Jackson, MS 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.
Jackson
81.4
#42 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Jackson leads in crime level (8.1 vs 21.5). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 26). Jackson leads in cost of living index (85 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.4 (#42) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 143,709 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $84,299 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $42,193 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 20.3 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+46.1 | R+4.4 |
B-
81.4 Score
Jackson, MS
Mid-size Mississippi city with community character
Median Home
$84,299
Population
143,709
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
26
Southeast
View Jackson, MS →
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 →