Modesto, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
219,215
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$79,891/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
75,752
0.3% year-over-year change

Modesto population

How many people live in Modesto

Modesto is home to 219,215 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Modesto locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
219,215
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
108,095
Female
50.7%
111,120
Value Percent YoY change
Male 108,095 49.3% 0.1%
Female 111,120 50.7% 0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Modesto is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.7% are children under 15, then 13.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.6% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.7%
15 to 24
13.1%
25 to 44
28.6%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 47,507 21.7% 0.2%
15 to 24 28,622 13.1% 2.7%
25 to 44 62,805 28.6% 2.0%
45 to 64 48,703 22.2% -3.3%
Over 65 31,578 14.4% 0.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Modesto, 79.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 43.1% of locals are Caucasian, 4.7% are African American and 7.7% have Asian roots. Another 1.5% are Indigenous American, 1.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 15.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 26.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
79.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.2%
Non-citizens
9.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 174,188 79.5% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 24,588 11.2% 4.2%
Non-citizens 20,439 9.3% 1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
43.1%
Black or African American
4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
7.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.1%
Two or more races
26.6%
Other
15.3%
Value Percent
White 94,561 43.1%
Black or African American 10,253 4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3,197 1.5%
Asian 16,888 7.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 2,340 1.1%
Two or more races 58,380 26.6%
Other 33,596 15.3%

Households in Modesto

A peek inside Modesto households

Modesto has 72,989 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.2% are families, while the remaining 29.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
72,989
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
21,718
Family households
51,271
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 21,718 29.8% 2.4%
Family households 51,271 70.2% 0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Modesto

The housing landscape of Modesto

Modesto's housing consists of 75,752 units, with 70.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
75,752
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 53,539 70.7%
1 unit, attached 4,571 6%
2 units 1,800 2.4%
3 or 4 units 4,165 5.5%
5 to 9 units 2,457 3.2%
10 to 19 units 1,729 2.3%
20 to 49 units 1,584 2.1%
50 or more units 4,118 5.4%
Mobile home 1,783 2.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0%
Homes built since 2020
637
231.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Modesto

In Modesto, the median construction year is 1978. About 4.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,474 4.6% -14.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,063 5.4% 9.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,895 10.4% 4.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 8,698 11.5% -0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 17,357 22.9% -1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 15,372 20.3% 0.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8,749 11.6% -3.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7,633 10.1% 4.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,874 2.5% -1.9%
Built in 2020 or later 637 0.8% 231.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Modesto occupancy rates

Out of the 72,989 occupied housing units in Modesto, 58.9% are owner-occupied, while 41.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
72,989
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
30,016
Owner occupied
42,973
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 30,016 41.1% -0.3%
Owner occupied 42,973 58.9% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
3.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Modesto housing costs

Housing costs in Modesto come to a median of $1,682 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,690.

Median housing costs per month
$1,682/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Modesto
$1,690/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Modesto

Modesto education at a glance

About 38% of the population in Modesto went to high school, while 26% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 13.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 12,319 7.6% 0.3%
High school diploma 61,361 38% -1.0%
College diploma 41,982 26% -2.6%
Associate degree 14,153 8.8% 4.6%
Bachelor's degree 21,883 13.5% 4.7%
Graduate degree 9,978 6.2% 6.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Modesto

How much people earn in Modesto

The average annual household income in Modesto was $103,545 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $79,891, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Modesto
$103,545/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Modesto
$79,891/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Modesto income by age

In Modesto, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,486. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $101,532 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,143, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,820 in earnings. Overall, 86.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,143 1.2%
25 - 44 $81,486 0.3%
45 - 64 $101,532 7.7%
Over 65 $57,820 1.4%
Above poverty level
186,391
Below poverty level
28,717
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 186,391 86.6% 0.1%
Below poverty level 28,717 13.4% 3.5%

Average renter income in Modesto

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Modesto, their median household income was $53,343 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$53,343
Rent-to-income ratio
38%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Modesto

Workforce and job types in Modesto

The job market in Modesto is powered by 95,882 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 68.9% are employed by private companies, and 15.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
95,882
0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
66,439
Blue collar
29,443
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 66,439 69.3% -1.2%
Blue collar 29,443 30.7% 3.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
68.9%
Governmental workers
15.1%
Not for profit companies
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8,502 8.9% -4.3%
Private companies 66,028 68.9% 0.6%
Governmental workers 14,516 15.1% 1.0%
Not for profit companies 6,836 7.1% 1.5%
Unemployment rate
7.2%
-1.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Modesto stands at 7.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Modesto

How people get around in Modesto

Commuting methods vary: 86.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 80,060 86.5% -2.2%
Taxicab 140 0.2% -12.5%
Bus or trolleybus 1,305 1.4% 44.0%
Subway or elevated 30 0% N/A
Railroad 123 0.1% 59.7%
Ferryboat 18 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 172 0.2% 23.7%
Bicycle 744 0.8% 2.3%
Walk 1,068 1.2% -3.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Modesto by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95350 57,136 19,783 $75,621 $94,739
95351 48,498 13,229 $58,275 $73,249
95354 25,684 9,089 $72,879 $92,530
95355 60,710 21,565 $86,849 $109,937
95356 33,233 11,553 $96,886 $140,461
95357 13,599 4,190 $95,707 $119,164
95358 30,469 8,273 $76,924 $102,061

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FAQs about Modesto demographics 

What is the total population of Modesto?

Modesto has a total population of 219,215 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Modesto?

The gender ratio in Modesto is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (108,095 residents)
  • 50.7% females (111,120 residents)

What is the median age in Modesto?

The median age in Modesto is 35.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Modesto?

The age distribution in Modesto is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.7% (47,507 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.1% (28,622 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.6% (62,805 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (48,703 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.4% (31,578 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Modesto?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Modesto is as follows:
  • White: 43.1% (94,561 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.7% (10,253 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (3,197 residents)
  • Asian: 7.7% (16,888 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.1% (2,340 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 26.6% (58,380 residents)
  • Other: 15.3% (33,596 residents)

What percentage of the population in Modesto are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 79.5% of the population in Modesto.

How many housing units are there in Modesto?

There are 75,752 housing units in Modesto, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Modesto and what is the average household size?

Modesto has a total of 72,989 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Modesto?

Modesto has a median household income of $79,891, representing a +2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Modesto?

The employment rate is 92.8% in Modesto, with a workforce of 95,882 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.3% (66,439 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.7% (29,443 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (8,502 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.9% (66,028 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.1% (14,516 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.1% (6,836 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025