Paulson West Neighborhood, Merced
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
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in Merced
Is Paulson West Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Paulson West in Merced, CA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 99, which is 1% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Merced average (crime index 65), Paulson West is 34% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 131, 31% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 68).
Paulson West Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Merced city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
115 | +15% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
68 | -32% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
How Paulson West Compares
Crime index by category: Paulson West vs Merced average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Paulson West Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Paulson West Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Paulson West, Merced?
Paulson West in Merced, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 99, which is 1% below the national average. Compared to the Merced average, crime in Paulson West is 34% higher.
Is Paulson West a safe neighborhood in Merced?
Paulson West is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Merced, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 131), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 68).
How does Paulson West compare to the rest of Merced?
Paulson West's overall crime index is 99, compared to the Merced average of 65. This means crime in Paulson West is 34% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 103, and for property crime it is 106. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Paulson West?
The most prevalent crime type in Paulson West is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 131 (31% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Paulson West?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Bellevue Ranch Village. These areas are close to Paulson West and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Paulson West?
Paulson West has a population of approximately 24. The median household income is $55,952. The median home value is $563,125. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Paulson West crime compare to the national average?
Paulson West's overall crime rate is 1% below the national average (index 99 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.