Merced, CA vs Watauga, TX
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
Watauga
80.2
#92 nationally
Watauga leads in crime level (3.1 vs 21.5). Watauga leads in median household income ($88,775 vs $59,233). Watauga leads in cost of living index (101 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Watauga, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 80.2 (#92) |
| Population | 93,692 | 22,934 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $276,575 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $88,775 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 28.7 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 3.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 101 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+5.1 |
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
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B-
80.2 Score
Watauga, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$276,575
Population
22,934
Crime
Low
Walk Score
40
Southwest
View Watauga, TX →