Stanislaus County, California

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California 4

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Stanislaus County, California is a county located in the Central Valley of the U.S. state of California. As of the 2020 United States Census, its population was 552,878. The county seat is Modesto, which is also the largest city in the county. Stanislaus County is included in the Modesto Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Stanislaus County was formed from part of Tuolumne County in 1854. The county is named after the Stanislaus River, which in turn was named for Estanislao, a Native American chief of the Yokuts tribe, who led a series of battles against Mexican authorities until finally being defeated by General Mariano G. Vallejo in 1826.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,515 square miles, of which 1,495 square miles is land and 20 square miles (1.3%) is water. The majority of the county's area is covered by the fertile lands of the Central Valley, which are extensively used for agriculture. The Sierra Nevada foothills form the eastern boundary of the county.

Adjacent counties

• San Joaquin County (north)
• Calaveras County (northeast)
• Tuolumne County (east)
• Merced County (south)
• Santa Clara County (southwest)
• Alameda County (west)

Demographics

The 2020 Census reported that Stanislaus County had a population of 552,878. The racial makeup of Stanislaus County was diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population. The economy of Stanislaus County is primarily based on agriculture, including the cultivation of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, as well as dairy farming and poultry production.

Economy

Agriculture plays a critical role in the economy of Stanislaus County, benefiting from the region's fertile soil and favorable climate. The county is a significant producer of almonds, milk, chickens, and walnuts in California. In addition to agriculture, the county has a growing manufacturing and distribution sector.

Government

Stanislaus County is governed by a board of five elected supervisors. The county provides various services to residents, including law enforcement through the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department, health services, and public works.

Education

The county is home to several higher education institutions, including California State University, Stanislaus, which offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Transportation

Major highways running through Stanislaus County include Interstate 5, U.S. Route 99, and State Route 120. The county is also served by the Modesto City-County Airport, providing air travel options for residents and businesses.

Communities

Stanislaus County includes a mix of cities, towns, and unincorporated communities. Besides Modesto, other notable cities include Turlock, Ceres, and Oakdale. The county also encompasses various unincorporated communities and rural areas.