California / Stanislaus County

Moving to Modesto, CA

Thinking of making a move to Modesto, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Modesto, CA

Considering a move to Modesto, CA? This welcoming community of 218,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $435,000 and average rents near $1,820. Commute times average 27 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (70% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Modesto's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Modesto, CA

Modesto has a population of 218,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 37% White, 4% Black, and 14% Asian residents, and over 30% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
218,000
Density
4,700 per sq mi
Median Age
35.7
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
29.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
36.5%
Black
4.0%
Asian
13.5%
Others
46.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Modesto, CA?

The cost of living in Modesto is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 130.4. Median home values are around $435,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,820. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$435,000
Gross Rent
$1,820
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,260
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$710
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
130.4
Grocery
118.5
Housing
148.2
Utilities
112.8
Transportation
123.6
Health Care
108.9
Miscellaneous
111.7

Crime

Is Modesto, CA a safe place to live?

Modesto is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 510 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
510
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,850
Crime Index
3,360
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 196
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

What is the weather like in Modesto, CA year-round?

Modesto experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 96°F and cold winters dipping to 39°F. The area receives about 13 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 70% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
39°F
Max
56°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
96°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
74°F

Fall

Min
49°F
Max
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches
12.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
70%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $79,000 and a low poverty rate of 15.8%. Over 83% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 21% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 27 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$40,500
Household Income
$79,000
Family Income
$86,500
Per Capita Income
$27,800
Income Male
$44,500
Income Female
$37,900
Poverty Rate
15.8%
Non English Speakers
39.0%
Rent
$1,820
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
26.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
82.5%
Bachelors or More
20.8%

Education

How are the schools in Modesto, CA?

Modesto offers quality education options, with public schools like Modesto High School and Thomas Downey High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Modesto Junior College and California State University, Stanislaus. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Modesto High School
Street
1220 H St
Phone
209-576-1702
Students
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio
22.1
Name
Thomas Downey High School
Street
1000 Coffee Rd
Phone
209-574-1730
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
21.4

Private Schools

Name
St. Stanislaus Catholic School
Street
1515 Faulkner Rd
Phone
209-522-4651
Students
480

Colleges

Name
Modesto Junior College
City
Modesto
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
17,500
Name
California State University, Stanislaus
City
Turlock
State
CA
Distance
14 miles
Students
10,500

Healthcare

Modesto residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Doctors Medical Center of Modesto and Memorial Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 90.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
90.4%
Health Care Index
69.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Modesto, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $435,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 59%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.9%. Modesto offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$435,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,820
Owner Occupied Rate
58.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Modesto handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Modesto, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Modesto, review the core fields on this page: population 218,000, median home value $435,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,820, commute time 26.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 70%.

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