Gilroy, 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.
Gilroy
60.4
#1936 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Gilroy leads in median household income ($127,391 vs $59,233). Gilroy leads in crime level (12.6 vs 21.5). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 181).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Gilroy, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 60.4 (#1936) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 58,250 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,052,956 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $127,391 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 34.1 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 47 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 12.6 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 181 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+40.0 | R+4.4 |
D-
60.4 Score
Gilroy, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,052,956
Population
58,250
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
47
Pacific
View Gilroy, 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 →