Merced, CA vs Portage, IN
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
Portage
71.1
#1027 nationally
Portage leads in crime level (6.4 vs 21.5). Portage leads in cost of living index (94 vs 121). Portage leads in median household income ($71,317 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Portage, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 71.1 (#1027) |
| Population | 93,692 | 38,513 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $269,590 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $71,317 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 28.7 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | N/A |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 6.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+10.5 |
Data coverage note: Portage is missing data for 1 metric that Merced has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
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-
71.1 Score
Portage, IN
Small Indiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$269,590
Population
38,513
Crime
Moderate
Median Income
$71,317
Midwest
View Portage, IN →