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