Merced, CA vs Waco, TX
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
Waco
77.1
#281 nationally
Waco leads in crime level (11.7 vs 21.5). Waco leads in average commute (17.5 min vs 27 min). Waco leads in cost of living index (93 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 77.1 (#281) |
| Population | 93,692 | 144,816 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $197,359 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $47,421 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 17.5 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 35 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 11.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 93 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+30.9 |
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 →
C+
77.1 Score
Waco, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$197,359
Population
144,816
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
35
Southwest
View Waco, TX →