Garfield, NJ 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.
Garfield
69.8
#1167 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Garfield leads in crime level (5.5 vs 21.5). Garfield leads in walk score (77 vs 42). Garfield leads in median household income ($72,026 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Garfield, NJ | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.8 (#1167) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 32,456 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $592,866 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $72,026 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 27.8 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 77 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 131 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+3.4 | R+4.4 |
D+
69.8 Score
Garfield, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$592,866
Population
32,456
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
77
Northeast
View Garfield, NJ →
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 →