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Is Merced a Good Place to Live? Merced, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Merced ranks #1254 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #507 of 524 smaller cities and #178 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (8.3%, #465 of 476) and high poverty (23.9%, #492 of 524).
Merced by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Merced's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Merced?
Merced's cost of living index is 98.3, 2% below the US level of 100 and #601 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,393/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $395,807, 48% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Merced | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 98.3#601 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $395,807#620 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,028/mo#728 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $372,600#719 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,393/mo#630 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.9x#1024 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 26.5%#1123 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Merced housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Merced is in the Merced, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Merced safe?
Merced recorded 700 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 88% above the US rate of 373 and 59% above California's 440. That ranks #964 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #414 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Merced Police Department. Property crime runs 2,508 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Merced | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 700#964 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,508#865 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Merced?
The median household in Merced earns $63,122, 18% below the US figure of $76,827 and 31% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 8.3% (US 4.2%). 23.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Merced | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $63,122#973 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 8.3%#1043 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 23.9%#1216 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Merced?
The median resident of Merced is 30 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 20.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1162 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Merced | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 30 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 20.2%#1162 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 45.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Merced's schools and health?
Merced's 24 public schools graduate 90.7% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.2 students per teacher and $16,894 spent per pupil. 33.7% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Merced | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90.7%#342 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 23.2#1094 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,894#417 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.7%#673 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 17.1%#1152 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 18,972 students are enrolled in Merced's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Merced?
The average commute in Merced is 28.6 minutes (California 25.2); 0.8% of workers take transit and 8.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Merced scores 13.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77°F and winters 47.6°F, with 11.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Merced | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 28.6 min#1033 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 13.2%#1180 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 73.6% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.4% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.6#225 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 55.6 | 37 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 62 | 39.1 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 68.1 | 42.3 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 74 | 45.4 | 1.1 |
| May | 82.7 | 52.1 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 90.7 | 57.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 96.3 | 61.7 | 0 |
| Aug | 95.1 | 60.6 | 0 |
| Sep | 90.5 | 56.5 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 79.6 | 49 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 66.1 | 40.8 | 1 |
| Dec | 56 | 36 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Merced Muni Airport.
| Measure | Merced | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 62.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 77°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 47.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.8 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Merced Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Merced?
Merced County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 51% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Merced County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 74% of US counties.
| Measure | Merced | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 50#854 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.2%#951 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Merced County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Merced County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.079% | 96% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0025% | 70% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Merced compare with similar-size cities?
Merced is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #507 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 91,953.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merced, CAPop. 91,953 | #1254 | 42.1 | $63,122 | $1,393/mo | 700 | 28.6 min |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #1026 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 | 18.8 min |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #118 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 | 25.2 min |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #57 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 | 23.9 min |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #73 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 | 26.9 min |
| Avondale, AZPop. 92,477 | #666 | 55.6 | $86,123 | $1,832/mo | 341 | 28.1 min |
| Alafaya, FLPop. 92,449 | #570 | 57.0 | $100,950 | $1,999/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #135 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 | 27.1 min |
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #248 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 | 26 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Merced compare with the rest of California?
Merced ranks #178 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 42.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 31% below the California median. Violent crime is 59% above the statewide rate. Homes are 48% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Lynwood, CAPop. 64,578 | … #174 | 43.2 | $74,844 | $1,652/mo | 743 |
| Huntington Park, CAPop. 53,108 | #175 | 43.2 | $59,996 | $1,505/mo | 510 |
| Stockton, CAPop. 322,326 | #176 | 42.6 | $79,907 | $1,577/mo | 1,029 |
| Hemet, CAPop. 91,326 | #177 | 42.3 | $57,719 | $1,575/mo | 398 |
| Merced, CAPop. 91,953 | #178 | 42.1 | $63,122 | $1,393/mo | 700 |
| Porterville, CAPop. 63,157 | #179 | 41.8 | $60,461 | $1,148/mo | 332 |
| Apple Valley, CAPop. 75,473 | #180 | 41.4 | $69,882 | $1,444/mo | 485 |
| Palmdale, CAPop. 164,634 | #181 | 41.3 | $81,770 | $1,802/mo | 483 |
| Inglewood, CAPop. 104,569 | #182 | 41.3 | $72,750 | $1,787/mo | 684 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Merced among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Merced's score calculated?
Merced scores 42.1 out of 100, #1254 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Merced. Similar-size median 55.5.
22.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Merced's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
44.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Merced. Similar-size median 58.9.
46.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Merced's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
50.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Merced's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
66.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Merced. Similar-size median 56.1.
23.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Merced. Similar-size median 42.4.
32.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Merced. Similar-size median 50.0.
36.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Merced's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
66.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
33.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Merced's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Merced has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Merced
Is Merced, CA a good place to live?
Merced ranks #1254 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #507 of 524 smaller cities and #178 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (8.3%, #465 of 476) and high poverty (23.9%, #492 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Merced?
Merced's cost of living index is 98.3, 2% below the US level of 100 and #601 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,393/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $395,807, 48% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Merced?
Merced recorded 700 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 88% above the US rate of 373 and 59% above California's 440. That ranks #964 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #414 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Merced Police Department. Property crime runs 2,508 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Merced?
The median household in Merced earns $63,122, 18% below the US figure of $76,827 and 31% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 8.3% (US 4.2%). 23.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Merced?
Median rent in Merced is $1,393/mo (Census), #630 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,028/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Merced?
Zillow's typical home value in Merced is $395,807, down 1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $372,600.
How are the public schools in Merced?
Merced's 24 public schools graduate 90.7% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.2 students per teacher and $16,894 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Merced?
The average commute is 28.6 minutes, #1033 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 13.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Merced?
Merced averages 62.3°F over the year, 77°F in summer and 47.6°F in winter, with 11.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Merced walkable?
Merced scores 13.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Merced at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Merced County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 74% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Merced?
Merced County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 51% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Merced?
Merced has 91,953 residents. The median resident of Merced is 30 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 20.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1162 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Merced compare with the rest of California?
Merced ranks #178 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 42.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 31% below the California median. Violent crime is 59% above the statewide rate. Homes are 48% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Merced?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Merced's population of 91,953 are Greenville, NC (#1026 overall), Hoover, AL (#118 overall), Kirkland, WA (#57 overall), Roswell, GA (#73 overall), and Avondale, AZ (#666 overall). Merced is #1254.