County of Merced Housing Authority

405 U St, Merced, CA, 95341 · ~3,312 units under management

Call 2093864139

Fair Market Rent by unit size — Merced, CA (2026)

Figures shown are Fair Market Rent for the county this agency primarily serves — the agency's actual payment standard (typically 90–110% of FMR) may differ. Confirm directly with the agency. Full county data: Merced County

Who this agency serves

County of Merced Housing Authority served 2,555 households across 3,312 units (77% occupied) as of HUD's 2025 Picture of Subsidized Households data. The typical assisted household here has an average of 2.8 people, an average annual income of $21,648, and pays an average of $567 per month toward rent.

Households served
2,555 of 3,312 units
Avg. household income
$21,648
Avg. rent paid by household
$567
Avg. household size
2.8 people
Households with children
49%
Head of household 62+
28%
Head of household with a disability
39%
Avg. wait to move in
18 months

Unit mix: 29% 1-bedroom, 26% 2-bedroom, 45% 3-bedroom.

Source: HUD's Picture of Subsidized Households, 2025— figures reflect this agency's most recent reporting period across all HUD programs it administers, not just Housing Choice Vouchers.

Public housing inspection scores

HUD conducts physical inspections of public housing developments under the REAC (Real Estate Assessment Center) program. Scores run 0–100: 90+ is High Performer, 60–89 is Standard, below 60 is Troubled. This agency administers 4 developments with an average score of 94 (High Performer).

DevelopmentCityScoreProtocolInspected
Gateway HomesMerced98 High PerformerNSPIREJun 2024
SCATTERED SITESLivingston95 High PerformerNSPIREJun 2024
SCATTERED SITESMerced93 High PerformerNSPIREJun 2024
SCATTERED SITESLos Banos88 StandardNSPIRESep 2025

Source: HUD REAC Physical Inspection Scores — data reflects the most recent inspection for each development. See Understanding REAC and NSPIRE inspection scores for methodology details.

For Renters

Am I eligible?

To qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher through County of Merced Housing Authority, your household's gross annual income generally must be at or below the limits below (50% of area median income, as set by HUD). Most agencies are required to prioritize applicants at or below 30% AMI (the Extremely Low Income limit) for at least 75% of new vouchers.

Household sizeMax gross annual income
1 person$34,000
2 people$38,850
3 people$43,700
4 people$48,550
5 people$52,450
6 people$56,350
7 people$60,250
8 people$64,100

Source: HUD Income Limits, 2026. Meeting the income limit does not guarantee a voucher — waiting lists, local preferences, and funding levels vary. Contact County of Merced Housing Authority directly for current availability. Learn more about eligibility →

For Renters

Income-restricted housing in Merced, CA

These properties were built or rehabilitated using the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and must rent a portion of units below market rate. Many, but not all, accept Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers — contact the property directly to confirm current availability and voucher acceptance.

Source: HUD LIHTC Public-Use Database. Properties shown were placed in service within the last 35 years and may still be under compliance obligations. Verify availability, income limits, and voucher acceptance directly with each property. More on finding affordable housing →

Applying with this agency

Application processes and waiting-list status vary by agency — contact County of Merced Housing Authority directly using the info above, or read our general guide to how to apply and how waiting lists work.

Evaluating this market

Landlords and investors: see becoming a Section 8 landlord and how to read this market's numbers.