Mercer County
countyMercer County, located in west-central North Dakota, is a region characterized by its rolling prairies and significant energy resources. As of 2024, the estimated population was 8,348. The county blends agricultural landscapes with industrial activity related to mining and power generation. Mercer County's economy is driven by agriculture, mining (particularly lignite coal), and power generation. Key institutions include the Dakota Gasification Company and various power plants. The county seat is Stanton, while the largest city is Beulah. Mercer County is distinctive for its location on the eastern edge of the Bakken Boom, offering economic opportunities while maintaining a focus on community livability. The county is also home to Lake Sakakawea, a major recreational asset, and the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, preserving significant Native American history.
Mercer County, North Dakota
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Mercer County
- Region
- West-Central North Dakota
- Elevation
- 2,451 ft
- Total Area
- 1,112.597 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1,042.781 sq mi
- Water Area
- 69.816 sq mi
- Latitude
- 47.307147
- Longitude
- -101.833328
- Climate
- Typical North Dakota climate with cold winters and warm summers.
- Notable Features
- Lake Sakakawea · Missouri River · Rolling prairies
- Neighboring Areas
- McLean County · Oliver County · Morton County · Stark County · Dunn County
- Population (2020)
- 8,350
- Est. Population (2024)
- 8,348
- Median Age
- 42.8
- Median Income
- $79,405
- Poverty Rate
- 10.7%
- Owner-Occupied
- 80.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 90.5% White (Non-Hispanic), 2.83% American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic), 1.79% Other (Hispanic), 1.49% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic).
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.7%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Mining · Power Generation
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction
- Major Employers
- Dakota Gasification Company · Power plants
- Schools
- 6
- Students
- 1,310
- School Districts
- Beulah Public School District · Hazen Public School District · Center-Stanton Public School District
- Founded
- 1875
- Incorporated
- 1883
- Named After
- William Henry Harrison Mercer
- Historical Significance
- Important for its Native American heritage, early fur trading, and later development of energy resources.
- Key Events
- Establishment of fur trading posts · Creation of Lake Sakakawea