Merced, CA vs West Chicago, IL
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 Chicago
72.9
#817 nationally
West Chicago leads in crime level (5.0 vs 21.5). West Chicago leads in median household income ($92,335 vs $59,233). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 38).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | West Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 72.9 (#817) |
| Population | 93,692 | 25,116 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $395,522 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $92,335 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 27.5 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 38 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 5.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 110 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+13.3 |
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-
72.9 Score
West Chicago, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$395,522
Population
25,116
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
38
Midwest
View West Chicago, IL →
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