Mercer Island, WA
Population 25,282 · Washington
About Mercer Island, WA
Mercer Island is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 25,282 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $202,359 per year, which is 169% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mercer Island features a median home value of $1,884,200, which is 669% above the national median of $244,900. This places Mercer Island in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,464, 112% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,454 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (6,529 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (3,364 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mercer Island shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mercer Island have an average one-way commute time of 24.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
78.8% of Mercer Island residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 24.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mercer Island Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Mercer Island, WA
Compared to national averages, Mercer Island has a median household income of $202,359 (169% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,884,200, which is 669% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,464 is 112% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Mercer Island's income is 123% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 309% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Mercer Island, WA?
Mercer Island offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $202,359, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 78.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,884,200. However, Mercer Island’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mercer Island has a population of 25,282 with a median age of 45.8 years. Compare Mercer Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Mercer Island
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mill Creek East | 25,461 | $183,466 | $840,100 | Compare |
| Moses Lake | 25,594 | $71,854 | $278,100 | Compare |
| Bainbridge Island | 24,607 | $159,882 | $1,076,200 | Compare |
| Oak Harbor | 24,396 | $72,041 | $421,700 | Compare |
| Frederickson | 24,219 | $107,241 | $455,900 | Compare |
| Tumwater | 26,519 | $93,635 | $438,000 | Compare |
| Camas | 26,779 | $140,053 | $656,100 | Compare |
| North Lynnwood | 23,653 | $102,888 | $565,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Mercer Island With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mercer Island
What is the population of Mercer Island, WA?
The population of Mercer Island, WA is 25,282 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Washington.
What is the median household income in Mercer Island?
The median household income in Mercer Island, WA is $202,359 per year, which is 169% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mercer Island?
The median home value in Mercer Island, WA is $1,884,200, which is 669% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mercer Island?
The median monthly rent in Mercer Island, WA is $2,464, which is 112% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mercer Island?
The unemployment rate in Mercer Island, WA is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mercer Island, WA a good place to live?
Mercer Island offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 25,282 and a median age of 45.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Mercer Island, WA?
78.8% of residents in Mercer Island aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Mercer Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mercer Island, WA: median home value is $1,884,200 (669% above national), median rent is $2,464/month, and median household income is $202,359. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Mercer Island?
The poverty rate in Mercer Island, WA is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mercer Island, WA?
Mercer Island's population is 1.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 24.5% of residents are foreign-born.