Merced, California

Merced is the county seat of Merced County, California in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 63,893. Incorporated in 1889, Merced is a charter city that operates under a council-manager government. It is named after the Merced River, which flows nearby.

Merced, known as the "Gateway to Yosemite", is less than two hours by car from Yosemite National Park to the east and to the west is Monterey Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and miles of beaches. The community is served by rail passenger service, a major airline, and two bus lines.

In 2005, the city will be home to the 10th University of California campus, the University of California at Merced.

Geography

Merced is located at 37°18'22" North, 120°28'40" West (37.305977, -120.477916)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 51.4 km² (19.9 mi²).

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 63,893 people, 20,435 households, and 14,631 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,242.2/km² (3,216.7/mi²). There are 21,532 housing units at an average density of 418.6/km² (1,084.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 52.40% White, 6.33% African American, 1.28% Native American, 11.37% Asian, 0.21% Pacific Islander, 23.18% from other races, and 5.22% from two or more races. 41.36% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 20,435 households out of which 42.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% are married couples living together, 18.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.4% are non-families. 22.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.06 and the average family size is 3.62.

In the city the population is spread out with 34.7% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 28 years. For every 100 females there are 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $30,429, and the median income for a family is $32,470. Males have a median income of $31,725 versus $24,492 for females. The per capita income for the city is $13,115. 27.9% of the population and 22.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 36.9% of those under the age of 18 and 10.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.