CaliforniaPop. 219,215Mid-size cities
Is Modesto a Good Place to Live? Modesto, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Modesto ranks #1136 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #211 of 256 mid-size cities and #156 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (6.7%, #231 of 241) and long commutes (30.2 min, #207 of 256).
Modesto by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Modesto's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Modesto?
Modesto's cost of living index is 104.1, 4% above the US level of 100 and #920 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,690/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $442,564, 42% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Modesto | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 104.1#920 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $442,564#717 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,021/mo#725 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $442,700#875 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,690/mo#867 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.4%#1041 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Modesto housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Modesto is in the Modesto, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Modesto safe?
Modesto recorded 587 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 79% above the US rate of 328 and 36% above California's 433. That ranks #908 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #182 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Modesto Police Department. Property crime runs 1,899 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Modesto | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 587#908 of 1,085 | 433 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,899#664 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Modesto?
The median household in Modesto earns $79,891, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 6.7% (US 4.3%). 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Modesto | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $79,891#620 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.7%#1016 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 13.3%#758 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Modesto?
The median resident of Modesto is 35.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 21.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1139 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Modesto | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 21.2%#1139 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 58.9% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Modesto's schools and health?
Modesto's 59 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (California 87%), with 22.1 students per teacher and $16,018 spent per pupil. 36.2% of adults are obese and 12.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Modesto | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 87% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 22.1#1030 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,018#478 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.2%#890 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.1%#810 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19%#1049 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 13%#955 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 42,282 students are enrolled in Modesto's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Modesto?
The average commute in Modesto is 30.2 minutes (California 29.7); 1.6% of workers take transit and 8.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Modesto scores 13.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77°F and winters 49°F, with 12.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Modesto | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 30.2 min#1118 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 13.7%#1197 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 74.9% | 67.3% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.6% | 3.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.4% | 14.1% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.9#174 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 56.1 | 38.8 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 62.2 | 41.8 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 68.1 | 45.2 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 73.8 | 48.4 | 1 |
| May | 82 | 53.7 | 0.7 |
| Jun | 89.7 | 59.2 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 95 | 62.7 | 0 |
| Aug | 93.5 | 62 | 0 |
| Sep | 89.1 | 58.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 79 | 51.5 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 65.7 | 43.2 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 56.2 | 38.6 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Modesto Airport.
| Measure | Modesto | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 63.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 49°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 12.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Modesto Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Modesto?
Stanislaus County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Stanislaus County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
| Measure | Modesto | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 51#874 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.16%#771 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Stanislaus County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Stanislaus County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.058% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.003% | 72% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 53% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Modesto compare with similar-size cities?
Modesto is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #211 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 219,215.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CAPop. 219,215 | #1136 | 47.1 | $79,891 | $1,690/mo | 587 | 30.2 min |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #589 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 | 19.7 min |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #1234 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year | 21 min |
| Tacoma, WAPop. 222,758 | #1110 | 47.7 | $85,884 | $1,676/mo | 866 | 28.8 min |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #141 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 | 28.6 min |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #959 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Cape Coral, FLPop. 215,536 | #967 | 50.6 | $78,104 | $1,858/mo | part year | 29.9 min |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #879 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 | 19.5 min |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #1144 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 | 19.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Modesto compare with the rest of California?
Modesto ranks #156 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.1 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 20% below the California median. Violent crime is 36% above the statewide rate. Homes are 42% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Los Angeles, CAPop. 3,857,263 | … #152 | 47.4 | $81,939 | $1,933/mo | 670 |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #153 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 |
| National City, CAPop. 58,893 | #154 | 47.4 | $66,841 | $1,692/mo | 637 |
| Richmond, CAPop. 115,505 | #155 | 47.2 | $95,391 | $1,960/mo | 814 |
| Modesto, CAPop. 219,215 | #156 | 47.1 | $79,891 | $1,690/mo | 587 |
| Paramount, CAPop. 52,050 | #157 | 47.1 | $75,250 | $1,875/mo | 641 |
| South Gate, CAPop. 91,483 | #158 | 46.4 | $74,571 | $1,531/mo | 475 |
| San Jacinto, CAPop. 55,180 | #159 | 46.4 | $80,647 | $1,615/mo | 319 |
| Oakland, CAPop. 439,418 | #160 | 46.3 | $101,600 | $1,979/mo | 1,475 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Modesto among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Modesto's score calculated?
Modesto scores 47.1 out of 100, #1136 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Modesto. Similar-size median 52.9.
38.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Modesto's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
55.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Modesto. Similar-size median 53.8.
46.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Modesto's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
47.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Modesto's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
56.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Modesto. Similar-size median 51.2.
50.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Modesto. Similar-size median 42.1.
28.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Modesto. Similar-size median 50.1.
35.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Modesto's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
67.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
40.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Modesto's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Modesto has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Modesto
Is Modesto, CA a good place to live?
Modesto ranks #1136 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #211 of 256 mid-size cities and #156 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (6.7%, #231 of 241) and long commutes (30.2 min, #207 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Modesto?
Modesto's cost of living index is 104.1, 4% above the US level of 100 and #920 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,690/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $442,564, 42% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Modesto?
Modesto recorded 587 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 79% above the US rate of 328 and 36% above California's 433. That ranks #908 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #182 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Modesto Police Department. Property crime runs 1,899 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Modesto?
The median household in Modesto earns $79,891, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below California ($100,149). Unemployment is 6.7% (US 4.3%). 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Modesto?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,690/mo (Census), #867 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,021/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Modesto?
The typical home value in Modesto is $442,564, up 0.1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $442,700.
How are the public schools in Modesto?
Modesto's 59 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (California 87%), with 22.1 students per teacher and $16,018 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Modesto?
The average commute is 30.2 minutes, #1118 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 13.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Modesto?
Modesto averages 63.1°F over the year, 77°F in summer and 49°F in winter, with 12.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Modesto walkable?
Modesto scores 13.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Modesto at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Stanislaus County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Modesto?
Stanislaus County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Modesto?
Modesto has 219,215 residents. The median resident of Modesto is 35.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 21.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1139 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Modesto compare with the rest of California?
Modesto ranks #156 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 47.1 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 20% below the California median. Violent crime is 36% above the statewide rate. Homes are 42% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Modesto?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Modesto's population of 219,215 are Huntsville, AL (#589 overall), Baton Rouge, LA (#1234 overall), Tacoma, WA (#1110 overall), Frisco, TX (#141 overall), and Spring Valley, NV (#959 overall). Modesto is #1136.