Merced, CA vs Soledad, 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
Soledad
64.3
#1704 nationally
Soledad leads in crime level (7.0 vs 21.5). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 29). Soledad leads in median household income ($85,040 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Soledad, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 64.3 (#1704) |
| Population | 93,692 | 23,947 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $646,952 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $85,040 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 26 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 29 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 7.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 143 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+29.9 |
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
64.3 Score
Soledad, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$646,952
Population
23,947
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Soledad, CA →