Merced, CA vs Oceanside, CA

Oceanside is safer with a higher safety score by 8 points. Merced, CA has a safety score of 58/100 while Oceanside, CA has 66/100, based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

Merced, CA has a violent crime rate of 784.8 per 100,000 residents, while Oceanside, CA has 458.7 per 100,000. Lower rates indicate safer communities. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.

Merced, CA has a property crime rate of 2792.6 per 100,000, compared to 1672.0 per 100,000 in Oceanside, CA. Property crimes include burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Safety scores range from 0-100, combining violent crime rates, property crime rates, and population data from the FBI UCR. Higher scores mean safer cities. Grades: A (80+), B (65-79), C (50-64), D (40-49), F (below 40).

Based on crime data alone, Oceanside is safer. However, safety is just one factor — also consider cost of living, job market, schools, and quality of life. Visit our city pages for more details on each.