Fort Worth, TX 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.
Fort Worth
72.3
#902 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Fort Worth leads in cost of living index (95 vs 121). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 35). Fort Worth leads in median household income ($66,277 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Fort Worth, TX | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.3 (#902) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 978,468 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $298,353 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $66,277 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 27.1 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 42 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 21.5 |
| School Rating | 6.5 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 95 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+5.1 | R+4.4 |
C-
72.3 Score
Fort Worth, TX
Where the West begins
Median Home
$298,353
Population
978,468
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B-
Southwest
View Fort Worth, TX →
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 →