Census ACS · #176 MSA
Merced Metro Area
The Merced, Ca Metropolitan Statistical Area has 285,597 residents. The median household income is $65,044 and the median home value is $368,400.
285,597
Population
147
People / sq mi
$65,044
Median Income
$368,400
Median Home Value
The Merced CBSA covers 1,938 sq mi of land at 147.4 people per square mile.
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 36.0% |
| Black or African American | 2.9% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
Economy & Income
$65,044
Median Household Income
$27,711
Per Capita Income
15.2%
Poverty Rate
6.3%
Unemployment
Cost of Living
The Merced metro's price level is 98.3 on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (US average = 100), meaning prices are 1.7% lower the US average. The local median income of $65,044 has the buying power of $66,186 in average-priced US metros.
98.3
Price Level (US = 100)
$66,186
COL-Adjusted Median Income
$65,044
Nominal Median Income
Housing
$368,400
Median Home Value
$1,284
Median Rent
53.3%
Homeownership
Education
71.9%
High School+
14.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.4%
Drive Alone
6.4%
Work From Home
31.0 min
Avg Commute
7.6%
Foreign Born
Merced spans this state
Nearby metros
Largest cities in California
Largest counties in California
Part of California
Other metros
Metro areas in California
Metro rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
The Merced, Ca Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of 285,597 according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates, making it the #176 largest CBSA in the US.
The median household income in the Merced metro area is $65,044, with a per capita income of $27,711.
The Merced, Ca CBSA spans the state of California.
Where to stay near Merced
Visiting or relocating to the Merced metro area? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the region — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Merced
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Merced?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for the Merced metro by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from California
Data for the Merced, Ca CBSA (32900) from the American Community Survey 5-Year estimates. Core-Based Statistical Areas combine cities, suburbs, and surrounding counties tied together by commuting patterns.
Homeownership is the standout figure in Merced: 53.3% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 285,597 residents, Merced is a metro area in CA.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $65,044 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.2%, above the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $368,400, with typical rent around $1,284.
Merced is among the least college-educated US metro areas, at 14.8% — below the national 35.0%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.