Median Income
$69,375
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$68,800
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.9%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$642
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.5%
65% higher than US avg
How Modesto Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population171
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density305/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$69,375
Per Capita$33,158
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty20.5%
County GDP$1,525M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$68,800
Rent$642
Ownership86.7%
Zillow$142,395
Housing Units87
Rent Burden10.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property393/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking18.2%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation680 ft (207 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.9%
High School+80.6%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute32 min
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Modesto a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Modesto receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Modesto offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Modesto is $69,375, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. The poverty rate of 20.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Modesto is $68,800, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $642 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Modesto is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 393 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
20.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Modesto experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches, including 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Modesto has a population of 171 with a density of 305 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (99.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Modesto is $69,375, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,158 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $898, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 887 business establishments, including 88 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,375 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,158 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $898 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,326 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.5% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 887 |
| County GDP | $1,525M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 78 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Modesto is $68,800, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,395, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $642 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 87 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,826. 10.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $68,800 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,395 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $642 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 10.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.3% |
| Housing Units | 87 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.56% |
In Modesto, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037. The dentist ratio is 1:2,950. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Modesto vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,037 |
| Dentists | 1:2,950 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,158 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 55.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 78 |
Modesto has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 393 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Modesto receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Modesto vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 393.4/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Modesto experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches. The area receives 16.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 680 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 680 ft (207 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 305/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4789°N, 89.9803°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Macoupin County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.61 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
95 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
115 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
125 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
91 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
649 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 593 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
39 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
81 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Modesto has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Modesto. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $855 |
| Toddler | $766 |
| Preschool | $818 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $570 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Modesto
What is the population of Modesto?
Modesto has a population of 171 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 305 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Modesto expensive to live in?
Modesto has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,375, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $68,800 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $642 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Modesto safe?
Modesto is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 393 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Modesto receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Modesto?
Modesto has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.0 inches, with 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Modesto?
The job market in Modesto is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $898. There are 887 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Modesto?
The median home value in Modesto is $68,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,395. For renters, the median monthly rent is $642. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,826.
How are the schools in Modesto?
Schools in Modesto score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.9% of adults in Modesto hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Modesto?
The obesity rate in Modesto is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037.
What is transportation like in Modesto?
The average commute in Modesto is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Modesto?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Modesto is 99.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 86.3% have health insurance coverage.
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