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Is Turlock a Good Place to Live? Turlock, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Turlock ranks #815 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #348 of 524 smaller cities and #103 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437), and trails on high unemployment (6.1%, #438 of 476).
Turlock by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Turlock'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 Turlock?
Turlock'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 $1,612/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $481,653, 37% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Turlock | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 104.1#920 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $481,653#783 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,075/mo#746 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $460,600#909 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,612/mo#797 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.3%#810 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Turlock 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. Turlock is in the Modesto, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Turlock safe?
Turlock recorded 357 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4% below the US rate of 373 and 19% below California's 440. That ranks #650 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #290 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Turlock Police Department. Property crime runs 1,312 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Turlock | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 357#650 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,312#362 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Turlock?
The median household in Turlock earns $82,995, 8% above the US figure of $76,827 and 10% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.2%). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Turlock | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $82,995#564 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 6.1%#985 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.3%#602 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Turlock?
The median resident of Turlock is 34.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #922 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Turlock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 26.5%#922 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 56.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Turlock's schools and health?
Turlock's 14 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.3 students per teacher and $16,669 spent per pupil. 34.4% of adults are obese and 10.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Turlock | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 22.3#1042 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,669#438 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.4%#726 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.8%#578 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.2%#889 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,314 students are enrolled in Turlock's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Turlock?
The average commute in Turlock is 26.2 minutes (California 25.2); 0.1% of workers take transit and 7.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Turlock scores 14 of 20 (above average walkable), #162 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.6°F and winters 50°F, with 12.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Turlock | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.2 min#876 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10.9%#1106 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 80% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.6% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.4% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14#162 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 54.9 | 42.2 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 61.1 | 45.4 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 66.9 | 48.5 | 1.9 |
| Apr | 72.1 | 52 | 0.9 |
| May | 80.1 | 57.3 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 87.8 | 62.4 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 93 | 65.8 | 0 |
| Aug | 91.8 | 64.8 | 0 |
| Sep | 87.5 | 62.1 | 0 |
| Oct | 77.2 | 55.4 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 64.2 | 46.9 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 55 | 41.9 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Turlock #2.
| Measure | Turlock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 64°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 77.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 50°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 12.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Turlock #2.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Turlock?
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 | Turlock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 51#874 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.16%#771 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Turlock compare with similar-size cities?
Turlock is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #348 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 72,502.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turlock, CAPop. 72,502 | #815 | 53.1 | $82,995 | $1,612/mo | 357 | 26.2 min |
| Greenville, SCPop. 72,935 | #658 | 55.7 | $71,472 | $1,312/mo | 466 | 19 min |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #80 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 | 21.1 min |
| Glen Burnie, MDPop. 72,590 | #606 | 56.6 | $88,280 | $1,648/mo | no data | 27.3 min |
| Blaine, MNPop. 72,488 | #226 | 63.8 | $106,801 | $1,705/mo | 65 | 24.5 min |
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #550 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 | 35 min |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #195 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 | 30.4 min |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #667 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 | 18.7 min |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #1115 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 | 17.9 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 Turlock compare with the rest of California?
Turlock ranks #103 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 10% below the California median. Violent crime is 19% below the statewide rate. Homes are 37% 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 |
| Chino, CAPop. 92,652 | … #99 | 53.3 | $104,682 | $2,336/mo | 324 |
| Oceanside, CAPop. 172,242 | #100 | 53.2 | $97,737 | $2,303/mo | 385 |
| Escondido, CAPop. 149,668 | #101 | 53.2 | $91,967 | $2,046/mo | 337 |
| Norwalk, CAPop. 99,789 | #102 | 53.2 | $100,085 | $2,090/mo | 327 |
| Turlock, CAPop. 72,502 | #103 | 53.1 | $82,995 | $1,612/mo | 357 |
| San Leandro, CAPop. 87,826 | #104 | 52.8 | $101,420 | $2,186/mo | 506 |
| Monterey Park, CAPop. 59,132 | #105 | 52.8 | $81,855 | $1,888/mo | 265 |
| Concord, CAPop. 124,035 | #106 | 52.7 | $108,709 | $2,274/mo | 420 |
| Sacramento, CAPop. 528,706 | #107 | 52.6 | $87,321 | $1,779/mo | 720 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Turlock among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Turlock's score calculated?
Turlock scores 53.1 out of 100, #815 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Turlock. Similar-size median 55.5.
43.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Turlock's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
74.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Turlock. Similar-size median 58.9.
51.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Turlock's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
56.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Turlock's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
56.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Turlock. Similar-size median 56.1.
55.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Turlock. Similar-size median 42.4.
33.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Turlock. Similar-size median 50.0.
36.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Turlock's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
68.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
40.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Turlock's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Turlock 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 Turlock
Is Turlock, CA a good place to live?
Turlock ranks #815 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #348 of 524 smaller cities and #103 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #31 of 437), and trails on high unemployment (6.1%, #438 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Turlock?
Turlock'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 $1,612/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $481,653, 37% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Turlock?
Turlock recorded 357 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4% below the US rate of 373 and 19% below California's 440. That ranks #650 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #290 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Turlock Police Department. Property crime runs 1,312 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Turlock?
The median household in Turlock earns $82,995, 8% above the US figure of $76,827 and 10% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.2%). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Turlock?
Median rent in Turlock is $1,612/mo (Census), #797 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,075/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Turlock?
Zillow's typical home value in Turlock is $481,653, up 0.3% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $460,600.
How are the public schools in Turlock?
Turlock's 14 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.3 students per teacher and $16,669 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Turlock?
The average commute is 26.2 minutes, #876 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 10.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Turlock?
Turlock averages 64°F over the year, 77.6°F in summer and 50°F in winter, with 12.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Turlock walkable?
Turlock scores 14 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #162 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 Turlock 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 Turlock?
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 Turlock?
Turlock has 72,502 residents. The median resident of Turlock is 34.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #922 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Turlock compare with the rest of California?
Turlock ranks #103 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 53.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 10% below the California median. Violent crime is 19% below the statewide rate. Homes are 37% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Turlock?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Turlock's population of 72,502 are Greenville, SC (#658 overall), Ankeny, IA (#80 overall), Glen Burnie, MD (#606 overall), Blaine, MN (#226 overall), and Mount Vernon, NY (#550 overall). Turlock is #815.