Living in Merced, CA
Merced is the 345th-largest city in the US, home to about 100,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 11% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (98.3 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 99,724+11% since 2020
- Median home value
- $372,6005.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,393/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $63,122median, per year
- Price level
- 98.3US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 56° / 96°lows 37° / 62°
- Average commute
- 29 min8% work from home
- State income tax
- 13.3%top rate, graduated
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County: Merced County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 171 ft
Metro area: Merced, CA
Cost of living in Merced
The median home in Merced is worth $372,600 and the median household earns $63,122 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,393 a month, about 26% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Merced, CA metro area at 98.3, with housing at 78.6 and goods at 105.2 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $73,700 here. California taxes wages at a top rate of 13.3%. The average combined state and local sales tax in California is 9.03%.
What would my salary be worth in Merced?
Merced weather
Average highs run from 56°F in January to 96°F in July, and January nights average 37°F. It gets 12 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. Expect about 100 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are March to May and October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Merced
People and work
The median resident is 30.0 years old, and 20% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 46% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 29 minutes; 8% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 30.032nd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 20%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 46%of households
- People per sq mile
- 4,29023.2 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%1% walk, 0.4% bike
- Unemployment
- 11.3%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 23.9%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1985median year
Who moves to Merced, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), Anaheim (Orange County) and Bakersfield (Kern County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Diego (San Diego County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Merced County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: drought, inland flooding, earthquake, heat wave.
Home prices
+0% in a year
Up 26% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Merced, CA area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
51% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Merced, CA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Merced
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- University of California-Merced 5 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Merced
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Merced Regional Airport MCE | 2 mi | 4,858 |
| Fresno Yosemite International Airport FAT | 56 mi | 1,318,250 |
| Stockton Metropolitan Airport SCK | 58 mi | 63,668 |
| San Jose International Airport SJC | 80 mi | 5,822,019 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Merced
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Merced | 5 mi | 8,372 | $11,583 | 68% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Merced
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before February 26, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 11 and the first frost comes around November 25.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Merced Municipal Airport, CA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Merced.
Wildfire smoke in Merced
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Merced on about 49 days a year, including about 12 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Merced
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 27,950 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Merced
Downtown Merced is in these districts. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merced City Elementary School District | K to 8 | 11,108 | 19 | 25.3 |
| Merced Union High School District | 9 to 12 | 11,062 | 9 | 20.9 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Atwater Elementary School District (4,925 students), Weaver Union Elementary School District (3,047 students), Winton School District (1,807 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Merced's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Merced's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Redding, CA76% matchCompare
- Apple Valley, CA75% matchCompare
- Victorville, CA73% matchCompare
- Hesperia, CA72% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Merced
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Merced
- Badger Pass Ski Area 51 miles
- Dodge Ridge Ski Area 67 miles
- China Peak 73 miles
- June Mountain Ski Area 82 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Merced
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data The city is growing fast (+11% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
Cons
- Data California's top income tax rate is 13.3%, among the highest in the country.
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.03% on average with local taxes.
- Data Summers are long and hot: about 100 days a year reach 90°F.
- Data Poverty is high: 23.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
Merced report card from locals
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Cities near Merced
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA | 37 mi | 219,652 | $442,700 | 104.1 | Compare |
| Manteca, CA | 53 mi | 96,693 | $589,900 | 105.1 | Compare |
| Clovis, CA | 55 mi | 129,347 | $482,700 | 102.2 | Compare |
| Tracy, CA | 60 mi | 101,901 | $699,000 | 105.1 | Compare |
| Fresno, CA | 60 mi | 555,549 | $374,800 | 102.2 | Compare |
| Stockton, CA | 65 mi | 324,597 | $440,900 | 105.1 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Merced with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Merced a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population; the trade-offs are 100 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Compare Merced side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Merced?
The Census Bureau estimates Merced had 99,724 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 89,830 in April 2020 (+11%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Merced?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $73,700 in the Merced area. The median household here earns $63,122.
When is the best time to visit Merced?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, March to May and October are the most comfortable months. July averages 96°F and January 56°F for daytime highs.
What county is Merced in?
Merced is in Merced County, California. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Merced in?
Merced is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Merced?
About 171 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes. California has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 13.3% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Merced. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Merced, CA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Merced Municipal Airport, CA station; snowfall from Merced, CA. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.