Merced, CA vs South Plainfield, NJ
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
South Plainfield
72.3
#913 nationally
South Plainfield leads in crime level (3.2 vs 21.5). South Plainfield leads in median household income ($123,417 vs $59,233). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 134).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | South Plainfield, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 72.3 (#913) |
| Population | 93,692 | 24,131 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $598,263 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $123,417 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 27.9 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 3.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 134 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+8.0 |
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 →
C-
72.3 Score
South Plainfield, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$598,263
Population
24,131
Crime
Low
Walk Score
43
Northeast
View South Plainfield, NJ →
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