Downey, CA 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.
Downey
61.3
#1911 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Downey leads in crime level (12.3 vs 21.5). Downey leads in walk score (61 vs 42). Downey leads in median household income ($84,236 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Downey, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.3 (#1911) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 108,816 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $885,146 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $84,236 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 31.3 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 61 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 12.3 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 165 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | R+4.4 |
D-
61.3 Score
Downey, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$885,146
Population
108,816
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
61
Pacific
View Downey, CA →
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 →