Modesto, CA town hall & government
Modesto spent $478.7 million in the year to June 30, 2024, about $2,195 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Modesto's government.
Who runs Modesto
From public records (Open States and Wikidata), which can lag behind an election. If a name is out of date, tell us: when two neighbors agree, it's hidden until the records catch up.
Where Modesto's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Fees & charges 26%
- Utility sales 16%
- Sales taxes 16%
- From other local governments 9%
- Interest, fines & other 9%
- From the state 8%
- Property taxes 8%
- Other taxes & licenses 4%
- From the federal government 3%
Who works for Modesto
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Sylvan Union Elementary School District
Modesto's elementary school district, shared with Riverbank. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from California districts overall: 36% local, 52% state, 11% federal
- Local 21%
- State 71%
- Federal 8%
Of the $16,474 per pupil, $10,737 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Also serving Modesto: Stanislaus Union Elementary School District ($19,855 per pupil) · Ceres Unified School District ($19,511 per pupil) · Chatom Union Elementary School District ($18,832 per pupil).
Which schools Modesto kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Modesto pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Modesto's government
Who represents Modesto
Modesto is represented in Congress by Senators Alex Padilla and Adam B. Schiff and Representatives Tom McClintock and Adam Gray. Gavin Newsom is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.