Merced, CA vs Riverside, CA

Riverside is safer with a higher safety score by 2 points. Merced, CA has a safety score of 58/100 while Riverside, CA has 60/100, based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

Merced, CA has a violent crime rate of 784.8 per 100,000 residents, while Riverside, CA has 589.7 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 2832.1 per 100,000 in Riverside, 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, Riverside 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.