Balch Springs, TX vs Merced, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Balch Springs
71
#1030 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Balch Springs leads in crime level (11.4 vs 21.5). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 27). Merced leads in average commute (27 min vs 37.2 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Balch Springs, TX | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71 (#1030) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 26,711 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $224,320 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $58,680 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 37.2 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 11.4 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+22.2 | R+4.4 |
C-
71 Score
Balch Springs, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$224,320
Population
26,711
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
27
Southwest
View Balch Springs, TX →
D
64.3 Score
Merced, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$397,570
Population
93,692
Crime
High
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Merced, CA →
Try a different matchup
Swap Balch Springs for: