Merced, CA vs Torrance, 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
Torrance
64.2
#1714 nationally
Torrance leads in crime level (8.5 vs 21.5). Torrance leads in median household income ($109,554 vs $59,233). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 195).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Torrance, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 64.2 (#1714) |
| Population | 93,692 | 139,224 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $1,117,906 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $109,554 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 27.8 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 67 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 8.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 195 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+32.9 |
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
64.2 Score
Torrance, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,117,906
Population
139,224
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
67
Pacific
View Torrance, CA →