Atascadero, CA vs Merced, 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.
Atascadero
65.4
#1633 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Atascadero leads in crime level (4.9 vs 21.5). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 27). Atascadero leads in median household income ($88,984 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Atascadero, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.4 (#1633) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 29,700 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $787,600 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $88,984 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 22.8 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 4.9 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 155 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.9 | R+4.4 |
D
65.4 Score
Atascadero, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$787,600
Population
29,700
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
27
Pacific
View Atascadero, CA →
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 →
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