| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Merced/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,288 | n/a (estimate) | 3,493 | 2,834 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 8.5 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 75 | n/a | 79.7 | 36.4 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 178 | n/a | 189.1 | 128.3 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 517 | n/a | 549.3 | 338.6 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 778 | n/a (estimate) | 827 | 508 | 364 |
| Burglary | 392 | n/a | 416.5 | 347.4 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 1,586 | n/a | 1,685.0 | 1,466.0 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 532 | n/a | 565.2 | 512.2 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 2,510 | n/a (estimate) | 2,667 | 2,326 | 1,917 |
The Merced crime rates are 52.4% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 738 violent crimes in Merced (801 per 100,000 people), which is 116.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 2528 property crimes (2742 per 100,000 residents) which is 40.3% higher than average.
With a violent crime rate of 801 crimes per 100,000 residents, Merced is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Merced ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 125 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
With a total of 425 vehicle thefts last year, Merced has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 461 per 100,000 people. This lands Merced in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 217.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Merced residents. Out of the respondents (96 in total), 33% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Merced were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 67% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Merced, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Merced presents a total crime rate that is 52% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Merced experiences an average of 8.95 daily crimes, comprising 2.02 violent incidents and 6.93 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Merced has increased by 24.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Merced is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 9.8%, while property crime has increased by 29.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Merced.
In Merced, 71% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Merced, there are 1.37 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Merced stands at $251,500, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| Item | Merced | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 111 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| McSwain, CA | 4,429 | 198 | 909 | 1,107 |
| Le Grand, CA | 1,597 | 263 | 1,204 | 1,467 |
| Chowchilla, CA | 18,443 | 524 | 1,139 | 1,663 |
| Livingston, CA | 14,392 | 439 | 1,385 | 1,824 |
| Ballico, CA | 508 | 367 | 1,679 | 2,045 |
| Planada, CA | 3,984 | 379 | 1,735 | 2,113 |
| Atwater, CA | 30,336 | 605 | 2,406 | 3,011 |
| Merced, CA | 84,081 | 827 | 2,667 | 3,493 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Troy, MI | 84,051 | 89 | 1,408 | 1,498 |
| Mission, TX | 83,796 | 203 | 1,133 | 1,336 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 84,418 | 854 | 4,967 | 5,821 |
| Alhambra, CA | 84,509 | 247 | 2,531 | 2,778 |
| Redwood City, CA | 84,518 | 490 | 2,205 | 2,695 |
| Merced, CA | 84,081 | 827 | 2,667 | 3,493 |
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