Encinitas, 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.
Encinitas
63.4
#1769 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Encinitas leads in crime level (5.9 vs 21.5). Encinitas leads in median household income ($142,506 vs $59,233). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 215).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Encinitas, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.4 (#1769) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 60,841 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,932,178 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $142,506 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 24.5 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 5.9 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 215 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+16.8 | R+4.4 |
D
63.4 Score
Encinitas, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,932,178
Population
60,841
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
43
Pacific
View Encinitas, 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 →