Merced, CA vs Union City, 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
Union City
60
#1943 nationally
Union City leads in median household income ($138,013 vs $59,233). Union City leads in crime level (11.2 vs 21.5). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 201).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Union City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 60 (#1943) |
| Population | 93,692 | 65,414 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $1,223,080 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $138,013 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 33 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 47 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 11.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 201 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+53.6 |
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-
60 Score
Union City, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,223,080
Population
65,414
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
47
Pacific
View Union City, CA →