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 25% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Mercer County FMR Area are $869 for a studio, $986 for 1‑bedroom, $1,215 for 2‑bedroom, $1,593 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,934 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $429 increase for a 2-bedroom in Mercer County shows a 55% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Mercer County was 5.4% in 2024, compared to Illinois at 5.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
