Merced, CA vs Stockton, 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
Stockton
62
#1882 nationally
Merced leads in crime level (21.5 vs 31.4). Merced leads in average commute (27 min vs 32.8 min). Stockton leads in median household income ($71,612 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 62 (#1882) |
| Population | 93,692 | 319,543 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $429,229 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $71,612 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 32.8 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 31.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 128 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+0.9 |
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-
62 Score
Stockton, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$429,229
Population
319,543
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
44
Pacific
View Stockton, CA →