Merced, CA vs Richmond, 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
Richmond
60.3
#1940 nationally
Richmond leads in median household income ($86,618 vs $59,233). Richmond leads in walk score (59 vs 42). Merced leads in average commute (27 min vs 34.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Richmond, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 60.3 (#1940) |
| Population | 93,692 | 114,106 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $610,065 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $86,618 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 34.6 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 59 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 25.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+38.0 |
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-
60.3 Score
Richmond, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$610,065
Population
114,106
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
59
Pacific
View Richmond, CA →