Merced, CA—95348
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 $414,000, with a year-over-year change of -2.0%. 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 | $414,000 | -2.0% |
| Single Family | $415,000 | -2.6% |
| Condos | $278,000 | -0.7% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $280,000 | -2.8% |
3 Bed | $384,000 | -1.8% |
4 Bed | $443,000 | -2.9% |
| 5 Bed | $509,000 | -3.0% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Merced, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Merced, CA is $1,980, with a year-over-year rent change of -5.7%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Merced, CA is studios: $1,150, 1-bedrooms: $1,420, 2-bedrooms: $1,600, 3-bedrooms: $2,130, 4-bedrooms: $2,320. The most common rental property sizes in Merced, CA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 33.8% and 24.4% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,000 | $1,980 |
| Studio Rent | $1,150 | $1,150 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,440 | $1,420 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,620 | $1,600 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,050 | $2,130 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,300 | $2,320 |
% 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 51. This is a decrease of -7.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market shorter than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 47.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $433,000 | -6.0% |
Listing Count | 118 | 15.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.5% | 15.0% |
Days on Market | 51 | -7.0% |
Demographics — Merced, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Merced, CA has a population of 36,700, which has increased by 7.1% over the past 5 years. Merced, CA is a popular place for families, as children make up 26.6% of the population. The area has a poorly educated workforce, with 19.3% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 6.6% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 36,700 | 7.1% |
% Under 18 | 26.6% | 2.3% |
% Seniors | 9.7% | -10.2% |
% WFH | 6.6% | 135.7% |
% w/ College Degree | 19.3% | -1.0% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Merced, CA is a predominantly hispanic area, with 48.9% of the population identifying as hispanic. The hispanic population has grown by 12.4% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Merced, CA is white, making up 23.4% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 22.0% of the population in Merced, CA, and this percentage has increased by 18.9% 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 | 23.4% | -25.9% |
% Black | 7.1% | -9.0% |
% Hispanic | 48.9% | 12.4% |
% Asian | 16.0% | 6.0% |
% Foreign Born | 22.0% | 18.9% |
Mortgage and Risk — Merced, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 397 mortgage originations in Merced, CA, of which 67.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 69.0%, with 37.0% 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. 15.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 397 |
% Conventional Loans | 67.0% |
% Government Loans | 33.0% |
% Investor Loans | 4.0% |
% Second Loans | 3.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 15.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Merced, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Merced, CA under the Section 8 program is 13.3%. 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. 2-bedroom and 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 units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 851 |
Total Units Section 8 | 823 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 13.3% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 76.5% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$10 | $1,440 | $1,430 |
| 2 Bedroom | $140 | $1,620 | $1,760 |
| 3 Bedroom | $380 | $2,050 | $2,430 |
| 4 Bedroom | $660 | $2,300 | $2,960 |
Affordability — Merced, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 6.4 |
| Median Home Price | $414,000 |
| Median Household Income | $63,600 |