La Quinta, 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.
La Quinta
64.8
#1673 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
La Quinta leads in crime level (4.9 vs 21.5). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 22). La Quinta leads in median household income ($92,776 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | La Quinta, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.8 (#1673) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 39,081 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $741,874 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $92,776 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 26.5 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 22 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 4.9 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 139 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | R+4.4 |
D
64.8 Score
La Quinta, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$741,874
Population
39,081
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
22
Pacific
View La Quinta, 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 →