Merced, CA vs Minot, ND
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.
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Minot
76.6
#334 nationally
Minot leads in crime level (8.7 vs 21.5). Minot leads in average commute (19.2 min vs 27 min). Minot leads in median household income ($75,545 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Minot, ND |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 76.6 (#334) |
| Population | 93,692 | 47,373 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $282,641 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $75,545 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 19.2 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 8.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+47.4 |
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 →
C
76.6 Score
Minot, ND
Small North Dakota city with local appeal
Median Home
$282,641
Population
47,373
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Minot, ND →