Merced, CA—95340
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Merced, CA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Merced, CA is $402,000, with a year-over-year change of -1.1%. This indicates that home prices in Merced, CA are decreasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.1%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $402,000 | -1.1% |
| Single Family | $403,000 | -1.2% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $287,000 | -1.4% |
3 Bed | $384,000 | -1.3% |
4 Bed | $476,000 | -1.2% |
| 5 Bed | $546,000 | -1.4% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Merced, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Merced, CA is $1,760, with a year-over-year rent change of 0.0%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Merced, CA is studios: $1,110, 1-bedrooms: $1,230, 2-bedrooms: $1,520, 3-bedrooms: $2,120, 4-bedrooms: $2,260. The most common rental property sizes in Merced, CA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 35.7% and 32.5% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,760 |
| Studio Rent | $995 | $1,110 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,200 | $1,230 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,500 | $1,520 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,000 | $2,120 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,400 | $2,260 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Merced, CA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Merced, CA is 66. This is a increase of 61.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 18.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $385,000 | -10.0% |
Listing Count | 109 | 25.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.5% | 25.0% |
Days on Market | 66 | 61.0% |
Demographics — Merced, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Merced, CA has a population of 38,000, which has increased by 4.6% over the past 5 years. Merced, CA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 25.0% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 26.2% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 11.3% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 38,000 | 4.6% |
% Under 18 | 25.0% | 2.5% |
% Seniors | 13.9% | 3.0% |
% WFH | 11.3% | 197.4% |
% w/ College Degree | 26.2% | 9.2% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Merced, CA is a predominantly hispanic area, with 51.1% of the population identifying as hispanic. The hispanic population has grown by 16.1% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Merced, CA is white, making up 34.5% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 15.3% of the population in Merced, CA, and this percentage has increased by 7.7% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 34.5% | -14.4% |
% Black | 3.1% | -20.5% |
% Hispanic | 51.1% | 16.1% |
% Asian | 8.1% | -10.0% |
% Foreign Born | 15.3% | 7.7% |
Mortgage and Risk — Merced, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 352 mortgage originations in Merced, CA, of which 68.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 64.0%, with 33.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Merced, CA. Investor activity is low, as 4.0% of loans were by investors. 16.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 352 |
% Conventional Loans | 68.0% |
% Government Loans | 32.0% |
% Investor Loans | 4.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 16.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Merced, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Merced, CA under the Section 8 program is 12.5%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Merced, CA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 667 |
Total Units Section 8 | 666 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 12.5% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 77.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$10 | $1,200 | $1,190 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$40 | $1,500 | $1,460 |
| 3 Bedroom | $10 | $2,000 | $2,010 |
| 4 Bedroom | $50 | $2,400 | $2,450 |
Affordability — Merced, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 6 |
| Median Home Price | $402,000 |
| Median Household Income | $65,100 |