The Merced metro is home to 285,597 people (up 6.1% over five years), with a median household income of $65,044. Typical rent of $2,059/month works out to 38.0% of the median household income — above the 30% affordability threshold, a strain signal (Census ACS + Zillow, September 2026).
The share of Merced's workforce by sector — the base of tenant demand:
| Sector | % of workforce |
|---|---|
| Education & health care | 21.8% |
| Retail trade | 10.7% |
| Agriculture & mining | 10.5% |
| Manufacturing | 10.5% |
| Construction | 8.5% |
Education & health care is the metro's largest employment base — sectors like education and health care are recession-resilient anchors for rental demand.
Rents at 38.0% of median income leave little headroom — expect tenant price sensitivity. Market pricing, yields and the Star Score live on the Merced market page; run a deal in the calculator.
At the 30%-of-income affordability rule, typical rent of $2,059/month suggests a household income around $82,000/year. The metro's median household income is $65,044.
By workforce share: Education & health care (21.8%), Retail trade (10.7%), Agriculture & mining (10.5%) (Census ACS 5-year).