CITY · 1990 CENSUS

Modesto

California · 164,730 residents · 43.358 sq mi

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The short version

Modesto has roughly average household income, with a median household income of $31,701. Population has declined 13% since 2000. Median home value is $129,000.

At a glance

Wealthier

above the US median

US median: $30,130

Younger

median age 30.9

US median: 33.0

Less educated

16% hold a bachelor's degree

US average: 20%

Less affordable

home values up 37%, inflation adjusted

US median home: $93,722

Section 01

Population & growth

Total population

164,730

−13%vs 2000

vs 188,856 in 2000

1990 – 2025

Population density

3,799 / sq mi

−13%vs 2000

vs 4,356 / sq mi in 2000

US average: 221

Median age

30.9

−5%vs 2000

vs 32.7 in 2000

US average: 33.0

Population, 1990 – 2024

2024219K

Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income

$31,701

+3%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $40,394 in 2000

US average: $30,130

1990 – 2024

Per capita income

$13,572

−24%vs 2000

vs $17,797 in 2000

US average: $14,340

Poverty rate

13.0%

−2.8 ptsvs 2000

vs 15.7% in 2000

US average: 13.2%

Section 03

Housing

Median home value

$129,000

+37%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $123,800 in 2000

US average: $93,722

1990 – 2024

Median gross rent

$517

+7%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $639 in 2000

US average: $450

Owner-occupied

58.5%

−0.2 ptsvs 2000

vs 58.7% in 2000

41.5% rent

Afford Score

4.1

+33%vs 2000

vs 3.1 in 2000

1990 – 2024

RELATED:See current rent listings in Modesto on RentDataNow

Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000

White, non-Hispanic59.6%(112,466)

Black3.7%(7,013)

Hispanic / Latino25.6%(48,310)

Asian5.9%(11,084)

Other0%

Diversity Score65.8%(124,257)

1990

White, non-Hispanic80.7%(132,942)

Black2.6%(4,220)

Hispanic / Latino16.1%(26,442)

Asian7.8%(12,864)

Other8.9%(14,704)

Diversity Score60.8%(100,145)

Diversity Score

−8%vs 2000

vs 66 in 2000

1990 – 2024

Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

15.8%

−0.7 ptsvs 2000

vs 16.5% in 2000

US average: 20.3%

High school or higher

74.8%

−0.3 ptsvs 2000

vs 75.0% in 2000

US average: 75.2%

Graduate degree

4.6%

−0.7 ptsvs 2000

vs 5.3% in 2000

US average: 7.1%

Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute

20.5 min

+16%vs 2000

vs 17.6 min in 2000

US average: 21.9

Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

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Frequently asked

How many people live in Modesto, California?

Modesto, California has about 164,730 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in Modesto, California?

The typical household in Modesto, California earns about $31,701 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Modesto, California expensive?

In Modesto, California, the median home is worth about $129,000, and the typical rent is about $517 a month.

How educated are people in Modesto, California?

About 15.8% of adults age 25 and over in Modesto, California hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Modesto, California?

About 13.0% of people in Modesto, California live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →