Merced County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Merced County, CA has a population of approximately 281,202. The racial composition is 54.9% Hispanic or Latino, 29.7% White, 8.1% Asian, 3.4% African American, 1% Native American, and 3% identifying as two or more races. The median household income is around $54,000, with 20.3% of the population living below the poverty line. The county spans 1,978 square miles and includes cities like Merced, Los Banos, and Atwater.

As of 2023, Merced County, CA, has a median home value of approximately $380,000. Median rent is around $1,300 per month. The county experiences a 2.5% annual home value growth, and the average price per square foot is $239. The homeownership rate is 53%, with vacancy rates for rental properties at about 6%. New construction permits have increased by 5% over the past year, reflecting ongoing development in the region.

Merced County, CA, holds elections across various levels, including local, state, and federal offices. Voter registration as of recent data includes 146,573 eligible voters, with the district's turnout varying per election cycle.

Key positions and recent candidates include:

• Merced County Board of Supervisors: Composed of 5 districts. Recent elections saw incumbents like Scott Silveira (District 5) seeking re-election.
• Sheriff: Incumbent Sheriff Vern Warnke.
• District Attorney: Incumbent Kimberly Lewis.
• U.S. House of Representatives (16th District): Democrat Jim Costa and Republican candidates John Duarte.
• California State Senate (12th District): Prominent candidates include Democrat Anna Caballero.
• California State Assembly (21st District): Democrat Adam Gray and Republican Mark Pazin were notable figures.

Local measures and school board positions are also part of the ballots, with specific issues and budget approvals frequently addressed.

As of the latest data, Merced County, CA, has educational attainment levels that fall below both state and national averages. About 16% of residents possess a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the California state average of approximately 33% and the national average of around 32%. High school diploma attainment is also lower, with approximately 71% of Merced County's population holding at least a high school diploma, versus the California state average of roughly 82% and the national average of about 88%. Furthermore, educational resources such as access to quality K-12 schools vary across the county, with some areas facing significant challenges in terms of funding and teacher-student ratios compared to state and national standards.

Merced County, CA, had an unemployment rate of 8.7% as of mid-2023, higher than both the national average of about 3.5% and the California state average of 4.8%. The county's labor force numbered around 110,000 individuals.

Top industries include:

1. Agriculture: Dominant, employing around 25-35% of the workforce.
2. Education and Health Services: Significant, with institutions like the University of California, Merced contributing to employment.
3. Retail Trade: Another key sector.
4. Manufacturing: Especially food processing.

Compared to national averages, Merced is more dependent on agriculture, which constitutes about 1.3% of U.S. employment. The county's employment in education/health and retail trade sectors aligns closely with state averages but employs fewer than the national averages.

As of recent data, the average income in Merced County, CA is approximately $52,000 per household annually. This is substantially lower when compared to the national average household income of about $68,700 and the California state average household income of approximately $75,235.

Merced County's lower income levels can be attributed to its predominantly agricultural economy, which typically offers lower wages compared to urban centers. This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by residents relative to the broader state and national context.

As of the latest available data, Merced County, California, experiences a range of crime rates. The overall crime rate is approximately 37.5 per 1,000 residents annually. This includes both violent and property crimes. Violent crimes, such as murder, rape, and assault, occur at a rate of about 6.9 per 1,000 residents. Property crimes, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, have a higher rate at around 30.6 per 1,000 residents.

These rates can fluctuate year to year and may vary among different cities within the county.