Merced’s population has increased steadily over the years, but its growth rate has been relatively modest compared to other cities in California. For example, according to the United States Census Bureau, Merced’s population was 78,959 in 2010, and it had grown to 83,676 by 2020, which represents a growth rate of approximately 6%. By comparison, other cities in California like San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles have grown at rates of 10% or more over the same time period.