Merced, CA vs Mesquite, TX
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
Mesquite
71.8
#958 nationally
Mesquite leads in crime level (13.7 vs 21.5). Mesquite leads in cost of living index (98 vs 121). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 35).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Mesquite, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 71.8 (#958) |
| Population | 93,692 | 147,317 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $261,109 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $69,649 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 35 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 13.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 98 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+22.2 |
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 →
C-
71.8 Score
Mesquite, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$261,109
Population
147,317
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
35
Southwest
View Mesquite, TX →