Violent Crime
699/100K
84% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
21.6%
500% higher than US avg
How University of California-Merced Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population886
Median Age19.5 yrs
Density1,363/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 6%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$12,941
Unemployment21.6%
County GDP$13,282M
Housing
Zillow$393,170
Rent Burden29.0%
Crime
F
Violent699/100K
Property3,225/100K
Health
Obesity32.3%
Smoking9.3%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (16°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain12.5 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation233 ft (71 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.99
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 47%
Broadband0.0%
EV Stations15
Libraries13
Is University of California-Merced a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, University of California-Merced receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. University of California-Merced offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
At 21.6%, unemployment is notably high.
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
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
University of California-Merced enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
University of California-Merced has a population of 886 with a density of 1,363 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 19.5 years, 50% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (6.2%), with 4.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 23% of residents, while 77% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 3.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
19.5yrs
Median Age
50% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
University of California-Merced vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
23.0%
71% below US avg
Spanish
77.0%
475% above US avg
Social Characteristics
University of California-Merced vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $12,941 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,057, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 21.6% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 8,584 business establishments, including 403 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 12.8% of workers work from home.
Income: University of California-Merced vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $12,941 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,057 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,281 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 21.6% |
| 500% 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 |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 9.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $393,170. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. The average annual property tax is $4,616 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,616 |
| 32% above US avg |
In University of California-Merced, 32.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 9.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 20.0% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,387. The dentist ratio is 1:2,148. 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: University of California-Merced vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 3.9% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.3% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,387 |
| Dentists | 1:2,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:398 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,849/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 479 |
University of California-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 the U.S. average. The county recorded 62 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, University of California-Merced receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: University of California-Merced vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 698.5/100K |
| 84% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,225.4/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 62 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
University of California-Merced enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 12.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 233 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.6°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 233 ft (71 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,363/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3641°N, 120.4188°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Merced County County |
| Nearest Airport | Merced Yosemite Regional (MCE) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.5"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
2.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0467 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.3 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6,943 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 24, 2025.
| Oct 24, 1990 |
3 km NE of Mono City, California |
M5.8 |
138 km |
| May 15, 1999 |
9 km WSW of Aspen Springs, California |
M5.5 |
143 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
5 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M5.4 |
120 km |
| Oct 21, 2012 |
24 km NE of San Lucas, California |
M5.3 |
124 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km E of Interlaken, California |
M5.1 |
121 km |
| Aug 12, 1998 |
10 km SW of Ridgemark, California |
M5.1 |
115 km |
| Jan 16, 1993 |
9 km E of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
100 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
120 km |
| Apr 23, 1995 |
22 km NNE of Soledad, California |
M4.9 |
110 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
8 km WNW of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
145 km |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
2 km E of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
119 km |
| May 14, 2002 |
5 km SSW of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
114 km |
| Jul 15, 1998 |
8 km W of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
144 km |
| Nov 30, 1997 |
2 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
134 km |
| Nov 22, 1997 |
3 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
134 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.8 |
140 km |
| May 15, 1999 |
11 km WSW of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.7 |
141 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km N of Aromas, California |
M4.7 |
119 km |
| May 21, 1996 |
8 km ESE of East Foothills, California |
M4.7 |
115 km |
| Aug 11, 1993 |
14 km ESE of Alum Rock, California |
M4.7 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
78 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1962 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1953 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2023 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2023 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 2019 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2015 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2006 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2002 |
EF1 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2002 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Feb 14, 1998 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1996 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jan 14, 1995 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 1980 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1978 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1978 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1978 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.0 m (3 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1989 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.0 m |
62 |
135 km |
| 1865 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
132 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Mammoth Mountain (126 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Mammoth Mountain |
Lava dome(s) |
3,369 m (11,053 ft) |
1260 |
126 km |
| Mono-Inyo Craters |
Lava dome(s) |
2,796 m (9,173 ft) |
1380 |
132 km |
| Mono Lake Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,121 m (6,959 ft) |
1790 |
141 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SCU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (405,787 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
SCU LIGHTNING COMPLEX |
405,787 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
RIM |
257,084 |
73 km |
| 2018 |
FERGUSON |
97,307 |
62 km |
| 2017 |
DETWILER |
83,297 |
33 km |
| 1996 |
ACKERSON COMPLEX (ACKERSON) |
58,161 |
81 km |
| 1987 |
PAPER |
49,296 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
LARSON |
49,250 |
59 km |
| 2007 |
LICK |
47,424 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
HAMM |
39,333 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
CANYON |
36,851 |
82 km |
| 2008 |
TELEGRAPH |
33,479 |
45 km |
| 2022 |
OAK |
19,408 |
53 km |
| 1992 |
GULCH |
18,019 |
91 km |
| 1990 |
A-ROCK |
17,706 |
67 km |
| 1996 |
ROGGE |
17,559 |
65 km |
| 2003 |
ANNIE |
17,383 |
75 km |
| 1996 |
MERCY |
16,993 |
66 km |
| 2024 |
CORRAL |
16,138 |
97 km |
| 1996 |
PANOCHE II |
14,760 |
90 km |
| 2001 |
DARBY |
14,734 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| October |
65°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
University of California-Merced has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 45°F in December to 79°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 15.3 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.7") and July the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in University of California-Merced. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166-$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221-$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111-$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886-$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83-$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166-$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28-$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55-$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443-$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111-$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66-$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55-$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166-$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428-$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443-$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089-$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554-$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535-$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214-$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886-$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221-$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107-$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33-$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83-$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28-$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55-$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32-$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77-$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77-$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32-$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43-$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66-$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89-$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33-$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55-$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83-$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328-$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86-$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33-$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17-$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664-$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554-$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221-$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28-$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443-$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535-$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55-$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111-$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,059 |
| Toddler | $863 |
| Preschool | $715 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $999 |
| Toddler | $876 |
| Preschool | $825 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About University of California-Merced
What is the population of University of California-Merced?
University of California-Merced has a population of 886 residents and is located in California. The population density is 1,363 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 19.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is University of California-Merced expensive to live in?
University of California-Merced is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Is University of California-Merced safe?
Public safety is a concern in University of California-Merced, with a violent crime rate of 699 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,225 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, University of California-Merced receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in University of California-Merced?
University of California-Merced enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in University of California-Merced?
The job market in University of California-Merced faces challenges, with unemployment at 21.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,057. There are 8,584 business establishments in the area, including 403 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in University of California-Merced?
Schools in University of California-Merced have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in University of California-Merced hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is University of California-Merced?
The obesity rate in University of California-Merced is 32.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.3% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,387.
What are the demographics of University of California-Merced?
The racial and ethnic makeup of University of California-Merced is 6.2% White, 4.5% Black or African American. 23% of residents speak only English at home, while 77% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 3.3% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.