countyscore
35.3
County Score
Schools 67.5Property Tax 66Income & Jobs 54.7

County Report Card

About Merced County, California

Merced trails both state and nation

Merced County scores 35.3, falling below both California's state average of 40.9 and the national median of 50.0. The county faces significant livability challenges across multiple dimensions despite some competitive advantages.

Below state average, lower half ranking

At 35.3, Merced ranks in the lower half of California counties, falling below the state average of 40.9. The county underperforms most state peers across the livability composite.

Schools and lowest tax burden

Merced's standout dimension is schools, scoring 67.5, providing strong K-12 educational opportunity for families. The tax score of 66.0 with an effective rate of 0.675% represents the lowest fiscal burden in this sample, maximizing household spending power.

Safety and health care significant gaps

The safety score of 7.3 represents a critical weakness, among the lowest in this group, indicating substantial community security concerns. Health care quality scores just 39.9, and cost score of 11.9 reflects housing affordability challenges despite median values of $368,400.

For education-focused families accepting risk

Merced County suits budget-conscious families prioritizing excellent schools and minimal tax burden, willing to navigate safety challenges and modest health care infrastructure. It's best for resilient households seeking maximum economic efficiency over community security.

204060801006611.97.339.967.554.73.143.244Tax66Cost11.9Safety7.3Health39.9Schools67.5Income54.7Risk3.1Water43.2Weather4435.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Merced County DNA

Foverall

How Merced County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Merced County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (66/100) but notably weak in Safety (7.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
66+14
Cost
11.9-36.1
Safety
7.3-47.7
Health
39.9-10.100000000000001
Schools
67.5+13.5
Income
54.7
Risk
3.1-43.9
Water
43.2-14.799999999999997
Weather
44-12
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$368,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,284/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$368,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$51,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,044/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Coconino County
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Pierce County
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Nearby counties

Stanislaus County
California
35.6
San Benito County
California
43.3
Madera County
California
35.5
Mariposa County
California
43.9
Monterey County
California
39
Fresno County
California
33
San Joaquin County
California
33.1
Santa Cruz County
California
41.6

Deep Dives

Merced County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Merced County

via TaxByCounty

Merced County taxes well below national median

Merced County's effective tax rate of 0.675% is the second-lowest among surveyed counties and well below California's state average of 0.714%. Its median property tax of $2,487 sits just below the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value of $368,400 that exceeds the national average.

Lowest effective tax rate in the group

Merced County's effective rate of 0.675% is the lowest recorded across these eight counties, placing it among California's most tax-friendly regions. Its median property tax of $2,487 is roughly 39% below the state average of $4,045.

Best tax deal in the Central Valley

Merced County's 0.675% effective rate and $2,487 median tax beat neighboring Madera County (0.700%, $2,575 tax) and match Mariposa County's favorable position. With a median home value of $368,400, Merced offers impressive tax efficiency for Central Valley buyers.

Merced County homeowner tax calculation

A Merced County homeowner with a $368,400 home pays approximately $2,487 in annual property taxes at the 0.675% effective rate. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total approaches $2,803 annually for financed properties.

Tax appeals available to all Merced homeowners

Even in Merced County's favorable tax environment, homeowners can file appeals if assessments don't match current market values or contain errors. Free appeals process means zero risk and potential savings that compound over years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Merced County

via CostByCounty

Merced renters exceed national affordability norms

Merced County's 23.7% rent-to-income ratio surpasses the national average, placing renters under greater housing burden than typical American counties. With a median household income of $65,044 and rents of $1,284, Merced delivers Central Valley living that strains more than it relieves compared to national benchmarks.

Merced ranks slightly above state average

Merced County's 23.7% rent-to-income ratio edges above California's 22.4% state average, placing it just slightly above the midpoint for affordability. The county's Central Valley location creates moderate pricing between ultra-affordable rural counties and Bay Area premium markets.

Merced sits central to valley affordability

Merced's median rent of $1,284 aligns closely with Lake County ($1,292) and Mariposa County ($1,268), establishing it as a valley-representative option. The county's affordability ratio slightly trails inland neighbors but offers stronger job market access than mountain alternatives.

Nearly one-quarter of income flows to rent

Merced renters spend $1,284 monthly on rent while homeowners carry $1,392 in monthly costs, both substantial claims against a $65,044 median household income. The county's median home value of $368,400 reflects growing demand from workers priced out of coastal California.

Merced offers valley alternatives to coastal flight

If you're relocating from coastal California, Merced County provides Central Valley alternatives with home values ($368,400 median) far below Bay Area or Los Angeles levels. The county's proximity to Fresno and Stockton job markets makes it practical for workers seeking escape from coastal housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Merced County

via IncomeByCounty

Merced County earns below the U.S. median

Merced County's median household income of $65,044 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 13%, reflecting a rural agricultural economy with limited high-wage sectors. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier nationally.

Merced ranks among California's lowest-income counties

At $65,044, Merced County's median household income is 25% below California's state average of $87,001. The county ranks in the lower quartile among California's 58 counties.

Merced aligns with rural California's income peer group

Merced County ($65,044) earns similarly to Mendocino ($64,688) and Lassen ($64,395), anchoring the lower tier of rural California counties. The tight income clustering across these counties reflects shared structural economic challenges.

Merced's housing costs consume significant household resources

At 23.7%, Merced County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the 25% threshold, but median home values of $368,400 still require dual incomes or substantial savings. Limited wealth-building capacity strains household finances and long-term security.

Merced households should pursue skills-based income growth

With median income below state and national averages, Merced County residents should prioritize education, job training, and side income opportunities. Even modest income increases through career advancement or supplementary work can meaningfully improve financial stability and wealth-building prospects.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Merced County

via CrimeByCounty

Merced County Crime Rates Above National Average

Merced County reports 3,075.9 total crimes per 100,000 residents, which is roughly 29% higher than the national average. This results in a safety score of 95.1.

Safety Ranking Lower Than State Average

Merced's safety score of 95.1 falls below the California state average of 96.3. The county faces higher crime challenges than many of its Central Valley neighbors.

Crime Higher Than Neighboring Madera

The crime rate in Merced (3,075.9) is significantly higher than in neighboring Madera County (2,026.2). Local law enforcement from 12 agencies manages these higher crime volumes.

Violent and Property Crimes Above Average

Violent crime sits at 648.3 per 100,000, nearly double the national rate. Property crime is also high at 2,427.6, compared to the national average of 2,015.7.

Security Awareness Crucial in Merced

With higher property crime rates, residents should take active steps to secure their homes. Comprehensive security systems and reinforced entry points are effective ways to deter criminal activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Merced County

via SchoolsByCounty

Merced County’s Robust School Infrastructure

Merced County supports 59,654 students through 114 public schools and 22 districts. The county features a large elementary network of 58 schools, complemented by 27 high schools and 17 middle schools. This comprehensive system is designed to handle a large and growing Central Valley student population.

Outperforming Expectations in Graduation Rates

Merced County achieves a 91.4% graduation rate, significantly beating the California average of 87.5% and the national average of 87.0%. The county spends $8,658 per pupil, aligning closely with the state average. This efficiency results in a strong school score of 57.8, outpacing many neighboring regions.

Los Banos and Merced City Lead the Way

Los Banos Unified and Merced City Elementary are the largest districts, serving 11,002 and 10,973 students respectively. Merced Union High also plays a critical role, managing several of the largest schools in the area. Charter options are present but rare, making up only 2.6% of total schools.

Diverse Locales from Cities to Rural Fields

Schools in Merced County are found in a variety of settings, including 32 in city locales and 25 in rural areas. The average school size of 568 students reflects a more urbanized student population compared to northern neighbors. Large campuses like Atwater High serve over 2,000 students, providing extensive extracurricular and academic programs.

Relocating for Merced’s High-Performing Schools

The impressive 91.4% graduation rate makes Merced County a top choice for families prioritizing academic outcomes. As you search for homes, districts like Los Banos Unified offer a mix of suburban and city living with proven results. Exploring the Merced Union High boundary can lead you to some of the county's largest and most established schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Merced County

via RiskByCounty

Merced faces very high composite risk

Merced County scores 96.9 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively High" rating that substantially exceeds California's state average of 88.7. This Central Valley county faces considerable exposure across multiple natural disaster categories.

Third highest risk in California

Merced County ranks 3rd in composite disaster risk among California's 58 counties, surpassed only by Los Angeles and Madera. The county's position reflects extreme vulnerability to earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and even tornadoes.

Highest risk in the Central Valley

Merced County's 96.9 risk score dramatically exceeds other Central Valley counties, reflecting its unique combination of seismic activity, wildfire exposure, and tornado risk (26.2—the state's highest). Its geography creates multi-directional vulnerability.

Earthquake, wildfire, and tornado threats

Merced County faces serious earthquake risk (98.5 out of 100), high wildfire risk (92.2), and the state's highest tornado risk (26.2). Flood risk (94.7) adds a fourth significant natural disaster concern for county residents.

Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage needed

Merced County residents must secure earthquake insurance, dedicated wildfire coverage, and flood insurance to address the county's multi-directional natural disaster exposure. Consider tornado insurance options and establish detailed emergency plans for all four major hazard types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Merced County

via WaterByCounty

Merced County earns a D for drinking water

The county recorded 64 health violations over the past five years, resulting in a grade of D. However, the violation rate of 26.6 per 100,000 residents is actually better than the state average of 49.1. This suggests that while violations are frequent, they affect a smaller portion of the population than in other regions.

High toxicity levels found in local water bodies

According to 2022 data, 47.1% of assessed water bodies in the county are impaired, which exceeds the state average of 37.2%. Toxicity, pathogens, and low dissolved oxygen are the primary pollutants identified in these waters. These factors suggest significant impacts from agricultural and urban runoff.

Monitoring efforts focus on agricultural chemicals

Merced County operates 74 monitoring sites, providing 14,727 measurements over the last five years. A large portion of the data tracks pesticides and organic compounds, mirroring the county's intensive farming activity. This monitoring is critical for detecting chemical runoff into the local water supply.

San Joaquin River flows below seasonal averages

The USGS gauge on the San Joaquin River at Fremont Ford Bridge currently records 337 cfs. This represents 41% of the long-term mean, indicating a dry spell for this major waterway. Low flows can reduce the river's ability to dilute pollutants like salts and boron.

Be cautious of toxicity in local runoff

High watershed toxicity and pathogen levels mean residents should avoid contact with untreated surface water. While drinking water compliance is better than the state average, the D grade warrants staying informed about local utility reports. During low flow periods on the San Joaquin, be especially mindful of water quality for irrigation and recreation.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Merced County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm and sun-drenched county

Merced County averages 62.8°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median. It is characterized by long periods of sunshine and very little annual rainfall.

Warmer than the average Californian

At 62.8°F, Merced is four degrees warmer than the state average of 58.7°F. This inland warmth is typical for the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.

Extremely dry compared to neighbors

Merced receives only 10.4 inches of precipitation, far below the California average of 25.8 inches. It is one of the drier populated regions in the state, with zero annual snowfall.

Nearly 100 days of extreme heat

Summer is dominated by 98 days over 90°F and a July average of 78.7°F. Winters are cool and dry, with a January average of 47.1°F and no snow to speak of.

Focus on cooling and hydration

The 98 days of extreme heat make high-performance air conditioning a non-negotiable for residents. Because the county only receives 10.4 inches of rain, water conservation and irrigation are critical year-round.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Merced County

via SoilByCounty

Heart of the Valley Soil Science

Specific pH data and taxonomic orders for Merced County are currently missing from the dataset. Most soils in this agricultural hub trend toward the state average pH of 6.34. Identifying your soil's specific taxonomic order helps predict its long-term behavior and productivity.

The Foundation of Valley Farming

Specific sand, silt, and clay ratios are not provided in this county summary. These numbers are vital for farmers who need to know how much pressure their soil can handle. Knowing the clay content is especially helpful for managing irrigation schedules.

Striving for State Fertility Benchmarks

Organic matter and available water capacity data remain unavailable for Merced at this time. To reach the state average of 3.30% organic matter, many local growers rely on consistent composting and crop rotation. These practices ensure the soil remains a productive asset for generations.

Managing Water in the Flatlands

Hydrologic group data is not listed, but flat valley landscapes often require intentional drainage solutions. Ensuring water doesn't sit on the surface is key to preventing root rot in valuable orchards. Observing your land after a heavy rain will reveal any drainage bottlenecks.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 9a

USDA Hardiness Zone 9a supports a massive variety of crops, from sweet potatoes to almonds. The long growing season and high heat units allow for maximum sugar development in fruits. It is an ideal environment for anyone looking to grow their own food.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Merced County

via LawnByCounty

Maximum Effort in Merced

Merced County presents the toughest conditions on this list, with a lawn difficulty score of just 17.8. This is far below the national average, requiring intense effort to keep grass alive in Zone 9a.

Extreme Heat and Low Water

Very low rainfall of 10.4 inches and a staggering 98 days of extreme heat create a harsh environment. The 5,011 growing degree days mean grass grows fast, but only if it receives constant, heavy irrigation.

Improving Water Retention

Specific soil metrics are unavailable for the county, though Central Valley soils often require significant organic matter. Test your yard to see if it needs help retaining moisture against the intense sun.

Drought-Wise Maintenance

Residents faced 32 weeks of drought last year, making water conservation a top priority for any lawn owner. Mulching around the edges and using cycle-and-soak irrigation methods can help maximize every drop.

Choose Heat-Hardy Grasses

Buffalo grass or hybrid Bermudagrass are the best bets for surviving Merced's punishing heat. You can start planting as early as late February, but be prepared for a rigorous summer watering schedule.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Merced County's county score?
Merced County, California has a composite county score of 35.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Merced County rank among counties in California?
Merced County ranks #50 among all counties in California on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Merced County, California?
The median annual property tax in Merced County is $2,487, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Merced County a tax score of 66/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Merced County?
The median household income in Merced County, California is $65,044 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Merced County earns an income score of 54.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Merced County, California a good place to live?
Merced County scores 35.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in California. The best way to evaluate Merced County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Merced County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.