Merced, CA vs Mesa, AZ
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.
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Mesa
67
#1475 nationally
Mesa leads in crime level (13.2 vs 21.5). Mesa leads in median household income ($73,766 vs $59,233). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 38).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 67 (#1475) |
| Population | 93,692 | 511,648 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $433,754 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $73,766 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 24.8 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 38 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 13.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+3.5 |
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 →
D+
67 Score
Mesa, AZ
Major Arizona city with a diverse economy
Median Home
$433,754
Population
511,648
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
38
Southwest
View Mesa, AZ →