Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Modesto, CA
Considering a move to Modesto, CA? With a population of 218,069, Modesto offers affordable living with median home prices around $389,000 and average rents at $1,380. Residents enjoy a sunny climate with 78% sunny days per year and short 29-minute average commutes. While crime rates are above national averages, the city provides solid healthcare options, a variety of schools, and easy access to the Central Valley’s agricultural and outdoor attractions. Explore below for details on cost of living, housing, education, and more to help plan your relocation.
Demographics - Modesto, CA
Demographics - Modesto, CA
Modesto is home to over 218,000 residents, with a median age of 35.5 and a diverse community where nearly half identify as White, alongside significant Hispanic and Asian populations. The city has a balanced gender ratio and almost a quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural character.
Population:
218,069
Density:
5,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
24.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
47.5%
Black:
4.1%
Asian:
6.5%
Others:
41.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Modesto, CA?
Living in Modesto is relatively affordable compared to many California cities, with median home values around $389,000 and average monthly rent near $1,380. The overall cost of living index is 112, slightly above the U.S. average, with housing and utilities being the primary contributors.
Median House Value:
$389,000
Gross Rent:
$1,380
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,985
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$585
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.0
Grocery:
106.3
Housing:
120.0
Utilities:
115.4
Transportation:
110.8
Health Care:
103.2
Miscellaneous:
101.5
Crime
Is Modesto, CA a safe place to live?
Modesto experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with residents having a 1 in 182 chance of being involved in a violent crime and a 1 in 35 chance for property crime annually. While these rates are notable, many neighborhoods remain safe and community-focused.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
550
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,890
Crime Index:
3,440
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 182
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 35
Weather
What is the weather like in Modesto, CA year-round?
Modesto enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers reaching up to 94°F and mild winters averaging lows of 38°F. The city receives about 13 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 78% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
94°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
Typical households in Modesto earn around $67,500 annually, and the area has a poverty rate of 16.7%. Most residents commute about 29 minutes to work, with only a small percentage relying on public transit, reflecting the city’s car-friendly layout.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$67,500
Family Income:
$74,800
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$40,200
Income Female:
$34,600
Poverty Rate:
16.7%
Non English Speakers:
24.7%
Rent:
$1,380
Unemployment Rate:
7.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.8%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Modesto, CA?
Modesto provides a range of education options, including public schools like Modesto High and La Loma Junior High, as well as private institutions such as Big Valley Christian School. Higher education opportunities are available locally at Modesto Junior College and nearby at California State University, Stanislaus.
Public Schools
Name:
Modesto High School
Street:
18 H St
Phone:
209-576-4401
Students:
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
La Loma Junior High
Street:
1800 Encina Ave
Phone:
209-576-4700
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.0
Private Schools
Name:
Big Valley Christian School
Street:
1020 Tully Rd
Phone:
209-527-3481
Students:
900
Colleges
Name:
Modesto Junior College
City:
Modesto
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
California State University, Stanislaus
City:
Turlock
State:
CA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
10,600
Healthcare
Residents benefit from comprehensive healthcare services, including major hospitals like Doctors Medical Center of Modesto and Memorial Medical Center, both offering emergency care. About 89% of locals have health insurance, and there are 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring good access to medical support.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Doctors Medical Center of 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:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Modesto, CA?
The Modesto housing market features a median home price of $389,000, with over half of homes owner-occupied and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,380. The city has a stable market with low foreclosure and vacancy rates, and home values have appreciated modestly over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$389,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,380
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration, licensing, and related services are handled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at the local office on Burney Street. Residents can access DMV resources both in person and online for convenient service.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
124 Burney St, Modesto, CA 95354
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.