Merced, CA vs Salem, VA
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
73.2
#778 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 21.5). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 27). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 27 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 93,692 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+19.3 |
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
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →