Merced, CA—95341
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 $361,000, with a year-over-year change of -1.4%. This indicates that home prices in Merced, CA are decreasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.4%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $361,000 | -1.4% |
| Single Family | $362,000 | -1.4% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $265,000 | -2.9% |
3 Bed | $345,000 | -1.7% |
4 Bed | $402,000 | -1.2% |
| 5 Bed | $492,000 | -1.0% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Merced, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Merced, CA is $1,590, with a year-over-year rent change of -4.8%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Merced, CA is studios: $891, 1-bedrooms: $1,160, 2-bedrooms: $1,340, 3-bedrooms: $1,920, 4-bedrooms: $2,200. The most common rental property sizes in Merced, CA are 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom, accounting for 44.1% and 21.4% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,400 | $1,590 |
| Studio Rent | $875 | $891 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,150 | $1,160 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,350 | $1,340 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,950 | $1,920 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,200 | $2,200 |
% 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 39. This is a increase of 8.0% 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 30.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $410,000 | 6.0% |
Listing Count | 88 | 36.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.6% | 36.0% |
Days on Market | 39 | 8.0% |
Demographics — Merced, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Merced, CA has a population of 35,000, which has increased by 7.7% over the past 5 years. Merced, CA is a popular place for families, as children make up 36.0% of the population. The area has a poorly educated workforce, with 7.8% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 4.9% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 35,000 | 7.7% |
% Under 18 | 36.0% | -0.6% |
% Seniors | 7.5% | -2.6% |
% WFH | 4.9% | 63.3% |
% w/ College Degree | 7.8% | -9.3% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Merced, CA is a predominantly hispanic area, with 72.9% of the population identifying as hispanic. The hispanic population has grown by 11.0% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Merced, CA is white, making up 11.8% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 29.9% of the population in Merced, CA, and this percentage has decreased by 9.7% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 11.8% | -21.3% |
% Black | 3.7% | -14.0% |
% Hispanic | 72.9% | 11.0% |
% Asian | 8.4% | -38.2% |
% Foreign Born | 29.9% | -9.7% |
Mortgage and Risk — Merced, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 327 mortgage originations in Merced, CA, of which 57.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 74.0%, with 51.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Merced, CA. Investor activity is low, as 3.0% of loans were by investors. 13.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 327 |
% Conventional Loans | 57.0% |
% Government Loans | 43.0% |
% Investor Loans | 3.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 13.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Merced, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Merced, CA under the Section 8 program is 19.3%. This is considered high, suggesting that the neighborhood is heavily composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 2-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 3-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 1,237 |
Total Units Section 8 | 1,085 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 19.3% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 78.6% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$30 | $1,150 | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedroom | $30 | $1,350 | $1,380 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$50 | $1,950 | $1,900 |
| 4 Bedroom | $120 | $2,200 | $2,320 |
Affordability — Merced, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 6.2 |
| Median Home Price | $361,000 |
| Median Household Income | $55,500 |