Median Age
32 Years
Largest Age Group
15-24 Years
Approximately 17% of Residents
Under 20
30%
Over 65
12%
Merced
Merced, CA Area Guide
Avg Rent
$1,204
Population
99,740
Renter Mix
56% Rent
A cozy college town near a natural wonder
Scenic
•
College Town
•
Parks
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Situated in California's San Joaquin Valley, Merced combines agricultural heritage with educational opportunities. Located less than two hours from Yosemite National Park, the city serves as a convenient gateway to this natural wonder. The University of California, Merced campus - the first research university built in the U.S. in the 21st century - contributes to the local community.
Downtown Merced centers around the restored Art Deco Merced Theatre and Bob Hart Square. Lake Yosemite offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, while the Merced County Courthouse Museum preserves local history. The area maintains its agricultural significance as California's sixth-largest producing county. Notable neighborhoods include the north Merced area and the communities surrounding Merced College. The Mediterranean climate features mild winters and warm summers, ideal for exploring the city's parks and recreational areas. Current rental trends indicate steady market growth, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,175 monthly, reflecting more affordable options compared to California's coastal areas.
Explore the City
Get your farm to table produce at the Certified Farmers Market in Merced, Ca.
Bird watch on the observation deck at Merced National Wildlife Refuge.
Downtown Merced is a vibrant area and the heart of the city's culture.
There are many bright murals showcasing area artists in Downtown Merced.
Downtown Merced is a vibrant community located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.
Merced College offers a variety of classes and programs for students in Merced.
Demographics
Median Household Income
$49,855
Average: $68,170
Education
14,550
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
39,559
Workers Employed
Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.
Housing Distribution
Merced has more renters than homeowners.
Renters
56%
Non-Renters
44%
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
Bachelor's or Higher
10%
Other Education
90%
Rent Trends
As of May 2026, the average apartment rent in Merced, CA is $738 for a studio, $1,203 for one bedroom, $1,468 for two bedrooms, and $1,683 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Merced has increased by 0.4% in the past year.
Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,203/month
632 Sq Ft
House
$1,891/month
1,200 Sq Ft
Getting Around
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Merced, CA is for everyday living.
Fairly Walkable
Walkability
50
/ 100
Limited Public Transit
Transit
30
/ 100
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
90
/ 100
Fairly Bikeable
Bikeability
40
/ 100
Scores provided by
Schools
Public
Grades K-5
690 Students
Allan Peterson Elementary School
Public
Grades K-5
690 Students
Public
Grades K-5
1,055 Students
Public
Grades K-5
1,055 Students
Public
Grades K-8
912 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,073 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,073 Students
Public
Grades K-8
912 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
629 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
629 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,793 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,943 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,943 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,917 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,917 Students
School data provided by
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
Points of Interest
Shopping Centers
Parks and Recreation
- Applegate Park Zoo
- Yosemite Lake
Top Apartments in Merced
Houses for Rent in Merced
Property Management Companies in Merced, CA
Search Nearby Rentals
Nearby City Rentals
Nearby Neighborhood Rentals
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Methodology
† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.