Mercer Public RecordsNorth Dakota

As of the 2020 Census, Mercer County, ND, had a population of 8,350. The median age was 44.9 years, with 23% under 18 and 22% aged 65 or older. About 51% of residents were male and 49% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (94.2%), followed by Native American (3.1%), and small percentages of other races. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 1.7% of the population.

Mercer County, ND, with a population of about 8,400, had 5,600 registered voters in 2022. Administered by the County Auditor’s office, it conducts primary, general, and special elections at 8 polling locations such as the Beulah Civic Center. In the 2020 presidential election, 78% voted Republican and 19% Democrat. Major issues include energy regulations and rural infrastructure. North Dakota does not require party registration, and voter turnout for recent elections averaged 65%. Both Democratic-NPL and Republican parties operate locally, though Republicans maintain a strong majority across county offices.

Mercer County, ND, boasts a high homeownership rate of about 80%, with median home values around $185,000 in 2023 and typical monthly rents near $900. The housing market is stable, with prices rising modestly by 2% annually. Single-family homes dominate, though some multi-family units exist, mainly in Beulah and Hazen neighborhoods. Property taxes average 1.02% of assessed value; for a $185,000 home, taxes approximate $1,887 yearly. The area features quiet rural communities and small towns, offering affordable, spacious housing.

As of 2022, Mercer County, ND had an employment rate of approximately 66%. Major industries include mining, quarrying, and oil & gas extraction (28%), utilities (21%), and healthcare & social assistance (10%). Top occupations are installation, maintenance, and repair (15%); management (13%); and construction/extraction (13%). Around 80% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 19 minutes. Most employment is located within the county, but about 20% of residents commute to neighboring counties for work.

Mercer County, ND, has 7 public schools, including Beulah High and Hazen High. Around 91% of adults have a high school diploma, while 16% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. District schools score above North Dakota’s average, with recent proficiency rates near 50% in reading and math. Adult education options are limited but available via nearby Bismarck colleges. School safety measures meet state protocols, with low incident rates. Educational programs emphasize STEM and career tech, serving about 1,200 K–12 students.

Mercer County, ND, is generally considered safe, with low crime rates compared to national averages. According to the FBI’s 2022 data, the county reported only 2 violent crimes and 17 property crimes, translating to about 0.15 violent crimes and 1.3 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement encourages community vigilance and timely reporting, contributing to effective prevention. Overall, residents describe Mercer County as a secure area with minimal criminal activity.