City Profile
Modesto, California
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Modesto, California, situated in the heart of the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, was founded in 1870 and named in honor of William Chapman Ralston. Known for its iconic Modesto Arch displaying the motto "Water Wealth Contentment Health," the city has evolved from a railroad town into a major regional hub. Characterized by its welcoming community vibe, tree-lined neighborhoods, and deep-rooted agricultural identity, Modesto attracts residents looking for a more accessible entry point to California living without sacrificing urban amenities.
California is a diverse and populous state known for its significant economic output, ranking as the fourth largest economy globally if it were an independent nation. Its economy is driven by major industries such as technology (especially in Silicon Valley), real estate, finance, professional services, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Living in California generally entails a high cost of living, particularly for housing, which is significantly above the national average. The state boasts a varied climate, ranging from a Mediterranean-like environment with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters in coastal and central areas, to hotter, drier inland summers and colder, snowier conditions at higher altitudes. The lifestyle often emphasizes outdoor activities, health and wellness, and a diverse cultural experience, though it can also involve considerable traffic in major urban centers.
How this 49/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 48 / 100 | 48.0 | 30% | 14.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 98.0 | 46.3 | 25% | 11.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $79,891 Income needed to live here: $60,000 Unemployment rate: 7% | 52.0 | 20% | 10.4 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 1% | 38.8 | 15% | 5.8 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 | 67.0 | 10% | 6.7 |
| Overall score | 48.9 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=77), last refreshed
11 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Modesto sits slightly below the broader California state average, though it remains modestly higher than the national U.S. baseline. Housing costs are the primary driver influencing household budgets, with rents and property values reflecting strong demand from commuters seeking relief from expensive Bay Area markets. While utilities, groceries, and transportation stay relatively close to national norms, overall expenses are balanced by local wages that lag behind coastal metropolitan areas.
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Modesto's economy is anchored by agriculture, food processing, healthcare, logistics, and retail trade. Major regional employers include healthcare networks like Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente alongside expansive food manufacturing operations. While the area experiences traditional seasonal shifts tied to agricultural production, steady job growth in healthcare and public administration continues to diversify the local employment landscape.
The average salary in Modesto is $66,500 per year. You would need approximately $60,000 to live comfortably.
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Modesto is predominantly a car-dependent city, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for daily commuting and errands. The Modesto Area Express (MAX) provides public bus transit throughout the urban core, though coverage and frequency are limited compared to major metro transit systems. Average commute times hover around 30 minutes, with major thoroughfares providing access to neighboring Central Valley employment centers.
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