Dover, DE 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.
Dover
64.9
#1664 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Merced leads in crime level (21.5 vs 27.7). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 33). Dover leads in cost of living index (101 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Dover, DE | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.9 (#1664) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 39,894 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $345,464 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $54,438 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 22.8 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 33 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 27.7 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.0 | R+4.4 |
D
64.9 Score
Dover, DE
Small Delaware city with local appeal
Median Home
$345,464
Population
39,894
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
33
Northeast
View Dover, DE →
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 →