Modesto

Modesto
City of Modesto
Downtown Modesto skyline Downtown Modesto skyline
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  "The City of Water, Wealth, Contentment and Health"
Motto(s):  "Water Wealth Contentment Health"
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	California
County	Stanislaus
Founded	1870
Incorporated	August 6, 1884
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
• Mayor	Sue Zwahlen
• City Manager	Joe Lopez
Area
• Total	44.96 sq mi (116.4 km2)
• Land	44.88 sq mi (116.2 km2)
• Water	0.08 sq mi (0.2 km2)
Elevation	92 ft (28 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	215,196
• Density	4,796.6/sq mi (1,852.0/km2)
Time zone	UTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes	95350–95358
Area code(s)	209
Website	www.modestogov.com

Modesto is a city located in Stanislaus County, California, United States. It is the county seat and largest city of Stanislaus County. With a population of 215,196 as of 2020, Modesto is the 18th largest city in California.

History

Modesto was founded in 1870 and incorporated on August 6, 1884. The city was named after the modesty of its founder, William Chapman Ralston. Modesto experienced rapid growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to its location as a major railroad hub and agricultural center.

Geography

Modesto is located in the heart of the Central Valley, approximately 90 miles east of San Francisco. The city covers a total area of 44.96 square miles, of which 44.88 square miles is land and 0.08 square miles is water. Modesto is situated at an elevation of 92 feet above sea level.

Climate

Modesto has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city experiences an average of 12 inches of rainfall per year, primarily occurring between November and April. Summers are characterized by high temperatures, often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters are mild with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing.

Economy

Modesto's economy is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing, and retail trade. The city is known for its agricultural production, particularly in the dairy industry. Modesto is also home to several food processing plants and distribution centers. The retail sector is another significant contributor to the local economy, with numerous shopping centers and malls located throughout the city.

Culture

Modesto has a vibrant cultural scene with a variety of attractions and events. The city is home to the Gallo Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art performing arts venue that hosts a wide range of concerts, plays, and other live performances. Modesto also has a thriving music and entertainment scene, with numerous local bands and artists performing at various venues throughout the city.

Education

Modesto is served by the Modesto City Schools district, which operates numerous elementary, middle, and high schools in the area. The city is also home to several private schools and charter schools. Higher education options in Modesto include Modesto Junior College, a community college, and California State University, Stanislaus, a four-year university.

Sports

Modesto is home to several sports teams and facilities. The Modesto Nuts, a minor league baseball team, play their home games at John Thurman Field. The city also has several parks and recreational facilities, including the Modesto Sports Complex and the Modesto Municipal Golf Course.

Notable People

Modesto has been the birthplace or hometown of several notable individuals, including filmmaker George Lucas, musician Chris Isaak, and baseball player Dusty Baker.