Mercedes, TX
Population 16,449 · Texas
About Mercedes, TX
Mercedes is a mid-sized city located in Texas with a population of 16,449 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,753 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mercedes features a median home value of $107,700, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mercedes one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $676, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,114 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (3,238 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (1,789 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mercedes shows an unemployment rate of 8.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mercedes have an average one-way commute time of 17.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.9% of Mercedes residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 86.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 5.4% Asian residents, with 15.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mercedes, TX
Compared to national averages, Mercedes has a median household income of $41,753 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $107,700, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $676 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Mercedes's income is 43% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 49% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Mercedes, TX?
Mercedes offers affordable housing with a median home value of $107,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $676/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,753) that falls below the national average. However, Mercedes’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mercedes has a population of 16,449 with a median age of 31.4 years. Compare Mercedes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Mercedes
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humble | 16,489 | $52,927 | $191,200 | Compare |
| Hewitt | 16,244 | $83,798 | $252,200 | Compare |
| Sulphur Springs | 16,185 | $56,457 | $188,200 | Compare |
| Pampa | 16,735 | $53,458 | $95,800 | Compare |
| Taylor | 16,767 | $71,665 | $246,800 | Compare |
| Donna | 16,774 | $38,082 | $68,500 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 16,061 | $53,039 | $160,500 | Compare |
| Gatesville | 16,058 | $54,802 | $162,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Mercedes With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mercedes
What is the population of Mercedes, TX?
The population of Mercedes, TX is 16,449 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Texas.
What is the median household income in Mercedes?
The median household income in Mercedes, TX is $41,753 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mercedes?
The median home value in Mercedes, TX is $107,700, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mercedes?
The median monthly rent in Mercedes, TX is $676, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mercedes?
The unemployment rate in Mercedes, TX is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mercedes, TX a good place to live?
Mercedes offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,449 and a median age of 31.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Mercedes, TX?
14.9% of residents in Mercedes aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Mercedes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mercedes, TX: median home value is $107,700 (56% below national), median rent is $676/month, and median household income is $41,753. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mercedes?
The poverty rate in Mercedes, TX is 31.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Mercedes, TX?
Mercedes's population is 86.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 5.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 15.1% of residents are foreign-born.