Merced, CA Crime Rate & Safety

Merced, CA has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 71% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 135 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 24 chance for property crime. Merced has higher crime than 92% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Merced has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 100% of the city's 1 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Bellevue Ranch Village is one of the safest areas, while Bellevue Ranch Village has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Merced is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Merced are Bellevue Ranch Village. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Merced include Bellevue Ranch Village. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Merced is 738.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 94% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 135 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.2 per 100K (83% above average); aggravated assault at 516.4 per 100K (93% above average); robbery at 150.4 per 100K (104% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Merced is 4,166.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 127% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 24 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 485.7 per 100K (80% above average); larceny/theft at 3,006.7 per 100K (114% above average); vehicle theft at 673.8 per 100K (111% above average).

Merced's overall crime rate is 71% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (114% above average), while burglary is 80% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Merced has higher crime than 92% of them.

Visitors to Merced should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 127% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Bellevue Ranch Village.

California as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Merced's crime rate is 71% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical California city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Merced, with an estimated rate of 3,006.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 114% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (4,166 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (738 per 100K) in Merced, which is consistent with national trends.