Fullerton, 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.
Fullerton
60.7
#1927 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Fullerton leads in crime level (12.5 vs 21.5). Fullerton leads in median household income ($99,279 vs $59,233). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 175).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Fullerton, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 60.7 (#1927) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 139,250 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,052,226 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $99,279 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 30 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 54 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 12.5 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 175 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.6 | R+4.4 |
D-
60.7 Score
Fullerton, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,052,226
Population
139,250
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
54
Pacific
View Fullerton, 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 →