Merced, CA vs Shafter, 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
Shafter
70.7
#1077 nationally
Shafter leads in crime level (7.6 vs 21.5). Shafter leads in average commute (22 min vs 27 min). Shafter leads in median household income ($66,418 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Shafter, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 70.7 (#1077) |
| Population | 93,692 | 21,915 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $387,324 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $66,418 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 22 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 45 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 7.6 |
| 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+21.1 |
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-
70.7 Score
Shafter, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$387,324
Population
21,915
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
45
Pacific
View Shafter, CA →