Ballico is an unincorporated community in Merced County, California. It is located 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Atwater, at an elevation of 151 feet (46 m). Ballico is located in the northern part of Merced County, just north of where the Santa Fe railroad crosses the Merced River. Delhi is to the west, Denair to the northwest, and Cressey is across the river to the southeast. The ZIP Code is 95303. The area is inside area code 209. The name is a portmanteau of Ballintine Company, owner of the ranch on which the town was built.