Demographics
Modesto‘s is a diverse community that continues to grow at a sustainable rate.
HOT! State of California Comprehensive Interactive Demographics and Economics App
Economy
Modesto's economy job creation exceeds population growth, with a manufacturing heritage moving into circular economy opportunity, Modesto’s economy capitalizes on its central location with a balance of industry and services.
Workforce
Modesto works hard and is ready to work. Modesto’s workforce supports a diverse manufacturing base, health services, professional and government services, logistics and more. Supported by strong workforce development efforts, businesses find the workforce they need in Modesto.
Education
Modesto’s schools are well-rated by services such as niche.com. Modesto offers high-performing public and private schools and Modesto Junior College. California State University Stanislaus is in nearby Turlock, and UC Merced is under an hour away; both among the highest rated universities for economic mobility. Modesto and Stanislaus County share a long-term commitment to rising educational and skills attainment.
Quality of Life
Modesto offers high quality of living at modest cost. Modesto’s Downtown is a vibrant food and arts and entertainment destination. Modesto offers many shopping options from neighborhood to regional mall and power centers to farmers markets and farmstands. Modesto has a wide spectrum of quality healthcare services. Modesto is a “Tree City” with 76 city parks, extensive walking and biking trails and the scenic Tuolumne River Regional Park.
Real Estate development
Modesto’s home prices and rents are substantially less than Bay Area markets, attracting millenial in-migration.
Modesto is neighborhood-centered with homes from the late 1800’s to present and many tree-lined streets. Modesto is noted for its preservation of a number of classic architectural styles including MidCentury Modern and Mediterranean.
Modesto Demographics
HOT! State of California Comprehensive Interactive Demographics App
This is a great go-to for your demographic and economic questions questions!
US Census Department Resources
US Census Department Quick Facts for Modesto (City)
Includes Population, Age and Sex, Race and Hispanic Origin, Population Characteristics, Housing, Families and Living Arrangements, Computer and Internet Use, Education, Health, Economy, Transportation, Income and Poverty, Businesses, Geography
Census Department Profile of Modesto
Comprehensive good demographic and economic overview.
Census Explorer - Modesto City
Modesto Economy
Consistent Organic Growth
Modesto’s economy experienced the impacts of COVID19 and public-health based restrictions on business activity. By the end of 2021, Modesto had recovered much of its employment, matching the State of California as a whole on unemployment. Rising interest rates beginning in the latter part of 2022 have been associated with widespread increases in unemployment.
Despite dips in the Spring of 2021 and 2024 which coincide with annual renewal, the total number of active Modesto business licenses has steadily increased.
Economic Highlights
· Modesto is the 19th largest city in California with Population 218,028
· Median Age 35 vs CA 37
· Net Job growth 2024/23 0.8% population Growth 2024/2019 +0.71% vs CA -1.8%
· Net Job growth 2024/23 0.8%
· Median Wage $18.85 vs CA 17.81
· Average Wage $25.47 vs CA $25.08
· Workforce: Modesto 103,400; Stanislaus County 260,300; North San Joaquin Valley 809,548 (CA EDD for Modesto city and stan county, CA zoom prospector for NSJV)
· Workforce Growth: 6.1% June’25/June’20 (Modesto MSA)
· GDP 2023: Modesto MSA $30.6B, NSJV $85.6B
· Market Accessibility > $1T GDP within 100 miles
Large Employers
Additional Resources
Stanislaus County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2023 (CEDS)
Modesto economic overview, 2023, Opportunity Stanislaus
Modesto Economy at a Glance, Western Information Office of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Modesto MSA/Stanislaus County)
California Employment Development Department large employers in Stanislaus County
Modesto Workforce
Modesto MSA
Modesto MSA
Modesto MSA
Modestso MSA
Workforce Indicators
Workforce Growth: 6.1% June’25/June’20 (Modesto MSA)
Median Wage $18.85 vs California $17.81
Average Wage $25.47 vs California $25.08
Workforce: Modesto 103,400; Stanislaus County 260,300; North San Joaquin Valley 809,548 (CA EDD for Modesto city and Stanislaus County, California ZoomProspector for Northern San Joaquin Valley region
Stanislaus Workforce Development
Stanislaus County Workforce Development is the lead organizer for the Central California Region from San Joaquin County in the north to Kern, Inyo and Mono Counties in the south. SCWD manages Rapid Response for at-risk employers, Workforce Training, Career Services, Pathways to Services, Targeted Outreach, Business Services.
Stanislaus Workforce Development served 3,896 customers served 2023–24, fueling industry growth.
111 clients approved for vocational training, with 94 completions, 84 transitional jobs, 68 Welfare-to-Work Paid Work Experience
Workforce Partners
Modesto Chamber of Commerce
Administers Employment Training Panel grants to help employers offset training costs
Represents the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a public-private partnership that assists small and medium-sized businesses thrive
Digital Nest – provides underserved youth technical training and career development*
Central Valley Opportunity Center – provides agricultural worker career training*
HealthForce Partners – operates a scholarship program to build behavioral health capacity*
*The City of Modesto invested American Rescue Program Act (ARPA) funda for workforce development with these local workforce development partners:
Education
California State University Stanislaus (CSUS)
CSUS is a highly rated university that graduates more than 3,000 annually. Five Star ranking from Money.com, on Princeton Review’s Best Colleges list. #10 West-Regional University (#5 public), (usnews.com)
CSUS is a leader in inclusive education. It is an Hispanic Serving Institurtion pursuing the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification.
CSUS is leading the way in serving Asian American, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islaner and Desi American (Indian subcontinent) students, recently receiving a $1.2 CSU grant for to expand opportunities in these communities.
CSUS is building Residential Life Village IV, a $31 million housing facility that will support student parents 7% of CSUS students identify as parents.
University of California, Merce
Undergraduate enrollment 8.373, #58 US University, #28 in top public schools, #3 in Social Mobility
STEM program emphasis, 42% of graduates are engineering ($89k starting salary) or biological/ biomedical sciences ($67K)
Modesto Junior College (MJC)
MJC has an associate degree nursing program selected in 2024 to be part of a Statewide community colleges showcase on expanding nursing career enrollment in partnership with California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency. California is facing a 36,000 licensed nurse shortfall including the Central Valley.
MJC is one of 15 California junior colleges to offer a bachelor’s degree program, with free tuition for first-time students. MJC offers a bachelor’s degree in respiratory care, an in-demand sustainable career opportunity.
MJC is an important contributor to transfer enrollment at CSUS and UC Merced.
MJC offers dual-enrollment with Modesto City Schools, helping 1,615 high school students fast track associate or bachelor degrees.
Modesto City Schools (MCS)
MCS offers Career Technical Education programs for 13 industry sectors that combine classroom and hands-on, project-based learning. Students can take college courses at MJC in their senior year.
Additional Resources
Workforce Availability (PDF) source: Opportunity Stanislaus, Lightcast data (2021)
Educational Attainment (PDF) source: Opportunity Stanislaus, Lightcast data (2021)
Modesto Education
Modesto schools are rated #109 in Cities with the Best Public Schools in America, and #106 Most Diverse Public Schools in California by niche.com. with advanced programs including robotics, computer science and International Baccalaureate
Award-winning VOLT Institute exemplifies pioneering in non-degree educational and career pathways
The Bay Valley Tech Free Code Academy is proving that coding and related tech skills aptitude lives and thrives in the Modesto and the Northern San Joaquin Valley region
Educational Institutions
California State University Stanislaus (CSUS)
CSUS is a highly rated university that graduates more than 3,000 annually. Five Star ranking from Money.com, on Princeton Review’s Best Colleges list. #10 West-Regional University (#5 public), (usnews.com)
CSUS is a leader in inclusive education. It is an Hispanic Serving Institurtion pursuing the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification.
CSUS is leading the way in serving Asian American, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islaner and Desi American (Indian subcontinent) students, recently receiving a $1.2 CSU grant for to expand opportunities in these communities.
CSUS is building Residential Life Village IV, a $31 million housing facility that will support student parents 7% of CSUS students identify as parents.
University of California, Merced
Undergraduate enrollment 8.373, #58 US University, #28 in top public schools, #3 in Social Mobility
STEM program emphasis, 42% of graduates are engineering ($89k starting salary) or biological/ biomedical sciences ($67K)
Modesto Junior College (MJC)
MJC has an associate degree nursing program selected in 2024 to be part of a Statewide community colleges showcase on expanding nursing career enrollment in partnership with California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency. California is facing a 36,000 licensed nurse shortfall including the Central Valley.
MJC is one of 15 California junior colleges to offer a bachelor’s degree program, with free tuition for first-time students. MJC offers a bachelor’s degree in respiratory care, an in-demand sustainable career opportunity.
MJC is an important contributor to transfer enrollment at CSUS and UC Merced.
MJC offers dual-enrollment with Modesto City Schools, helping 1,615 high school students fast track associate or bachelor degrees.
Modesto City Schools (MCS)
MCS offers Career Technical Education programs for 13 industry sectors that combine classroom and hands-on, project-based learning. Students can take college courses at MJC in their senior year.
Modesto Quality of Life
Quick Facts and News
Modesto’s strategic plan vision is an inviting and safe community with thriving neighborhoods. Through strategic prevention and intervention, crime is falling in Modesto. Between 2020 and 2024, property crimes fell 24%, and violent crime declined 20%. Modesto has operated a very successful Organized Retail Crime Prevention program since 2024.
Modesto is rated #75 out of 229 large cities for Outdoor Activities by niche.com
Downtown Modesto is rated as a “Walkers Paradise” by walkscore.com.
The City of Modesto operates 76 parks, has been named a Tree City USA many times, and you can take fly-fishing lessons just minutes from downtown in the Tuolumne River Regional Park.
Authenticity You Can Call Home
Maybe it’s tree-lined neighborhoods near parks, being with neighbors enjoying local musicians perform at Porch Fest. Maybe it’s the First Fridays and Art Walks downtown, or maybe preservation of classic architecture. Maybe it’s ride on Dry Creek Trail, or walk on the Virginia Trail. Or the unmatched produce at Farmers’ Markets, u-pick farms, and fruit stands. Catching an outdoor symphony, or seeing live theater, or a movie in a renowned art deco movie house, the Modesto Area Music Awards celebrating local artists. Modesto’s authenticity rings with the Graffiti Summer custom car show, cruise and screening of American Graffiti, Modesto-raised George Lucas’ timeless timepiece. Modesto’s authenticity distinguishes it from corporate standard cities in a very good way.
A Vibrant Downtown on the Rise
Popular venues include the world-class Gallo Center, the art deco State Theatre, and Mancini Bowl, home of the Modesto Symphony. Farm to table innovators and craft bars can please every palate. Family friendly activities include the Modesto Childrens’ Museum, Farmers’ Market, Parades, more than 100 Murals, and the historic McHenry Mansion and Museum. A recently renovated Regional Transit Center will host Valley Rail service to San Jose, Sacramento and Merced (end of 2026). Downtown is a residential and mixed-use development opportunity with a walkscore of 86, bikescore of 63 and a transitscore of 56.
Investing in Public Amenities
Modesto offers 75 Parks and Trails on more than 1,200 acres; the Tuolumne and Stanislaus Rivers, and two public Golf Courses. Modesto is investing in the Tuolumne riverfront, following a plan to connect it to downtown. Redevelopment is planned for areas to the east and south of downtown including an Entertainment District with a multi-sport stadium, with additional sports and recreation facilities for the current municipal golf course and John Thurman Field area.
Regional Attractions and Nearby Destinations
The Gallo Center for the Performing Arts books world-class performances year-round. The annual Modesto Almond Cruise is garnering worldwide recognition; it’s a one-of-a-kind breathtaking celebration of the agricultural bounty that is the Central Valley. Summer hiking and kayaking on the Stanislaus River in scenic Knights Ferry is just a few minutes away.
Great Destinations, Easy Trips
San Francisco, Napa Valley-Sonoma-Mendocino, Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and more destinations are easy drives from Modesto.
Additional Resources
VisitModesto.com has great recommendations for enjoying Modesto, whether you are a visitor or a resident.
Considering relocating to Stanislaus County / Modesto? Check out Opportunity Stanislaus’ Hiring Guide.
Modesto Real Estate
Quick Facts and News
Zillow : Average home value . The average Modesto, CA home value is $448,957, up 0.4% over the past year and goes to pending in around 16 days.
Average Monthly Rent (CoStar 8/2025) - $1,588
Modesto Development Projects
source: CoStar Realty Information