Lawrence, IN 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.
Lawrence
74
#647 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Lawrence leads in crime level (8.0 vs 21.5). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 24). Lawrence leads in cost of living index (96 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lawrence, IN | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74 (#647) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 49,235 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $271,470 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $70,762 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 25.1 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 24 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 8.0 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+51.0 | R+4.4 |
C
74 Score
Lawrence, IN
Small Indiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$271,470
Population
49,235
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
24
Midwest
View Lawrence, IN →
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 →