Mercer County Demographics

As of 2022, Mercer County, NJ, has a population of approximately 387,340. The median age is 40.6 years, with 51.6% female and 48.4% male residents. Racial and ethnic composition is 51.4% White, 22.2% Black or African American, 12.7% Asian, and 18.1% Hispanic or Latino (of any race); individuals may identify with more than one category. The county’s diverse demographic reflects its status as a central hub in New Jersey.

Mercer County Elections

Mercer County, NJ, has about 267,000 registered voters as of 2023, with Democrats comprising roughly 54%, Republicans 15%, and unaffiliated/others 31%. The county conducts general, primary, school board, and special elections, with 2022 turnout at 52%. Joe Biden won 70% of the vote in 2020. There are 85 polling locations across 12 municipalities. Issues include school funding, property taxes, and public transit. The Mercer County Board of Elections administers voting, ensuring compliance and accessibility. The main political parties active are Democratic and Republican, with Democrats dominating recent county-level results.

Mercer County Housing

Mercer County, NJ, has a median home value of about $345,000 and a median monthly rent of around $1,500. Homeownership rates are near 62%, with rentals concentrated in Trenton and Hamilton. Housing types range from historic rowhomes in Trenton to suburban single-family homes in Princeton and West Windsor. Popular neighborhoods include Princeton, Lawrenceville, and Robbinsville. Property values have risen roughly 5% year-over-year (2023–2024). Property taxes average $8,700 annually, varying by township. The area offers diverse options, from urban apartments to expansive suburban developments.

Employment in Mercer County

As of 2023, Mercer County, NJ, has an employment rate of approximately 63%. The largest employment sectors are education and health services (29%), followed by professional and business services (17%), and government (15%). Major occupations include management, business, science, and arts (42%), and sales and office (22%). About 76% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 28 minutes; 11% use public transport. Key employment centers are Trenton, Princeton, and surrounding municipalities. Nearly 37% of residents work within the county, while others commute to New York and Philadelphia metros.

Education in Mercer County

Mercer County, NJ, boasts over 20 public high schools and several private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of approximately 93%. Around 48% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The county is home to top-rated universities like Princeton and The College of New Jersey. School safety scores are above state averages, with incidents per 1,000 students lower than the statewide figure of 1.2. Mercer offers robust adult education and vocational programs, while public school academic ratings consistently rank above New Jersey’s 74% proficiency average in math and reading.

Mercer County Crime & Safety

Mercer County, NJ, reported a crime rate of approximately 15.2 incidents per 1,000 residents in 2022. Violent crimes, including aggravated assault and robbery, accounted for about 2.3 per 1,000, while property crimes such as burglary and theft were at 12.9 per 1,000. Compared to the statewide average, Mercer experienced slightly higher property crime but lower violent crime rates. The county utilizes online reporting for non-emergency incidents and emphasizes community policing to enhance safety. Local law enforcement collaborates with residents to maintain vigilance and improve response times.