Merced, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
91,953
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,122/yr
5.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
29,758
1.9% year-over-year change

Merced population

How many people live in Merced

Merced is home to 91,953 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Merced locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
91,953
2.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
45,922
Female
50.1%
46,031
Value Percent YoY change
Male 45,922 49.9% 3.6%
Female 46,031 50.1% 1.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Merced is 30, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.5% are children under 15, then 17% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.8% of the population, while another 19.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
30
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.5%
15 to 24
17%
25 to 44
28.8%
45 to 64
19.3%
Over 65
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 22,564 24.5% 2.2%
15 to 24 15,630 17% 0.3%
25 to 44 26,438 28.8% 2.6%
45 to 64 17,776 19.3% 1.2%
Over 65 9,545 10.4% 8.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Merced, 77.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 28.9% of locals are Caucasian, 5% are African American and 9.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.8% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 39.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.5%
Non-citizens
12.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 70,952 77.2% 2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9,627 10.5% 0.0%
Non-citizens 11,374 12.4% 4.8%
Racial breakdown
White
28.9%
Black or African American
5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
9.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
16%
Other
39.2%
Value Percent
White 26,534 28.9%
Black or African American 4,633 5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 771 0.8%
Asian 8,807 9.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 450 0.5%
Two or more races 14,730 16%
Other 36,028 39.2%

Households in Merced

A peek inside Merced households

Merced has 27,950 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.4% are families, while the remaining 28.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
27,950
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
8,006
Family households
19,944
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,006 28.6% 5.7%
Family households 19,944 71.4% 0.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Merced

The housing landscape of Merced

Merced's housing consists of 29,758 units, with 66% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
29,758
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 19,625 66%
1 unit, attached 507 1.7%
2 units 986 3.3%
3 or 4 units 2,545 8.6%
5 to 9 units 2,675 9%
10 to 19 units 1,036 3.5%
20 to 49 units 491 1.6%
50 or more units 1,182 4%
Mobile home 701 2.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 10 0%
Homes built since 2020
915
46.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Merced

In Merced, the median construction year is 1985. About 5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,497 5% 12.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,503 5% 1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,419 8.1% -13.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,265 7.6% -1.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,002 16.8% -1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,869 16.4% 0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,182 10.7% 7.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6,090 20.5% 2.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,016 6.8% 6.9%
Built in 2020 or later 915 3.1% 46.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Merced occupancy rates

Out of the 27,950 occupied housing units in Merced, 45.9% are owner-occupied, while 54.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
27,950
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,122
Owner occupied
12,828
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,122 54.1% -1.0%
Owner occupied 12,828 45.9% 5.1%
Unoccupied housing units
6.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Merced housing costs

Housing costs in Merced come to a median of $1,430 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,393.

Median housing costs per month
$1,430/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Merced
$1,393/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Merced

Merced education at a glance

About 38.3% of the population in Merced went to high school, while 23.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 13.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,011 10.9% 5.9%
High school diploma 24,693 38.3% 3.5%
College diploma 15,197 23.6% -7.2%
Associate degree 5,217 8.1% -6.1%
Bachelor's degree 8,498 13.2% 21.3%
Graduate degree 3,827 5.9% 12.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Merced

How much people earn in Merced

The average annual household income in Merced was $85,455 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,122, reflecting a +5.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Merced
$85,455/year
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Merced
$63,122/year
5.3% year-over-year change

Merced income by age

In Merced, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,274. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $75,177 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $50,024, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,092 in earnings. Overall, 76.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $50,024 3.5%
25 - 44 $69,274 5.8%
45 - 64 $75,177 12.6%
Over 65 $44,092 -3.8%
Above poverty level
68,716
Below poverty level
21,414
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 68,716 76.2% 1.6%
Below poverty level 21,414 23.8% 6.6%

Average renter income in Merced

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Merced, their median household income was $44,117 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,117
Rent-to-income ratio
37.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Merced

Workforce and job types in Merced

The job market in Merced is powered by 36,948 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.4% run their own businesses, 65.7% are employed by private companies, and 21.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
36,948
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
25,748
Blue collar
11,200
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 25,748 69.7% 5.0%
Blue collar 11,200 30.3% -0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.4%
Private companies
65.7%
Governmental workers
21.2%
Not for profit companies
6.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,362 6.4% -2.6%
Private companies 24,269 65.7% 2.1%
Governmental workers 7,830 21.2% 4.0%
Not for profit companies 2,487 6.7% 22.0%
Unemployment rate
11.3%
-5.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Merced stands at 11.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Merced

How people get around in Merced

In Merced, the average commute time is 29 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
29 min
6.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 29,392 82% 3.0%
Taxicab 28 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 295 0.8% 5.0%
Motorcycle 70 0.2% 125.8%
Bicycle 144 0.4% -26.9%
Walk 504 1.4% -15.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Merced by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95301 43,009 12,573 $68,349 $99,863
95334 17,363 4,222 $76,277 $91,542
95340 38,303 12,822 $71,193 $101,386
95341 36,385 9,323 $57,342 $70,054
95348 37,540 11,550 $64,944 $87,827
95317 827 265 $57,153 $97,042
95374 1,921 591 $57,538 $72,740

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Merced demographics 

What is the total population of Merced?

Merced has a total population of 91,953 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Merced?

The gender ratio in Merced is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (45,922 residents)
  • 50.1% females (46,031 residents)

What is the median age in Merced?

The median age in Merced is 30.

What is the age distribution of the population in Merced?

The age distribution in Merced is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.5% (22,564 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17% (15,630 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.8% (26,438 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.3% (17,776 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.4% (9,545 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Merced?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Merced is as follows:
  • White: 28.9% (26,534 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5% (4,633 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (771 residents)
  • Asian: 9.6% (8,807 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (450 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16% (14,730 residents)
  • Other: 39.2% (36,028 residents)

What percentage of the population in Merced are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 77.2% of the population in Merced.

How many housing units are there in Merced?

There are 29,758 housing units in Merced, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Merced and what is the average household size?

Merced has a total of 27,950 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Merced?

Merced has a median household income of $63,122, representing a +5.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Merced?

The employment rate is 88.7% in Merced, with a workforce of 36,948 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.7% (25,748 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.3% (11,200 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.4% (2,362 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.7% (24,269 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.2% (7,830 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.7% (2,487 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025