2023 ACS Census Data · Population 285,597
Merced County is a large county in California with a population of 285,597. The median household income is $65,044, near the national median. The poverty rate is 18.4%, median home value is $368,400, and 14.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Its college education attainment is 39% below the national average.
Population
285,597
2023 estimate
Rank #251 of 3,222 counties
Median Income?The midpoint of all household incomes — half of households earn more, half earn less.Learn more →
$65,044
Household
Rank #1422 of 3,222 counties
Median Home Value?Estimated market value of owner-occupied homes at the 50th percentile.
$368,400
Owner-occupied
Rank #289 of 3,222 counties
Bachelor's Degree+?Percent of adults 25 and older who hold at least a bachelor's degree.Learn more →
14.8%
Adults 25+
Rank #2795 of 3,222 counties
Location
Population breakdown by race, ethnicity, and age
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Female Population?Percent of the total population identifying as female.
49.3%
Foreign-Born?Percent of residents born outside the United States.
26.1%
Speak Non-English at Home?Percent of households where a language other than English is spoken at home.
52.9%
Veterans?Percent of civilian population 18 and over who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
2.8%
Income, poverty, and employment data from the American Community Survey
Benchmarks vs State & National
Median Household Income
25% below California avg·0% below national avg
Poverty Rate
43% below California avg·23% below national avg
Labor Force Participation
1% above California avg·2% above national avg
Economic Indicators
Per Capita Income?Total income divided by total population — the average income per person, regardless of household size.Learn more →
$27,711
Poverty Rate?Percent of residents living below the federal poverty line, which varies by household size.Learn more →
18.4%
Labor Force Participation?Percent of civilians 16+ who are employed or actively looking for work.Learn more →
58.8%
Home values, ownership rates, and rental costs
Benchmarks vs State & National
Median Home Value
35% below California avg·76% above national avg
Median Monthly Rent
21% below California avg·38% above national avg
Home Ownership Rate
17% below California avg·27% below national avg
Housing Cost Burden
4% below California avg·58% below national avg
Housing Units
89,610
Households
84,605
Ownership & Cost Burden
Persons per Household?Average number of people living in each occupied housing unit.
3.3
Median Owner Costs (w/ Mortgage)?Typical monthly costs for homeowners with a mortgage, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.Learn more →
$1,853
Broadband Subscription?Percent of households with a broadband internet subscription.Learn more →
88.1%
Mean Commute Time?Average one-way travel time to work, in minutes, for workers 16 and older.Learn more →
31 min
Educational attainment among adults
Benchmarks vs State & National
Bachelor's Degree Rate
51% below California avg·39% below national avg
High School Graduation Rate
16% below California avg·19% below national avg
Attainment
Health & Access
With Disability (under 65)?Percent of residents under 65 with a cognitive, physical, or sensory disability.Learn more →
9.1%
Without Health Insurance (under 65)?Percent of residents under 65 who lack any form of health insurance coverage.Learn more →
9.9%
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