Average Rent in Merced County
Apartments & Houses by Size
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Merced County, nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley, blends agricultural heritage with a growing urban vibe anchored by the University of California, Merced campus and a revitalized downtown district. The county offers a mix of historic neighborhoods, vibrant commercial corridors, and scenic natural attractions such as Lake Yosemite and the nearby San Luis Reservoir, making it appealing to families, professionals, and students alike. With a broad spectrum of housing options—from convenient studio apartments near campus to spacious single‑family homes in the suburbs—renters can find accommodations that match a variety of lifestyles and commuting needs.
The rental market reflects this diversity, with apartments ranging from studios in the $1100s to larger four‑bedroom units approaching the $1900s, while houses start near $1000 for studios and climb above $2400 for expansive family homes. Popular residential areas such as Downtown Merced, the Merced College neighborhoods, and the surrounding communities of Atwater and Planada provide easy access to shopping, dining, and public transit. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate nearby parks and trail systems, and the county’s central location offers straightforward connections to major highways for commuters traveling to the Bay Area or Sacramento. These factors combine to make Merced County a compelling choice for renters seeking affordability, convenience, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Merced Rent by Property Type & Bedroom Count
Averages, medians, and ranges across recent rental listings
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min – Max | 25th – 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $1,223 | $1,295 | $700 – $1,525 | $1,150 – $1,350 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $1,540 | $1,550 | $1,050 – $1,900 | $1,400 – $1,700 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $1,923 | $1,975 | $1,170 – $2,399 | $1,650 – $2,200 |
| Apartment | 4+ Bedroom | $2,439 | $2,500 | $1,800 – $3,200 | $2,200 – $2,650 |
| House | Studio | $1,159 | $1,100 | $895 – $1,700 | $1,000 – $1,100 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $1,234 | $1,200 | $811 – $1,650 | $1,200 – $1,300 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $1,677 | $1,600 | $1,250 – $2,500 | $1,450 – $1,800 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $2,165 | $2,129 | $860 – $5,500 | $1,950 – $2,300 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $2,431 | $2,350 | $1,750 – $6,000 | $2,200 – $2,550 |
Current rent in Merced (all property types): Studio $1,153, 1 Bedroom $1,229, 2 Bedroom $1,601, 3 Bedroom $2,153, 4+ Bedroom $2,379.
Map of Merced County
Outlined area shows the county boundary. Shaded regions show where rentals cluster.
About this data
Rent statistics, listings analysis, and visualizations on this page are produced by Rentometer, Inc.
If you cite, share, or republish data from this report, please credit Rentometer.