Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ceres, CA
Considering a move to Ceres, CA? This welcoming city of about 48,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $390,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $1,400. Expect a warm, sunny climate with 77% sunny days each year and short average commutes of just under 30 minutes. Ceres features a diverse community, family-friendly schools, and proximity to major healthcare facilities in Modesto, though crime rates are higher than the national average. Explore Ceres for its blend of affordability, California sunshine, and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Demographics - Ceres, CA
Ceres is home to approximately 48,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 31.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The city features a diverse population—over 52% identify as other than White, Black, or Asian, and nearly 39% speak a language other than English at home—contributing to a rich multicultural environment.
Population:
48,000
Density:
5,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
39.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
38.5%
Black:
2.2%
Asian:
6.6%
Others:
52.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ceres, CA?
Ceres offers relatively affordable living by California standards, with median home values at $390,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $1,400. The cost of living index is moderately above the national average, but daily expenses like utilities and groceries remain accessible for most households.
Median House Value:
$390,000
Gross Rent:
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.0
Grocery:
108.0
Housing:
124.0
Utilities:
102.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Ceres, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Ceres are higher than the national average, with about 385 violent crimes and 2,350 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. While the chance of experiencing a property crime is about 1 in 43, most residents take standard precautions for safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
385
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,350
Crime Index:
2,735
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 260
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Ceres, CA year-round?
Residents of Ceres enjoy a warm Central Valley climate, featuring hot, dry summers with highs near 95°F and mild winters around 55°F. The city boasts 77% sunny days each year and receives about 13.5 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for those who appreciate abundant sunshine.

Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
55°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
95°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
77%
Neighbors
Ceres neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $65,500 and a poverty rate of 13.4%. Most residents commute around 30 minutes for work, and while educational attainment is solid, only about 13% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a largely working-class community.
Median Income:
$34,900
Household Income:
$65,500
Family Income:
$70,900
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
13.4%
Non English Speakers:
39.0%
Rent:
$1,400
Unemployment Rate:
6.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
29.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
73.8%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Ceres, CA?
Families in Ceres have access to several public and private schools, including Ceres High School and Grace Christian School, as well as higher education options nearby like Modesto Junior College and CSU Stanislaus. Schools offer a range of class sizes and programs, supporting both K–12 and college-bound students.

Public Schools
Name:
Ceres High School
Street:
2320 Central Ave
Phone:
209-556-1920
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
Blaker-Kinser Junior High
Street:
1601 Kinser Rd
Phone:
209-556-1810
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.1

Private Schools
Name:
Grace Christian School
Street:
3754 Service Rd
Phone:
209-538-4243
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Modesto Junior College
City:
Modesto
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
16,000
Name:
California State University, Stanislaus
City:
Turlock
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
10,600
Healthcare
Ceres residents benefit from close access to major hospitals in nearby Modesto, including Doctors Medical Center and Memorial Medical Center, both offering emergency services. About 89% of the population has health insurance coverage, with 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people providing for the community’s healthcare needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Doctors Medical Center Modesto
Address:
1441 Florida Ave, Modesto, CA 95350
Phone:
(209) 578-1211
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Memorial Medical Center
Address:
1700 Coffee Rd, Modesto, CA 95355
Phone:
(209) 526-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ceres, CA?
The housing market in Ceres remains accessible, with a median home price of $390,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,400. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a modest 3.4% home appreciation rate in the past year, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$390,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Ceres residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Modesto at 1341 Mitchell Rd. Services such as licensing, registration, and testing are easily accessible, and more information can be found on the state DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1341 Mitchell Rd, Modesto, CA 95351
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.