Where is Merced, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 05, 2026, 14:55 ET

Where is Merced, California Located in the United States? - Merced is a city located in the Merced County in California, United States. Merced lies between 37.3022 Degrees North latitudes and -120.4829 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Merced, Merced, California

Where is Merced Located in Merced, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Merced in Merced County, in the U.S. state of California.

Merced Map, California, USA

About Merced Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Merced, Merced County, California

Merced is located in Merced County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the central part of the state in the state of the United States within the San Joaquin Valley region. The city was incorporated in 1889 and was named after the nearby Merced River, whose name means “mercy” in Spanish, and it developed as an agricultural and rail center before expanding into an educational and commercial hub.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Merced is 86,333 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,600 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Merced covers a total area of approximately 24.7 square miles (about 64.0 square kilometers), including about 24.6 square miles (63.7 square kilometers) of land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Merced is situated north of Madera and south of Turlock, positioned within the flat agricultural landscape of the San Joaquin Valley. The city features broad plains, irrigation canals, and proximity to the Merced River to the north. State Route 99 runs through the city, providing a major transportation corridor connecting Merced to Fresno, Modesto, and other Central Valley communities.

Attractions and Recreation

Merced offers parks, cultural venues, and access to nearby natural areas that support recreation and tourism. Popular destinations include Applegate Park Zoo, Lake Yosemite, and the Merced Multicultural Arts Center. The city is also home to the University of California, Merced, contributing to higher education, research, and economic growth in the region.

Transportation

Merced is served by State Route 99 and State Route 140, providing highway connections throughout the Central Valley and toward Yosemite National Park. Public transportation includes regional bus services and Amtrak rail connections. The nearest major airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport, located approximately 60 miles to the southeast.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Merced City Website.

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Merced City Facts

CityMerced
StateCalifornia
CountyMerced County
CountryUnited States
RegionSan Joaquin Valley
IncorporatedApril 1, 1889
Founded1872
Total AreaApproximately 23.3 sq mi (60.4 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 23.3 sq mi (60.4 km2)
ElevationApproximately 171 ft (52 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 90,000+
Population (2020 Census)86,333
Population DensityApproximately 3,700 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes95340, 95341, 95343, 95344, 95348
Area Code209
Major HighwaysState Route 99, State Route 59, State Route 140
Public TransitAmtrak San Joaquins, The Bus (Merced County Transit)
Major AttractionsUniversity of California Merced, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Applegate Park Zoo
Official Websitehttps://www.cityofmerced.org/

Distance from Merced City, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Atwater, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Livingston, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Winton, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
  • Delhi, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Turlock, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Modesto, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Madera, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Chowchilla, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Los Banos, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Fresno, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Clovis, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Stockton, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Tracy, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
  • San Jose, CA – 105 miles (169 km)
  • Oakland, CA – 115 miles (185 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 130 miles (209 km)
  • Gilroy, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
  • Sonora, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Mariposa, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Yosemite Valley, CA – 80 miles (129 km)

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