Modesto, CA Census Data
The 19th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Modesto is the 19th largest city in California by population and ranks 149th of 188 for median household income. With 218,614 residents, its poverty rate of 13.0% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
218,614
49.4% male · 50.6% female
Median Age
35.4
3.3 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$77,899
$639 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
20.3%
14.7% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 83.3%
Poverty Rate
13.0%
0.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.4%
Broadband Access
96.0%
6.3% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$415,600
Median rent: $1,609 · 58% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.3%
Labor force participation: 57.1%
Per Capita Income
$42,978
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.9%
Disability rate: 13.6%
How Modesto Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 19th of 188 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 149th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 129th of 188 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 148th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 168th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Modesto, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Modesto, CA?
The population of Modesto, CA is 218,614 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.4 years.
What is the median household income in Modesto?
The median household income in Modesto, CA is $77,899, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $42,978.
What is the poverty rate in Modesto?
The poverty rate in Modesto, CA is 13.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.4% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Modesto residents have a college degree?
20.3% of adults (25+) in Modesto hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 83.3% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Modesto?
The median home value in Modesto, CA is $415,600. Median rent is $1,609 per month, with 58% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Modesto?
Modesto's population is 50.8% White, 4.7% Black, 43.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 7.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Modesto rank among California cities?
Modesto is the 19th largest city in California by population, the 149th highest for median household income, the 129th lowest for poverty rate, the 148th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Modesto?
The unemployment rate in Modesto, CA is 7.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.1%. Per capita income is $42,978.
Cities Similar to Modesto
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.