Merced, CA vs Oakdale, 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
Oakdale
63.4
#1772 nationally
Oakdale leads in crime level (10.8 vs 21.5). Oakdale leads in median household income ($83,110 vs $59,233). Merced leads in average commute (27 min vs 35.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Oakdale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 63.4 (#1772) |
| Population | 93,692 | 23,045 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $558,603 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $83,110 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 35.1 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 52 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 10.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 133 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+11.0 |
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
63.4 Score
Oakdale, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$558,603
Population
23,045
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
52
Pacific
View Oakdale, CA →