Merced, is the county seat of Merced County, California in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. As of 2007, the city had a total population of 79,715. Incorporated in 1889, Merced is a charter city that operates under a council-manager government. It is named after the Merced River, which flows nearby. Merced apartments for rent comparison page shows most up to date rent information on Merced apartments and houses. Rent information is obtained from multiple rental sources but we cannot guarantee their accuracy.