Mercer County, Missouri

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,179 km² (455 mi²). 1,176 km² (454 mi²) of it is land and 3 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.22% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 3,757 people, 1,600 households, and 1,089 families residing in the county. The population density is 3/km² (8/mi²). There are 2,125 housing units at an average density of 2/km² (5/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 98.72% White, 0.19% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.03% from other races, and 0.45% from two or more races. 0.29% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,600 households out of which 28.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.60% are married couples living together, 6.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.90% are non-families. 29.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 17.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.31 and the average family size is 2.83.

In the county the population is spread out with 23.00% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 24.20% from 25 to 44, 24.00% from 45 to 64, and 22.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $29,640, and the median income for a family is $35,313. Males have a median income of $26,690 versus $19,814 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,140. 13.30% of the population and 10.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 13.30% are under the age of 18 and 14.50% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Mercer
• Princeton
• South Lineville