Demographics
Modesto‘s demographics show a diverse community that continues to grow at a sustainable rate.
Economy
Modesto's economy has been rated well by authorities including the Milken Institute for rate of job creation which has exceeded its population growth.
Workforce
Modesto works hard, and is ready to work. Modesto’s workforce supports a strong 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 vibrant and made the most of the COVID restrictions by embracing outdoor dining. Modesto offers many shopping options from neighborhood to regional mall and power centers to farmers markets and farmstands. Modesto has a spectrum of quality healthcare services, and is a “Tree City” with 76 city parks, extensive walking and biking trails and the Tuolumne River Regional Park.
Real Estate
Modesto real estate is experiencing higher appreciation in home prices and rents than the national average, while remaining substantially below Bay Area markets.
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.
Data Questions? Ask Us
The Economic Development team is here to help you get data you need to inform your business decisions. We or one or more of our partners may have the data you need.
Modesto Demographics
HOT! State of California Comprehensive Interactive Demographics App
This is a great go-to for all demographics questions!
Quick Facts and News
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
Additional Resources
Census Department Profile of Modesto very good demographic and economic overview… but be patient, this takes a while to load.
Modesto demographic overview, 2023, https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/modesto-ca-population
Census Explorer - Modesto City
Business Activity
Modesto Economy Adapted through COVID19 and is Moving Forward
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 a dips in the Spring of 2021 and 2024 which coincide with annual renewal, the total number of active Modesto business licenses has steadily increased.
June 2024, Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics
Source: City of Modesto
Industry Characteristics
Modesto’s economic heart is manufacturing with a concentration of food and beverage processing and related industries. Modesto is a regional center for healthcare and social services, reflected in its above-average job counts. As established industries evolve and new industries move in, Modesto’s job base is gaining technical skills.
When looking up Modesto economic data, most resources report based on the Modesto Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) which includes all of Stanislaus County. The economic profile of Modesto is more industrial, whereas the profile of Stanislaus County overall is more influenced by Agricultural and related activities.
Courtesy Opportunity Stanislaus
Large Employers
The best summary of large employers in Modesto and Stanislaus County is the Stanislaus County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
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)
Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Reports - the Best Performing Cities report uses consistent metrics from year to year with an emphasis on job creation and income. Modesto frequently ranks above its size in this comparison of the nation’s top 200 cities, ranking as high as 33 in recent years. Modesto ranks #74 in the 2022 report.
California Employment Development Department large employers in Stanislaus County
Modesto Area Workforce
Largest Occupation Counts - Modesto MSA - Source: Lightcast / Opportunity Stanislaus - Q2 2023
Worforce Indicators
Courtesy Opportunity Stanislaus
Additional Resources
Workforce Availability (PDF) source: Opportunity Stanislaus, Lightcast data (2021)
Educational Attainment (PDF) source: Opportunity Stanislaus, Lightcast data (2021)
Modesto Education
Quick Facts and News
California State University Stanislaus named Top 25 for Social Mobility for Eighth Consecutive Year!
Modesto’s schools are rated #101 Best Schools in America by niche.com. offering advanced programs including robotics, computer science and International Baccalaureate
Award-winning VOLT Institute exemplifies pioneering in non-degree educational and career pathways
Stanislaus County’s Cradle to Career program is one of 70 forward thinking and planning implementations of the generational Strive Together Network across the USA
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
MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS
MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE
STANISLAUS STATE UNIVERSITY
UC MERCED
UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
Modesto Quality of Life
Quick Facts and News
Modesto’s strategic plan vision is an inviting and safe community with thriving neighborhoods. Through prevention and intervention, crime is falling in Modesto. Between 2016 and 2020, property crimes fell 47%. Between 2016 and 2020, violent crime fell 24%. Source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting statistics.
Modesto is rated #74 out of 228 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.
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 Single-Family Home Value Index (7/2023) - $424,600
Average Monthly Rent (CoStar 6/2023) - $1,514
Additional Resources
Modesto is a treasure trove of commercial and residential architecture. Check out History of Modesto web page, including walking tour brochures of Modesto Landmarks, Establishment Period architecture, and Mid-Century Modern architecture
source: CoStar Realty Information