Merced, CA vs North Chicago, IL
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
North Chicago
79.5
#119 nationally
North Chicago leads in crime level (4.9 vs 21.5). North Chicago leads in average commute (16.9 min vs 27 min). North Chicago leads in cost of living index (95 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | North Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 79.5 (#119) |
| Population | 93,692 | 30,416 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $226,134 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $52,011 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 16.9 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 36 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 4.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 95 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+20.8 |
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+
79.5 Score
North Chicago, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$226,134
Population
30,416
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View North Chicago, IL →
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