Merced, CA

Merced CA scores 42/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 80% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 180 (100 = avg); violent crime index 214; property crime index 145. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Merced. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Merced is about $1,393/month (moderate). At $1,393/month for a typical unit, you need about $50,148+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $372,600.

Median household income is $63,122, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($63,122) clears the $50,148 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 80°F (highs near 97°F, lows near 63°F).

Midafternoon outdoor time is limited most of summer without shade and water. Plan on summer electric bills around $200–$300/month for a typical apartment if you run AC hard. If you visit, go in July or August. That is the real test.

Who tends to thrive in Merced: (1) Renters who want $1,393/month housing without coastal prices (comfort income is about $50,148) (2) People who genuinely love heat and do not mind living indoors June through September (highs near 97°F) (3) Households earning $50,148+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,393/month (4) Movers with a locked job offer in Merced who already priced rent and commute

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 42/100) (2) People who need outdoor time year-round for their mental health (summers lock you inside for 3–4 months; highs near 97°F) (3) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Merced does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $50,148 household income for $1,393/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Merced scores 42/100 on safety with $1,393/month typical rent. Run the numbers against your income before committing.