Merced, CA Census Data
The 92nd largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Merced is the 92nd largest city in California by population and ranks 185th of 188 for median household income. With 89,766 residents, its poverty rate of 23.0% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
89,766
49.4% male · 50.6% female
Median Age
29.8
8.9 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$59,938
$18,600 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
18.0%
17.0% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 77.2%
Poverty Rate
23.0%
10.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 8.2%
Broadband Access
95.4%
5.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$347,700
Median rent: $1,293 · 44% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
12.3%
Labor force participation: 54.2%
Per Capita Income
$35,288
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.0%
Disability rate: 13.9%
How Merced Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 92nd of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 185th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 186th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 157th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 179th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Merced, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Merced, CA?
The population of Merced, CA is 89,766 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 29.8 years.
What is the median household income in Merced?
The median household income in Merced, CA is $59,938, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $35,288.
What is the poverty rate in Merced?
The poverty rate in Merced, CA is 23.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 8.2% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Merced residents have a college degree?
18.0% of adults (25+) in Merced hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 77.2% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Merced?
The median home value in Merced, CA is $347,700. Median rent is $1,293 per month, with 44% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Merced?
Merced's population is 31.7% White, 4.9% Black, 58.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 9.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Merced rank among California cities?
Merced is the 92nd largest city in California by population, the 185th highest for median household income, the 186th lowest for poverty rate, the 157th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Merced?
The unemployment rate in Merced, CA is 12.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 54.2%. Per capita income is $35,288.
Cities Similar to Merced
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.