Living in Modesto, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Modesto · Census data 2020–2024
Modesto has 219,215 residents with a median age of 35.1. The median household income is $79,891 (19% lower than the California median), the median home value is $442,700, the median rent is $1,690/month.
Modesto at a glance
- Population
- 219,215
- Median age
- 35.1State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $79,891State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $442,700State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $1,690/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 58.9%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 21.2%
- Average commute
- 30 min
Is Modesto a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 40% lower than the state median.
Cons: Median household income 19% lower than the California median; an average commute of 30 minutes; unemployment of 7.2%; a poverty rate of 13.3%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Modesto
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Modesto the median home value is $442,700, 33% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,690 per month, which is 34% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,099 a month in housing costs.
Modesto median household income
The median household income in Modesto is $79,891 and the income per person is $35,523. 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Modesto: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 75,752
- Owner-occupied
- 58.9%
- Renter-occupied
- 41.1%
- Vacant
- 3.6%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1978
- Average household size
- 2.96
Modesto demographics
- Population
- 219,215
- Median age
- 35.1
- Under 18
- 26.2%
- 65 and older
- 14.4%
- Households
- 72,989
- Foreign-born
- 19.1%
- Veterans
- 4.7%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Modesto ›
Education in Modesto
21.2% of adults 25 and older in Modesto have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 6.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Modesto
- Unemployment rate
- 7.2%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 30 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 8.4%
- Drive alone
- 74.9%
- Public transit
- 1.6%
- Walk to work
- 1.2%
- Homes with broadband
- 92.1%
Modesto vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto | 219,215 | $79,891 | $442,700 | $1,690 |
| Rouse | 1,462 | $61,250 | $330,600 | $1,383 |
| Airport | 903 | $32,159 | $441,700 | $1,210 |
| Bystrom | 4,143 | $49,094 | $319,400 | $1,189 |
| West Modesto | 5,978 | $61,440 | $304,700 | $1,432 |
| Parklawn | 1,478 | $61,071 | $376,700 | $1,401 |
| Bret Harte | 4,757 | $52,500 | $334,700 | $1,384 |
| Riverdale Park | 1,137 | $61,786 | $382,600 | $1,554 |
| Ceres | 49,342 | $79,025 | $424,800 | $1,639 |
More for people moving to Modesto
Modesto ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Modesto: FAQ
What is the median household income in Modesto, CA?
The median household income in Modesto is $79,891, 19% lower than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Modesto?
The median home value in Modesto is $442,700, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Modesto?
The median gross rent in Modesto is $1,690 per month, about 34% of household income.
Is Modesto, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 40% lower than the state median. Minuses: median household income 19% lower than the California median; an average commute of 30 minutes; unemployment of 7.2%; a poverty rate of 13.3%.
What is the median age in Modesto?
The median age in Modesto is 35.1 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Modesto?
The average commute to work in Modesto is 30 minutes; 8.4% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Modesto?
The unemployment rate in Modesto is 7.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Modesto?
21.2% of adults in Modesto have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
Last updated: