Houma, LA 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.
Houma
79
#147 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Houma leads in crime level (13.1 vs 21.5). Houma leads in average commute (19.9 min vs 27 min). Houma leads in cost of living index (94 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Houma, LA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 79 (#147) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 31,733 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $189,195 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $56,823 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 19.9 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 13.1 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+51.8 | R+4.4 |
C+
79 Score
Houma, LA
Small Louisiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$189,195
Population
31,733
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
40
Southeast
View Houma, LA →
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 →