Fresno, 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.
Fresno
66.6
#1521 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Fresno leads in average commute (22.3 min vs 27 min). Fresno leads in walk score (47 vs 42). Fresno leads in crime level (20.1 vs 21.5).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Fresno, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.6 (#1521) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 545,716 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $390,993 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $63,001 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 22.3 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 47 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 20.1 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+4.4 |
D
66.6 Score
Fresno, CA
Major California city with a diverse economy
Median Home
$390,993
Population
545,716
Crime
High
Walk Score
47
Pacific
View Fresno, 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 →