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 $1,031/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the North Dakota median of $954 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 32% of household income on rent, equal to the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Mercer County FMR Area are $949 for a studio, $956 for 1‑bedroom, $1,254 for 2‑bedroom, $1,504 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,660 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $223 increase for a 2-bedroom in Mercer County shows a 22% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Mercer County was 2.9% in 2024, compared to North Dakota at 2.4% and the national rate of 4.0%.
