Merced, CA vs Salem, OR
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
Salem
67.1
#1465 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (14.6 vs 21.5). Salem leads in average commute (22.7 min vs 27 min). Salem leads in median household income ($67,540 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 67.1 (#1465) |
| Population | 93,692 | 177,432 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $440,726 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $67,540 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 22.7 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 14.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+2.0 |
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+
67.1 Score
Salem, OR
Mid-size Oregon city with community character
Median Home
$440,726
Population
177,432
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Salem, OR →