Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.7 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.37 |
| Below Poverty | 17.5% ▲ 75% above avg |
| College Grads | 31.6% ▼ 19% below avg |
| Unemployment | 4.1% ▼ 16% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 472 (1.3%) |
| HS Graduate | 13,571 (36.7%) |
| Some College | 6,255 (16.9%) |
| Associates | 5,078 (13.7%) |
| Bachelors | 3,404 (9.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 8,213 (22.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $49,037 ▼ 36% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $122,661 ▼ 56% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $821/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 29,404 |
| Vacant Units | 4,988 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Mercer County is located in West Virginia and encompasses 20 ZIP codes spanning 19 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 59,019 residents. With a median age of 42.73, it is a middle-aged county.
Mercer County has a working-class economic profile. The median household income of $49,037 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, below the national average. The poverty rate of 17.5% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.
Housing in Mercer County is one of the more affordable housing markets in the country, with a median home value of $122,661 — well below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $821. Homeownership rates are high at 70.1%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Mercer County are primarily White (88.89%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 31.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average.
Mercer County, WV is a working-class area in West Virginia. The 20 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24712 | Athens | 2,554 | $64,565 | $178,300 | $1,020 | 4.1% | 54.0% |
| 24714 | Beeson | 210 | $71,161 | $276,600 | — | 22.2% | 74.2% |
| 24701 | Bluefield | 17,943 | $44,188 | $100,000 | $775 | 6.5% | 32.0% |
| 24715 | Bramwell | 230 | $61,250 | $230,900 | — | 0.0% | 24.3% |
| 25820 | Camp Creek | 495 | $93,289 | $330,200 | — | 0.0% | 34.5% |
| 25841 | Flat Top | 555 | $59,750 | $146,600 | — | 0.0% | 36.0% |
| 24724 | Freeman | 54 | $25,781 | $76,100 | — | 0.0% | 23.5% |
| 24729 | Hiawatha | 57 | $43,000 | — | — | 0.0% | 12.5% |
| 25971 | Lerona | 1,487 | $74,167 | $143,600 | — | 0.0% | 31.6% |
| 24736 | Matoaka | 724 | $42,803 | $38,000 | $565 | 0.0% | 20.8% |
| 24737 | Montcalm | 1,169 | $28,927 | $120,700 | $521 | 0.0% | 27.2% |
| 24739 | Princeton | 13,093 | $54,096 | $122,400 | $850 | 3.2% | 30.5% |
| 24740 | Princeton | 16,559 | $46,272 | $133,200 | $831 | 3.9% | 32.4% |
| 24747 | Rock | 3,551 | $45,421 | $99,700 | $914 | 1.1% | 12.4% |
| 25922 | Spanishburg | 71 | $2,499 | — | — | — | 36.5% |