June 13, 2024
The Merced County region is developing a multi-jurisdictional housing element (MJHE) for the sixth cycle housing element update. Jurisdictions participating in the joint effort are the County of Merced and the cities of Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Living
“It’s true that jobs pay less in Merced but also that housing rents are cheaper there,” said Rowena Gray, UC Merced associate professor of economics.
Gray pointed out that the impact of the minimum wage in Merced is more significant than in many other California communities. Despite the fact that rents have increased in line with Bay Area communities, the overall affordability in Merced remains relatively stable.
She mentioned the limited expansion of available housing and high land prices as the primary factors driving the increase in rents in Merced.
Please read the Merced Focus article here.
