Merced, CA vs Modesto, 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.
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Modesto
64.2
#1712 nationally
Modesto leads in median household income ($73,375 vs $59,233). Modesto leads in crime level (18.0 vs 21.5). Modesto leads in walk score (48 vs 42).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 64.2 (#1712) |
| Population | 93,692 | 218,915 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $447,153 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $73,375 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 29.4 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 48 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 18.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 130 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+11.0 |
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
64.2 Score
Modesto, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$447,153
Population
218,915
Crime
High
Walk Score
48
Pacific
View Modesto, CA →