Merced, CA vs West Bend, WI
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
West Bend
70.8
#1063 nationally
West Bend leads in crime level (6.5 vs 21.5). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 34). West Bend leads in cost of living index (99 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | West Bend, WI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 70.8 (#1063) |
| Population | 93,692 | 31,886 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $359,869 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $71,904 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 24.4 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 6.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 99 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+36.3 |
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-
70.8 Score
West Bend, WI
Small Wisconsin city with local appeal
Median Home
$359,869
Population
31,886
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
34
Midwest
View West Bend, WI →