Merced, California
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| Merced, California | |
|---|---|
| Name | Merced |
| Settlement type | City |
| Pushpin label | Merced |
| Coordinates | 37, 18, 08, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision name1 | California |
| Subdivision name2 | Merced |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1889 |
| Government type | Council–manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Matthew Serratto |
| Area total sq mi | 30.77 |
| Area total km2 | 79.70 |
| Area land sq mi | 30.77 |
| Area land km2 | 79.70 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Elevation ft | 171 |
| Elevation m | 52 |
| Population total | 86,333 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Pacific |
| Utc offset | −8 |
| Timezone DST | PDT |
| Utc offset DST | −7 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 95340–95341, 95343, 95348 |
| Area code | 209 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 06-46898 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature IDs |
| Blank1 info | 277548, 2411084 |
| Website | www.cityofmerced.org |
Merced, California. A city in the San Joaquin Valley and the county seat of Merced County, it is a central hub for agriculture, education, and transportation. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite National Park", it is home to the University of California, Merced, the newest campus in the University of California system. The city's history is deeply tied to the Southern Pacific Railroad and the region's development as an agricultural powerhouse.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Yokuts people, specifically the Plains Miwok. European exploration began with the Spanish Gabriel Moraga expedition in 1806, which named the Merced River. The Rancho San Luis Gonzaga land grant was established here during the Mexican era. The modern city was founded in 1889 with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which established a station and spurred growth. It played a significant role in the Dust Bowl migration, depicted in works like John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, and was a site for the World War II-era Merced Army Air Field.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of approximately 30 square miles, entirely land. It lies on the eastern edge of the San Joaquin Valley, near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The Merced River flows to the north, and the city is intersected by several major waterways, including Bear Creek. Its location along State Route 99 and proximity to Yosemite National Park via State Route 140 are defining geographic features. The climate is classified as Mediterranean.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 86,333, a significant increase from previous decades. The racial and ethnic composition is diverse, with a large Hispanic or Latino community, alongside significant White, Asian, and African American populations. The establishment of the University of California, Merced in 2005 has contributed to a younger demographic profile and population growth. The city is part of the Merced, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Economy
Historically and presently, the economy is anchored by agriculture, with major crops including almonds, dairy products, and tomatoes. Major employers include the University of California, Merced, Merced College, and Mercy Medical Center. The Castle Commerce Center, a former Air Force base, is now an industrial and business park. Retail and service sectors are centered around major corridors like Main Street and the Merced Mall. Logistics and transportation also play key roles due to the city's central location.
Culture and recreation
The city hosts several cultural institutions, including the Merced Multicultural Arts Center and the Merced County Courthouse Museum. Annual events include the Merced County Fair and the Merced Shakespearefest. Outdoor recreation is focused on the Applegate Park Zoo, Lake Yosemite, and nearby access to the Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park. The Hilmar Cheese Company visitor center is a popular attraction. The arts scene is supported by the Merced Symphony Orchestra and performances at the Merced Theatre.
Government
The city operates under a council–manager system. The legislative body is the Merced City Council, led by the mayor. The city is part of California's 13th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by John Duarte. At the state level, it lies within California's 12th State Senate district and California's 27th State Assembly district. Law enforcement is provided by the Merced Police Department, with county services administered by the Merced County Board of Supervisors.
Education
The city is served by the Merced City School District and the Merced Union High School District, which includes Merced High School. Higher education is dominated by the research-focused University of California, Merced, part of the University of California system, and Merced College, a California Community Colleges institution. Other notable schools include Our Lady of Mercy School. The Merced County Office of Education provides regional support services.