IncomeBy County

Merced County, California

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-25% vs. California average
$65,044
Median Household Income
$27,711
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$65,044
-25% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,711
-30% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
17.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in California
#47 / 58
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Merced County Compares

Merced County$65,044
California Average$87,001
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$65,044
Median Household Income
$27,711
Per Capita Income
$368,400
Median Home Value
17.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Merced County

Income Verdict

Merced County has a median household income of $65,044 and per capita income of $27,711 — a gap of $37,333, indicating a strong family-earning economy with multiple earners per household.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,284/month and a median household income of $65,044, rent consumes approximately 23.7% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $65,044 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $27,711 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Merced County earns approximately 25.2% below the California state median household income of $87,001.

Data Story

About Household Income in Merced County, California

Merced County earns below the U.S. median

Merced County's median household income of $65,044 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 13%, reflecting a rural agricultural economy with limited high-wage sectors. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier nationally.

Merced ranks among California's lowest-income counties

At $65,044, Merced County's median household income is 25% below California's state average of $87,001. The county ranks in the lower quartile among California's 58 counties.

Merced aligns with rural California's income peer group

Merced County ($65,044) earns similarly to Mendocino ($64,688) and Lassen ($64,395), anchoring the lower tier of rural California counties. The tight income clustering across these counties reflects shared structural economic challenges.

Merced's housing costs consume significant household resources

At 23.7%, Merced County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the 25% threshold, but median home values of $368,400 still require dual incomes or substantial savings. Limited wealth-building capacity strains household finances and long-term security.

Merced households should pursue skills-based income growth

With median income below state and national averages, Merced County residents should prioritize education, job training, and side income opportunities. Even modest income increases through career advancement or supplementary work can meaningfully improve financial stability and wealth-building prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Merced County, California?
The median household income in Merced County, California is $65,044, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Merced County?
The per capita income in Merced County is $27,711, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $65,044.
How does Merced County compare to the California average?
Merced County's median household income of $65,044 is lower than the California state average of $87,001. The per capita income is $27,711, compared to the state average of $43,669.
What is the per capita income in Merced County, California?
The per capita income in Merced County, California is $27,711, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Merced County a low-income area in California?
Merced County's median household income of $65,044 is below the California average of $87,001. The per capita income of $27,711 is also lower than the state average of $43,669. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Merced County rank for income in California?
Merced County ranks #47 out of 58 counties in California by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $65,044 and per capita income of $27,711, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Merced County

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Your income is above the Merced County median

County median: $65,044 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-25%

vs. National Median

-13%

vs. Merced County MedianAbout equal
vs. California Average▼ 25% below
vs. National Median▼ 13% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.2x

Your monthly income ($5,420) vs. median rent ($1,284/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Hancock County
Illinois
$65,044
+0%
Adams County
Washington
$65,042
+0%
Crawford County
Iowa
$65,039
+0%
Blaine County
Montana
$65,050
+0%
Woodward County
Oklahoma
$65,060
+0%
Kennebec County
Maine
$65,062
+0%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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