Merced, CA vs Palm Bay, FL
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
Palm Bay
69.3
#1230 nationally
Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 13). Palm Bay leads in crime level (9.5 vs 21.5). Palm Bay leads in cost of living index (105 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Palm Bay, FL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 69.3 (#1230) |
| Population | 93,692 | 135,566 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $305,804 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $62,538 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 27.2 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 13 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 9.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+20.8 |
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+
69.3 Score
Palm Bay, FL
Mid-size Florida city with community character
Median Home
$305,804
Population
135,566
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
13
Southeast
View Palm Bay, FL →