Moving to Merced
What you need to know before relocating to Merced, California. Data-driven insights on housing, jobs, safety, and quality of life.
Is Merced a Good Place to Live?
Merced presents a mixed picture. Prospective residents should weigh the tradeoffs carefully. Key considerations: home prices ($409,000) are above the us median; median household income ($57,570) trails the national median.
Merced at a Glance
Cost of Living in Merced
The median rent in Merced is $1,294/month, while the median home value is $409,000. With a median household income of $57,570, residents spend roughly 27% of monthly income on rent.
Overall, the Merced metro area is classified as average compared to other US metros.
Job Market
Merced has a median household income of $57,570, which is 23% below the national median. The local unemployment rate is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%.
Safety in Merced
The violent crime rate in Merced is 508 per 100,000 residents, which is 34% above the national average of 380.
Property crime rate: 2326 per 100,000 residents.
Education in California
California has a high school graduation rate of 85% and per-pupil spending of $18,020/year. The student-to-teacher ratio is 22:1.
39% of California adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Healthcare Access
California has 285 physicians per 100,000 residents, a 5.9% uninsured rate, and 1.9 hospital beds per 1,000 people. Life expectancy in California is 79.0 years.
Pros and Cons of Living in Merced
+Pros
- ✓Low uninsured rate (5.9%) and good healthcare access
-Cons
- ✗Home prices ($409,000) are above the US median
- ✗Median household income ($57,570) trails the national median
- ✗Unemployment rate (9.0%) is above the national average
- ✗Violent crime rate (508/100k) exceeds the national average
- ✗Longer-than-average commute (110084 min)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced a good place to live?⌄
Merced has both advantages and drawbacks. Prospective residents should weigh home prices ($409,000) are above the us median and median household income ($57,570) trails the national median against other lifestyle factors.
What is the cost of living in Merced?⌄
The median rent in Merced is $1,294/month and the median home value is $409,000. The median household income is $57,570. Overall the metro is considered average.
Is Merced safe?⌄
Merced has a violent crime rate of 508 incidents per 100,000 residents. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.
What is the job market like in Merced?⌄
Merced has an unemployment rate of 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. The median household income is $57,570.