Merced, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Merced, California is 89,766 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 92nd-largest city in California. The median household income is $59,938, the median home value is $347,700, and the median age is 29.8.
The population has grown 21.4% since 2010 (79,131 → 96,073).
89,766
Population
3862
People / sq mi
$59,938
Median Income
$347,700
Median Home Value
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Merced covers 23.2 sq mi of land at 3862 people per square mile.
About Merced, CA
Merced skews on age — the median resident is 29.8, younger than the national median. With 89,766 residents, Merced is a city in California.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $59,938, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US cities: 18.6%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $347,700, with typical rent around $1,293.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 18.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 7.9%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Merced city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Merced city had a population of 79,131 in 2010 and 96,073 in 2024, a 21.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 96,073 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.40%.
96,073
Population (2024)
79,131
Population (2010)
96,073
Peak (2024)
1.40%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 79,131 |
| 2011 | 79,705 |
| 2012 | 80,231 |
| 2013 | 80,703 |
| 2014 | 81,120 |
| 2015 | 81,775 |
| 2016 | 82,232 |
| 2017 | 82,589 |
| 2018 | 83,113 |
| 2019 | 83,676 |
| 2020 | 87,019 |
| 2021 | 90,017 |
| 2022 | 92,382 |
| 2023 | 94,190 |
| 2024 | 96,073 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 31.7% |
| Black or African American | 4.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$59,938
Median Household Income
$26,140
Per Capita Income
18.6%
Poverty Rate
7.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$347,700
Median Home Value
$1,293
Median Rent
44.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
77.2%
High School+
18.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.8%
Drive Alone
75.4%
Public Transit
7.9%
Work From Home
26.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
7.6%
Foreign Born
53.3%
Non-English at Home
4.0%
Veterans
13.9%
With Disability
91.8%
Health Insurance
95.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 25.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.6% |
| Manufacturing | 8.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 6.8% |
| Retail Trade | 6.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.7% |
| Construction | 6.6% |
| Public Administration | 5.8% |
| Information | 4.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Merced, California has a population of 89,766 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 92nd-largest city in California.
The median household income in Merced, California is $59,938, with 18.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Merced, California is $347,700, with median monthly rent at $1,293 and a homeownership rate of 44.4%.
The median age in Merced, California is 29.8 years. The population is 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
The population has grown 21.4% since 2010 (79,131 → 96,073).
Where to stay in Merced
Visiting or relocating to Merced, CA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.