Barstow, 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.
Barstow
67.4
#1421 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Merced leads in crime level (21.5 vs 30.4). Barstow leads in cost of living index (104 vs 121). Merced leads in median household income ($59,233 vs $52,200).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Barstow, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.4 (#1421) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 24,964 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $266,998 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $52,200 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 27.9 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 30.4 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.1 | R+4.4 |
D+
67.4 Score
Barstow, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$266,998
Population
24,964
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
40
Pacific
View Barstow, 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 →