2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lakewood, WA vs Merced, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Merced older or younger than people in Lakewood?
- The Median Age in Merced is 6.1 years younger than in Lakewood.

Are housing costs cheaper in Merced or Lakewood?
- Merced housing costs are 18.8% less expensive than Lakewood housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Merced or Lakewood?
- The average commute for residents of Merced is 4.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Lakewood.

Things to do in Lakewood?
Lakewood, Washington is a vibrant city located in Pierce County. From stunning scenery to plenty of outdoor activities and cultural events, there's something for everyone. Visitors can explore the parks, beaches and trails within the city limits or experience natural areas like American Lake Park and Fort Steilacoom Park. Craft breweries, unique restaurants and entertainment venues offer something for every taste. With its affordable housing options, excellent schools and friendly residents, Lakewood is an ideal place to live or visit!

Things to do in Merced?
Merced, California is a mid-sized city located in Central Valley known for its proximity to Yosemite National Park or Lake Yosemite making it an ideal spot for outdoor recreation.

 Lakewood, WAMerced, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,993329,725,481
 Median Income$60,534  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock29.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$459,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.13  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Lakewood    7 Reviews

Historically, Lakewood has had a bad reputation for being a crime ridden city, but since its incorporation in 1996 it has seen a transformation. Many of its roads have  More

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Over 7 years ago

Lakewood is the worst city in the state. With a murder rate that has grown upwards of 20 people a year, to the home invasions that happen every day in the city, don’t  More

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Over 16 years ago

lakewood(chocolate city, lakeview, eastside,tillicum/woodbrook,lakecity) all crime drug and gang filled areas. very high murder rate for a suburb..and there are way too  More

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Reviews for Merced    44 Reviews

Merced is totally slept on - you want a little bit of everything CA has to offer, at a fraction of the price of other CA cities? Merced is the place to go. The town  More

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Over 5 years ago

Good place to live. More affordable than most of california. The city is growing and there is alot of business and growth here. Moved from the Bay area years ago and  More

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Great place to live. Lots of progress and changes coming to the city. Great place to raise a family. UC Merced is expanding and businesses are investing. Downtown is  More

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