Modesto is a city located in Stanislaus County in California’s Central Valley. As of the 2010 US Census, Modesto had a population of 201,165, making it the 18th largest city in California.
Population and Demographics
The latest population estimate for Modesto is 218,930 as of 2019. The city has grown steadily over the decades, with particularly rapid growth in the 1970s and 1980s. Here is a look at Modesto’s historical population growth:
- 1940: 13,842
- 1950: 29,316
- 1960: 52,280
- 1970: 69,715
- 1980: 106,511
- 1990: 164,730
- 2000: 188,856
- 2010: 201,165
The racial makeup of Modesto is about 59% white, 7% African American, 1% Native American, 6% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 21% from other races, and 5% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race make up nearly 40% of the population.
Over 27% of the population is under age 18 and about 11% is over age 65. The median age is 33.3 years old.
Economy and Major Employers
Modesto has long been an agricultural center, surrounded by fertile farmland. Food processing, agricultural technology, and manufacturing companies with ties to agriculture play an important role in the economy. Major employers include E & J Gallo Winery, Foster Farms, Kellogg, and Seneca Foods.
Other major industries include healthcare, education, and retail trade. Some of the largest employers are Memorial Medical Center, California State University Stanislaus, Modesto City Schools, the City of Modesto, and the County of Stanislaus.
The job market has diversified over the past couple of decades, with increasing employment in industries like finance, insurance, real estate, and professional services. Still, the city’s economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture and food production.
Transportation
Modesto is served by several major transportation links that connect it to the rest of California and the country.
Highways running through the city include:
- State Route 99
- State Route 132
- State Route 108
The Modesto Amtrak station provides passenger rail service on Amtrak’s San Joaquin line, with routes to Sacramento, Oakland, San Jose, Fresno, and Bakersfield.
Modesto City-County Airport serves general aviation traffic. The nearest large commercial airports are in the San Francisco Bay Area and Fresno.
Local transportation is provided by the Modesto Area Express (MAX) bus system, as well as the county’s buses and railway.
Education
Modesto is home to several institutions of higher education:
- California State University, Stanislaus – public university
- Modesto Junior College – public community college
- Chapman University – private non-profit university
- Humphreys College – private non-profit university
The primary public school district serving the city is Modesto City Schools. There are also several other smaller public school districts in the suburbs as well as private schools.
Attractions and Tourism
Popular tourist attractions and things to do in Modesto include:
- Gallo Center for the Arts – performing arts center
- McHenry Museum – history museum located in a historic home
- Downey Park – large community park with golf course and zoo
- McHenry Mansion – historic mansion dating back to the 1880s
- Tenth Street Plaza – downtown plaza with shops and restaurants
Popular annual events include the Modesto Grapestomp wine festival, the X Fest Modesto sports and music festival, and the Art Walk Modesto arts festival.
The city also offers access to outdoor recreation. Modesto is located near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park and other outdoor destinations are a few hours away.
Local Government
Modesto has a council-manager form of government. The Modesto City Council consists of six members elected to four-year terms, plus an elected mayor who serves as the presiding officer. The City Manager is appointed by the council to oversee city operations.
Residents can find information about city services, upcoming meetings, ordinances, permits, and more on the City of Modesto website.
Sports
The city is home to the minor league baseball team the Modesto Nuts, a Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The Nuts play at John Thurman Field.
Modesto also hosts many local youth, high school, and amateur adult sports leagues and tournaments.
Notable Residents
Notable people from Modesto include:
- Film director George Lucas
- Racecar driver Rick Mears
- Musician Chris Isaak
- Actor Jeremy Renner
- Baseball player Greg Vaughn
- Politician Gary Condit
- Boxer Chris Arreola
- Actor Timothy Olyphant
Stay Connected
Keep up with news and events in Modesto by following the city’s Facebook page.