Merced, CA vs Newark, 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.
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Newark
62.4
#1861 nationally
Newark leads in median household income ($159,465 vs $59,233). Newark leads in crime level (10.4 vs 21.5). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 195).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Newark, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 62.4 (#1861) |
| Population | 93,692 | 46,929 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $1,202,648 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $159,465 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 31.2 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 10.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 195 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+53.6 |
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 →
D-
62.4 Score
Newark, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,202,648
Population
46,929
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
57
Pacific
View Newark, CA →