Merced County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 23rd-largest in California
The population of Merced County, California is 285,597 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 23rd-largest county in California. The median household income is $65,044, the median home value is $368,400, and the median age is 31.8.
The population of Merced County has grown 15.6% since 2010 (256,709 → 296,774), a +1.04% annualized rate.
285,597
Population
+1.04%
Annual growth
147
People / sq mi
$65,044
Median Income
$368,400
Median Home Value
Merced County covers 1,938 sq mi of land at 147.4 people per square mile.
About Merced County, CA
Merced County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 7.6% of the population. With 285,597 residents, Merced County is a county in California. It ranks #23 among counties in California by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $65,044 — below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.2% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $368,400, with typical rent around $1,284.
College attainment is 14.8%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.4%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
Merced County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Merced County had a population of 256,709 in 2010 and 296,774 in 2024, a 15.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 296,774 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.04%.
296,774
Population (2024)
256,709
Population (2010)
296,774
Peak (2024)
1.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 256,709 |
| 2011 | 259,249 |
| 2012 | 260,776 |
| 2013 | 261,888 |
| 2014 | 264,241 |
| 2015 | 266,133 |
| 2016 | 267,370 |
| 2017 | 270,837 |
| 2018 | 273,733 |
| 2019 | 277,114 |
| 2020 | 282,963 |
| 2021 | 284,834 |
| 2022 | 292,034 |
| 2023 | 294,402 |
| 2024 | 296,774 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 36.0% |
| Black or African American | 2.9% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
31.8
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
11.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 24.0% · Seniors (65+): 11.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,044$-31,290 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,129 |
| Per-capita income | $27,711 |
| Poverty rate | 15.2%+6.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Merced County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
76.8%
Public transit
6.4%
Work from home
31.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$368,400$-327,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,284
Median rent
53.3%
Homeownership rate
89,610
Total housing units
94.4%
Occupied
5.6%
Vacant
46.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.0%
With health insurance
91.7%
With broadband internet
7.6%
Foreign-born
4.0%
Veterans (18+)
12.8%
With a disability
47.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
71.9%
High School+
14.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in California
Other counties in California
Part of California
Metro areas in California
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Merced County, California has a population of 285,597 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 23rd-largest county in California. Population density is 147 people per square mile.
The population of Merced County has grown 15.6% since 2010 (256,709 → 296,774), a +1.04% annualized rate.
The median household income in Merced County, California is $65,044, with mean (average) household income of $87,129 and per-capita income of $27,711. 15.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Merced County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (36.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%), Black or African American (2.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Merced County, California is 31.8 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in Merced County is $368,400 and median monthly rent is $1,284. 53.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 89,610 total housing units, 5.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Merced County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 6.3%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Merced County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
Merced County, CA Climate
Merced County, CA has an average annual temperature of 16.3°C (61°F) and receives about 264 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.3°C
Avg Temp
264
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 45° | 48 mm |
| February | 10° / 51° | 48 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 43 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 20 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 6 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 2 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 1 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 1 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 6 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 15 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 38 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 36 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Merced County, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Merced County, CA are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 35°C high). The coldest is December (near 2°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Merced County
Visiting or relocating to Merced County, CA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — 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.