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219,215 residents · 2024 ACS · source-led profile

Moving to Modesto?

Modesto, California, supports an estimated population of 219,215 residents according to the 2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Citywide economic indicators from the same data set place the median household income at $79,891. For housing, the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates report a median gross rent of $1,690 per month alongside a median owner-occupied home value of $442,700. Additionally, the derived one-way commute estimate sits at 31 minutes based on weighted midpoints from table B08303. These citywide figures provide a broad baseline for evaluating Modesto, though local variations by neighborhood are not established by these metrics.

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Short answer

Modesto presents a mixed affordability picture based on its 2024 ACS figures. With a median household income of $79,891 set against a median gross rent of $1,690 per month and a median owner-occupied home value of $442,700, housing costs claim a substantial share of earnings. When factoring in the model-assumed non-housing baseline of $1,250 per month, household budgets may experience varying degrees of pressure depending on exact expenses. Because these are citywide aggregates, they do not guarantee affordability across specific neighborhoods or individual financial situations.

Modesto at a glance

Household income$79,891
Median gross rent$1,690
Median home value$442,700
Derived commute31 min

What the default budget models

A one-person renting household begins with a modeled annual core-cost baseline of $35,280. It combines the ACS median gross-rent estimate with a uniform $1,250 monthly non-housing baseline. State income tax is excluded until a current official reference is approved; the calculator labels that limitation instead of guessing.

2024 ACS population estimate219,215
2024 ACS median household income$79,891
2024 ACS median gross rent$1,690
2024 ACS median owner-occupied home value$442,700
Derived one-way commute estimate31 minutes
State-tax treatmentExcluded — official reference pending
Rent-to-income reference25%
Salary & Affordability Benchmark

How much do you need to earn to live in Modesto?

2024 ACS Median Income

$79,891/yr

30% Rule for RentRecommended
$67,600 / year

To afford Modesto's median gross rent of $1,690/mo at or below 30% of gross earnings, a household needs approximately $32.50/hour (full-time).

28% Rule for HomeownershipMedian Home
$112,243 / year

Modeled against Modesto's median home benchmark of $442,700 (estimated $2,619/mo ownership carrying cost at typical 7.1% baseline).

Slide to test your income against local rent, taxes, and essentials.
$79,891gross/year
Affordability Status:Balanced
Rent is 25% of gross income (35% of net pay)

Rent aligns with the standard 30% rule (25% of gross pay). Standard budgeting applies.

Monthly Budget AllocationEstimated Net Take-Home: $4,850/mo
Tax 27%
Rent 25%
Essentials 19%
Savings 29%
Taxes: $1,798/mo Rent: $1,690/mo Essentials: $1,250/mo Discretionary Margin: $1,910/mo

The trade-off

Relative strength: A median owner-occupied home value of $442,700.. Watch closely: a 31-minute derived one-way commute..

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Compare Modesto

Frequently asked questions

What is the median household income in Modesto?

According to the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates, the median household income in Modesto is $79,891. This citywide figure serves as a general economic benchmark, though it does not reflect income variations across different neighborhoods.

What are the typical housing costs in Modesto?

The 2024 ACS 5-year estimates report a median gross rent of $1,690 per month and a median owner-occupied home value of $442,700. These citywide figures do not represent live asking rents or specific neighborhood property values.

Source ledger

Every production input below is retained with its publisher and dataset. The ACS figures are five-year estimates, not live listings or guarantees.

Interpretation: The ACS 2024 five-year estimates generally summarize observations across 2020–2024. The commute number is a weighted midpoint estimate from table B08303. State income tax is not included in the modeled take-home result. Verify a current address, quote, commute, and tax situation before making a decision.

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