Where is Merced, California, U.S.

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

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, 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.

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.

Top Attractions

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, California Quick Facts

Transportation and Connectivity in Merced

• Merced is located in Merced County in the heart of California's Central Valley.
• The city serves as the county seat and is a regional center for education, agriculture, business, and government services. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Merced is known as the "Gateway to Yosemite" because of its location near Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada region. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• The community developed as a railroad town and grew through agriculture, transportation, and higher education. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Top Places to Visit in Merced, California

Driving Distances from Merced, California to Nearby Cities

Colleges and Universities Near Merced, California

Waterbodies Near Merced, California

Merced is located in California's Central Valley near several important water resources. Major nearby waterways include Bear Creek, Merced River, Lake Yosemite, and San Luis Reservoir. These water resources support agriculture, wildlife habitats, fishing, boating, hiking, and outdoor recreation.

Stadiums and Sports Facilities Near Merced

Merced features sports and recreation facilities including Applegate Park, Merced College athletic facilities, UC Merced sports facilities, and community recreation centers. Nearby venues include Merced Speedway, regional baseball fields, and athletic complexes throughout the Central Valley.

Merced, California — Key Historical Facts

• Merced was founded in 1872 as a railroad town along the Central Pacific Railroad line.
• The city was named after the nearby Merced River, which received its name from Spanish explorers in the eighteenth century.
• Merced became the county seat of Merced County in 1872 and developed as an agricultural service center.
• Agriculture, including dairy farming, almonds, fruits, and other crops, has played a major role in the local economy.
• The arrival of the railroad helped Merced become an important transportation and commercial hub in the Central Valley.
• Castle Air Force Base operated near Merced from 1941 to 1995 and influenced regional development.
• The University of California, Merced opened in 2005, becoming the first new UC campus of the twenty-first century.
• Today, Merced is recognized for agriculture, higher education, transportation, and its location near Yosemite National Park.

References

• City of Merced, California
• Merced County Government
• University of California, Merced
• U.S. Census Bureau
• Visit California Tourism

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