Merced, CA vs Whittier, 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
Whittier
61.9
#1886 nationally
Whittier leads in crime level (13.4 vs 21.5). Whittier leads in walk score (64 vs 42). Whittier leads in median household income ($89,686 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Whittier, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 61.9 (#1886) |
| Population | 93,692 | 84,143 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $826,386 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $89,686 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 33 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 64 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 13.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 165 |
| 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-
61.9 Score
Whittier, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$826,386
Population
84,143
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
64
Pacific
View Whittier, CA →