Mercer County
IL · Pop. 15,619 · Suburban County
Mercer County is a suburban county in Illinois, spanning 561 square miles with 15,619 residents at a density of 27.8 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $139,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.95% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 168-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.2°F and average winter lows of 15.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 37.3 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Genesis Medical Center Aledo is 0.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.3% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $139,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Genesis Medical Center Aledo, with an emergency room, is just 0.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low poverty rate of 7.9% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.95% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Mercer County, IL is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 60/100
- Median home price
- $139k
- Property tax
- 1.95%
- Growing season
- 168 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 37.3"
- Broadband
- 85.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Genesis Medical Center Aledo, 0.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Mercer County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Mercer County?
- Mercer County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 168-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.2°F, and average winter lows of 15.8°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $139,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.95%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Genesis Medical Center Aledo is 0.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Illinois Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Illinois
All Illinois countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Mercer County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.