Merced, CA vs Rochester, NH
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
Rochester
71
#1036 nationally
Rochester leads in crime level (2.1 vs 21.5). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 23). Rochester leads in median household income ($74,882 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Rochester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 71 (#1036) |
| Population | 93,692 | 33,519 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $413,235 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $74,882 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 27.8 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 23 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 2.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 104 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+12.1 |
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 Score
Rochester, NH
Small New Hampshire city with local appeal
Median Home
$413,235
Population
33,519
Crime
Low
Walk Score
23
Northeast
View Rochester, NH →