Real Estate Investing in Merced, California (95341)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 95341 (Merced, CA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- Elevated poverty: 25.6% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
What’s happening in Merced, CA (95341)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 95341 Merced
ZIP 95341 inside Merced County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $364K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 95341 clocks in at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
In the broader CA picture, 95341 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Demographically, 95341 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 95341 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Merced:
Property Strategy for 95341
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $265,120 | $1,450 | 3.9% | +6.4% | $132,560 |
| 3BR | $345,306 | $1,990 | 4.1% | +7.4% | $115,102 |
| 4BR | $401,504 | $2,410 | 4.3% | +7.0% | $100,376 |
| 5BR | $491,707 | — | — | +6.5% | $98,341 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 95341 Compare?
| Metric | 95341 | Merced | Merced, CA | California |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $364,341 | $238,482 | N/A | $761,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.9% | 3.3% | N/A | 5.7% |
| Avg Rent | $2,062 | $1,799 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% | 3.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 95341 (Merced, CA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $364,341 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,062 |
| Price-to-Rent | 14.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.8% |
| Cap Rate | 4.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +8.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.4%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 95341
Population: 34,956
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 95341
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 4,493 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CA a landlord-friendly state?
Landlord-friendliness in Merced, CA is tenant-protective. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
What is the average monthly rent in Merced, CA?
Expect rents around $2,062/mo per month in Merced, CA. With home values at $364K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
How deep is the rental pool in Merced, CA?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Merced, CA. The rental market absorbs $2,062/mo rents without meaningful friction.
How does Merced, CA stack up for property investment?
Yes - Merced, CA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $364K home prices against $2,062/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
What is the median home value in Merced, CA?
Expect median prices around $364K in Merced, CA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been predictable.
You know 95341 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 95341 ranks in Merced, CA
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