Mercer Island 76 Exceptional
Mercer Island Livability #150 ranked city in Washington#3,360 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Mercer Island

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Schools Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Mercer Island?

Mercer Island, Washington is a moderately-sized city with a population of 26,374 people. With a population density of 4,136 people per square mile, Mercer Island is well above the nation's average density level. At 71%, the majority of the Mercer Island population is White; this is followed by 20% Asian and 1% Black. Mercer Island has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 70% of the population is classified as married and 49% have kids. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Mercer Island, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Mercer Island is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Washington, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like crime, health & safety, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Mercer Island and in the areas around Mercer Island is a much easier task.

Mercer Island has a livability score of 75 out of 100 and is ranked #145 in Washington and #3,433 in the USA. Based on this score, Mercer Island would be considered a very livable city! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Mercer Island ranks well for crime (A) and housing (B) Mercer Island does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Mercer Island gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 37 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Mercer Island, the unemployment rate stands at 1.5%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Mercer Island, the average school test scores reached an impressive 85%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Mercer Island an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Mercer Island apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Mercer Island is real estate affordability. The median home price for Mercer Island homes is $2,542,404, which is 417% higher than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Mercer Island, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 11.2, which is 107.4% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Mercer Island

See all the best places to live around Mercer Island

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      Mercer Island transportation information

      Statistic Mercer Island Washington National
      Average one way commute26min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work60.8%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.0%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit9.6%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.7%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home16.6%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Mercer Island, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.