Merced, CA vs Monroe, NC
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
Monroe
64.2
#1713 nationally
Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 23). Monroe leads in cost of living index (99 vs 121). Monroe leads in crime level (17.9 vs 21.5).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Monroe, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 64.2 (#1713) |
| Population | 93,692 | 37,797 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $358,990 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $63,982 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 28.8 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 23 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 17.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 99 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+25.3 |
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
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D
64.2 Score
Monroe, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$358,990
Population
37,797
Crime
High
Walk Score
23
Southeast
View Monroe, NC →