Merced, CA vs Zion, 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
Zion
72.6
#868 nationally
Zion leads in crime level (12.4 vs 21.5). Zion leads in cost of living index (96 vs 121). Zion leads in median household income ($65,018 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Zion, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 72.6 (#868) |
| Population | 93,692 | 24,206 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $257,565 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $65,018 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 29.3 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 12.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+20.8 |
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-
72.6 Score
Zion, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$257,565
Population
24,206
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
40
Midwest
View Zion, IL →