California / Merced County

Moving to Merced, CA

Thinking of making a move to Merced, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Merced, CA

Considering a move to Merced, CA? This welcoming community of 89,308 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $357,000 and average rents near $1,350. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (78% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Merced's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Merced, CA

Merced has a population of 89,308 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 30 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 22% White, 4% Black, and 14% Asian residents, and over 40% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
89,308
Density
3,300 per sq mi
Median Age
29.6
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
39.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
22.4%
Black
4.1%
Asian
13.5%
Others
60.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Merced, CA?

The cost of living in Merced is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 109.0. Median home values are around $357,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$357,000
Gross Rent
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$135
Auto Insurance
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,880
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$525
State Taxes
Low: 1%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
109.0
Grocery
106.5
Housing
98.1
Utilities
110.2
Transportation
112.0
Health Care
105.6
Miscellaneous
103.0

Crime

Is Merced, CA a safe place to live?

Merced is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 633 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 44. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
633
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,279
Crime Index
2,912
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 158
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 44

Weather

What is the weather like in Merced, CA year-round?

Merced experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 97°F and cold winters dipping to 38°F. The area receives about 12 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 78% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
38°F
Max
57°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
97°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
77°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches
12.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
78%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $57,000 and a low poverty rate of 24.8%. Over 76% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 17% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$29,400
Household Income
$57,000
Family Income
$47,600
Per Capita Income
$20,700
Income Male
$31,000
Income Female
$25,800
Poverty Rate
24.8%
Non English Speakers
39.5%
Rent
$1,350
Unemployment Rate
7.4%
Public Transport Usage
1.3%
Commute Time
25.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
75.6%
Bachelors or More
17.2%

Education

How are the schools in Merced, CA?

Merced offers quality education options, with public schools like Merced High School and Rivera Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of California, Merced and Merced College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Merced High School
Street
205 W Olive Ave
Phone
209-385-6465
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
22.5
Name
Rivera Middle School
Street
945 Buena Vista Dr
Phone
209-385-6730
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
24.1

Private Schools

Name
Our Lady of Mercy School
Street
1400 St. Augustine Dr
Phone
209-722-7496
Students
230

Colleges

Name
University of California, Merced
City
Merced
State
CA
Distance
4 miles
Students
9,100
Name
Merced College
City
Merced
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
13,000

Healthcare

Merced residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mercy Medical Center Merced nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.5 per 1,000 people and 90.2% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Mercy Medical Center Merced
Address
333 Mercy Ave, Merced, CA 95340
Phone
(209) 564-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage
90.2%
Health Care Index
68.0

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Merced, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $357,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 44%. The market has seen a 6.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Merced offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$357,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate
43.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
6.2%
New Construction Rate
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Merced handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Merced. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
1313 W 12th St, Merced, CA 95341
Phone
1-800-777-0133

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Merced, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Merced, review the core fields on this page: population 89,308, median home value $357,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,350, commute time 25.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 78%.

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