Jarred Simmons: Census statistics say education is key to reducing crime

According to the city of Merced’s “Merced First” website, coupled with 2015 Census Bureau data, some quick facts about the city. Its population is 80,697; median age is 28 and median household income is $37,652. Per capita income is $17,117.The unemployment rate is 10.09 percent.

The racial makeup is 47.6 percent Hispanic, 30 percent Caucasian and the remaining 22.4% Asian, black or multi-race.

Of the 28,082 total housing units, 10,437, or 37.2 percent, are owner-occupied; 14,794 or 52.7 percent are rentals. Vacant homes are 2,851 or 10.2 percent and may include the remaining shadow inventory from the foreclosure crisis. The median household value is $177,460; the average home value $210,318. There are 3.12 people per household.

The “Merced First” site indicates of the local city population 25 or older, 26.5 percent have attained a high school diploma, 19.9 percent have some college, 8.2 percent an associate degree, 10 percent a bachelors degree and 6 percent a graduate degree; 28.7 percent have less than a high school education.

So, on the surface, to help reduce crime, facts would indicate Merced should refocus its efforts on primary education, incentivize four-year home ownership and regulate rentals in the interim, and the leadership certainly needs more diversity.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 1:53 PM with the headline "Jarred Simmons: Census statistics say education is key to reducing crime."