Eugene, OR 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.
Eugene
68.8
#1280 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Eugene leads in crime level (8.7 vs 21.5). Eugene leads in average commute (18.6 min vs 27 min). Eugene leads in walk score (46 vs 42).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.8 (#1280) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 177,899 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $482,062 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $61,481 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 18.6 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 46 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 8.7 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 119 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.1 | R+4.4 |
D+
68.8 Score
Eugene, OR
Mid-size Oregon city with community character
Median Home
$482,062
Population
177,899
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
46
Pacific
View Eugene, OR →
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 →