MoveMap

Moving to Modesto

What you need to know before relocating to Modesto, California. Data-driven insights on housing, jobs, safety, and quality of life.

Is Modesto a Good Place to Live?

Modesto presents a mixed picture. Prospective residents should weigh the tradeoffs carefully. Key considerations: home prices ($456,700) are above the us median; unemployment rate (6.3%) is above the national average.

Modesto at a Glance

Population
551K
Median Income
$82,758
Median Rent
$1,595/mo
Median Home Price
$456,700
Unemployment
6.3%
Avg Commute
224795 min

Cost of Living in Modesto

The median rent in Modesto is $1,595/month, while the median home value is $456,700. With a median household income of $82,758, residents spend roughly 23% of monthly income on rent.

Overall, the Modesto metro area is classified as average compared to other US metros.

Rent vs. National Avg
14% above
Home Price vs. National Avg
50% above

Job Market

Modesto has a median household income of $82,758, which is 11% above the national median. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%.

Safety in Modesto

The violent crime rate in Modesto is 508 per 100,000 residents, which is 34% above the national average of 380.

Property crime rate: 2326 per 100,000 residents.

Education in California

California has a high school graduation rate of 85% and per-pupil spending of $18,020/year. The student-to-teacher ratio is 22:1.

39% of California adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Healthcare Access

California has 285 physicians per 100,000 residents, a 5.9% uninsured rate, and 1.9 hospital beds per 1,000 people. Life expectancy in California is 79.0 years.

Pros and Cons of Living in Modesto

+Pros

  • Median household income ($82,758) exceeds the national median
  • Low uninsured rate (5.9%) and good healthcare access

-Cons

  • Home prices ($456,700) are above the US median
  • Unemployment rate (6.3%) is above the national average
  • Violent crime rate (508/100k) exceeds the national average
  • Longer-than-average commute (224795 min)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Modesto a good place to live?

Modesto has both advantages and drawbacks. Prospective residents should weigh home prices ($456,700) are above the us median and unemployment rate (6.3%) is above the national average against other lifestyle factors.

What is the cost of living in Modesto?

The median rent in Modesto is $1,595/month and the median home value is $456,700. The median household income is $82,758. Overall the metro is considered average.

Is Modesto safe?

Modesto has a violent crime rate of 508 incidents per 100,000 residents. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.

What is the job market like in Modesto?

Modesto has an unemployment rate of 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. The median household income is $82,758.

Explore More About Modesto