Median Income
$59,938
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$347,700
23% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
699/100K
84% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.0%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,293
11% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.6%
111% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.6%
50% higher than US avg
How Merced Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population89,766
Median Age29.8 yrs
Density3,861/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Economy
C+
Median Income$59,938
Per Capita$26,140
Unemployment7.6%
Poverty18.6%
County GDP$13,282M
Commute27 min
Housing
B
Home Value$347,700
Rent$1,293
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$393,170
Rent Burden32.0%
Crime
F
Violent699/100K
Property3,225/100K
Murder15.9/100K
Assault487/100K
Burglary741/100K
Health
Obesity34.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI52 (Moderate)
Rain26.7 in/yr
Sunny Days327/yr
Elevation187 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.0%
High School+77.2%
School Score3.99
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 47%
Commute27 min
EV Stations15
Libraries13
Is Merced a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Merced receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Merced has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Merced is $59,938, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Merced is $347,700, 23% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,293 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 5.8x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 699 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,225 per 100,000, 65% above the national average.
Education
18.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Merced enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. With 327 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.7 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 52.
Merced has a population of 89,766 with a density of 3,861 people per square mile. The median age is 29.8 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (31.7%), with 2.5% Hispanic, 4.9% Black.
Population
29.8yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 51.7% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Spanish | 48.3% |
| 260% above US avg |
The median household income in Merced is $59,938, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 7.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,938 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,140 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,057 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,281 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.6% |
| 111% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.6% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,584 |
| County GDP | $13,282M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 403 |
| Healthcare | 479 |
| Retail | 547 |
| Manufacturing | 116 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,616 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Merced is $347,700, 23% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,293 (11% above US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $393,170.
Home Values
| Census Median | $347,700 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $393,170 |
| Median List Price | $416,990 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $416,990 |
| $/Sq Ft | $258 |
| Homes Sold | 72 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.1% |
| Price Drops | 37.3% |
| Inventory | 204 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,293 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,829 |
| Rent Burden | 32.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,116 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,213 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,503 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,067 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,503 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,616 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.33% |
In Merced, 34.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 21.9% report depression. 33.8% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Merced vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 15.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.8% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 70.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,849/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 479 |
Merced has a violent crime rate of 699 per 100,000 residents, 84% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,225 per 100,000 (65% above US avg). The murder rate is 15.9 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Merced vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 698.5/100K |
| 84% above US avg |
| Murder | 15.9/100K |
| 153% above US avg |
| Rape | 20.8/100K |
| Robbery | 175.2/100K |
| Assault | 486.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,225.4/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
| Burglary | 741.4/100K |
| Theft | 2,056.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 427.7/100K |
| Arson | 49.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 62 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Merced has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. Annual precipitation is 26.7 inches. The area enjoys 327 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 52.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
85°F Jul (30°C)
| Annual Average | 62.7°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 327 days/yr |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 26.7 inches |
| 30% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 2.3 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 52.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 45.9% |
| Unhealthy Days | 35 |
Geography
| Elevation | 187 ft (57 m) |
| Area | 23.3 sq mi (60.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,861/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3057°N, 120.4779°W |
| County FIPS | 06047 |