Dothan, AL 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.
Dothan
72.5
#874 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 22). Dothan leads in cost of living index (91 vs 121). Dothan leads in average commute (21.1 min vs 27 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Dothan, AL | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.5 (#874) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 71,258 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $207,985 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $53,704 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 21.1 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 22 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 25.0 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+47.8 | R+4.4 |
C-
72.5 Score
Dothan, AL
Alabama community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$207,985
Population
71,258
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
22
Southeast
View Dothan, AL →
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 →