Is Oakdale, CA a good place to live?

Yes, living in Oakdale, CA offers a relaxed small-town lifestyle, strong community spirit, and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. It’s known for its Western heritage, family-friendly atmosphere, good schools, and relatively affordable housing compared to much of Northern California.

Where is Oakdale, CA located?

Oakdale is in Stanislaus County in the heart of California’s Central Valley and San Joaquin Valley within the Modesto metro area. It sits on the Stanislaus River near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, is intersected by State Routes 108 and 120, and is about 15 miles from Modesto, 90 minutes from the San Francisco Bay Area, and 90 minutes from Yosemite National Park.

What is the cost of living in Oakdale, CA?

The Economic Policy Institute estimates that a family of four in Oakdale, CA would need to earn about $104,786 per year to afford typical expenses. Everyday costs include around $4.19 for a gallon of gas, $4.62 for a loaf of bread, $5.49 for a gallon of milk, and an average monthly utility bill of about $279.16.

What is the housing market like in Oakdale, CA?

Oakdale real estate is relatively affordable for California. The median home price is about $496,500, which is roughly 17% higher than the U.S. average but 32% lower than the California average, with a median price per square foot of about $297. About 64% of homes are owner-occupied and 36% are rentals, with average rent around $1,648 per month and 3-bedroom rentals typically ranging from $2,450 to $2,800.

What is the job market like in Oakdale, CA?

Oakdale, CA has a strong local economy driven by agriculture, food manufacturing, and tourism. It is known for almond production and nearby tomato processing, and major employers include Conagra Brands, Oak Valley Hospital District, Auto Zone, Taco Bell, and US LBM. The average hourly rate in nearby Modesto is about $22.80, which is a good benchmark for what residents of Oakdale can expect to earn.

Yes, Oakdale, CA has a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. The total crime rate is about 1,761 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 38.1% lower than California’s overall rate and 24.2% lower than the national average. Violent crime is 27% lower than the California average and slightly lower than the national rate, while property crime is significantly below both state and national levels.

What is the weather like in Oakdale, CA?

Oakdale, CA has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Temperatures typically range from about 40°F to 95°F, with occasional lows around 31°F and highs up to 103°F. The area averages around 13 inches of rain per year and rarely sees snow, making it a generally mild, sunny place to live.

What are the best neighborhoods in Oakdale, CA?

Popular neighborhoods in Oakdale, CA include The Vineyards, a family-oriented community near top-rated schools with homes typically between $450,000 and $700,000; Bridle Ridge, an upscale neighborhood developed by Florsheim Homes with large lots and easy access to downtown; and Fair Oaks, a semi-rural residential area with large homesites, mature oak trees, and an elementary school of the same name.

What schools serve Oakdale, CA?

Students living in Oakdale, CA are served by the Oakdale Joint Unified School District, which includes Sierra View, Magnolia, Fair Oaks, and Cloverland Elementary Schools, Oakdale Junior High School, and Oakdale High School. Oakdale High has a 95% graduation rate and is ranked 14th in the Modesto area. Families can also choose Oakdale Christian Academy, a private K–12 Christian school, and use the Oakdale branch of the San Joaquin County Public Library.

An aerial view of the city of Oakdale CA from the sky with the text “moving to and living in Oakdale CA”

Patrick Bolger

November 5, 2025

City guides

California, Moving, Oakdale

Living in Oakdale CA 🌞 | Everything to Know About Moving to Oakdale

Q: Is Oakdale, CA expensive?

The cost of living in Oakdale, CA is higher than the national average but reasonable compared to the rest of California. With a cost-of-living index of about 137, it’s roughly 37% more expensive than the typical U.S. city but about 33% less expensive than the Bay Area. Housing costs are 17% higher than the U.S. median but about 32% lower than the California average.

Have you been looking for a peaceful community in Northern California offering a close-knit community and a slow pace of life? Then you'll love living in Oakdale CA.

Nicknamed "The Cowboy Capital of the World", Oakdale features a unique blend of small-town charm and Western Heritage. It's a small city in the San Joaquin Valley, famous for its rodeos and agricultural production, especially almonds.

In 1871, local settlers founded the city of Oakdale at the intersection of the Stockton-Visalia and the Copperopolis Railroads. It earned its title as the Cowboy Capital of the world in the 1960s when several local cowboys won world championships at rodeos held there.

It gained a reputation for its appearance as a vintage old Western Town and was used as a film location for the 1976 film Bound for Glory, starring David Carradine. It gets its name, Oakdale, from the abundance of oak trees in the area.

Today, Living in Oakdale CA, offers a relaxed small-town lifestyle, strong community spirit, and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. The cost of living is higher than the national average, especially for housing, utilities, and transportation, and many residents commute to nearby cities for work.

Oakdale is known for its good schools and generally safe neighborhoods, though violent crime rates are slightly above national norms. Thinking about moving to Oakdale? Here is everything you need to learn and review if you're thinking about relocating to the area one day.

Where Is Oakdale?

Oakdale is in Stanislaus County, in the heart of the Central Valley and the San Joaquin Valley within the Modesto metro area. It's located on the Stanislaus River, in the eastern-central portion of the Valley, adjacent to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

It's intersected by California State Routes 108 and 120, offering plenty of options for drivers living in Oakdale CA. It's located about 90 minutes from the San Francisco Bay Area and 90 minutes from Yosemite National Park. Surrounding communities include Riverbank, Valley Home, Orange Blossom, and Caribel.

It's 15 miles or a 30-minute drive from Oakdale to Modesto.

People riding horseback at an Oakdale Rodeo parade

Oakdale CA Demographics & Population

The Oakdale, CA population is 23,155. It's a very rapidly growing community, and the number of people living in Oakdale CA increased by 33% from 2000 to 2010 and by another 12% from 2010 to 2020. It has a suburban atmosphere with a population density of 3,720 residents per square mile.

Oakdale is a relatively diverse, family-oriented town with sizable white and Hispanic communities. In Oakdale, 27% of residents are under 18, and married couples make up 66% of households. The racial and ethnic breakdown of the Oakdale population is 58% white (non-Hispanic), 33% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 7% two or more races.

Other Oakdale demographics

The median household income is $86,478, which is about 10% lower than the rest of California.
The median age is 35.1 years old.
51% of people living in Oakdale CA are women, and 49% are men
84.8% of people living in Oakdale CA have a high school diploma, and 21.4% have a bachelor's degree or higher
The foreign-born population is 11.8%

Living in Oakdale CA, is safe. It's a fairly secluded, family-friendly enclave where people tend to know one another, and crime isn't a major concern. Here's how the crime rate in Oakdale CA, compares to the rest of the state and country

The total Oakdale crime rate is 1,761 per 100,000 residents, which is 38.1% lower than the California crime rate and 24.2% lower than the rest of the country.
The violent crime rate is 365 crimes per 100,000 people, 27% lower than the rest of California and 1.3% lower than the rest of the country.
The property crime rate is 1,396 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 40.4% lower than the rest of California and 28.6% lower than the rest of the US.

So, Oakdale is a good place to live if crime is a concern. The Oakdale Police Department addresses the Oakdale CA crime rate with 23 officers and 13 civilians.

Cost of Living in Oakdale CA

Is living in Oakdale CA expensive? The cost of living in Oakdale CA is higher than the rest of the country, but very reasonable compared to the rest of Northern California. A good way to assess the cost of living in a community is to analyze the cost-of-living index. It compares the costs of typical consumer goods to the rest of the US based on a scale of 100.

The COLI for the Oakdale and Fresno area is 137, which is 37% more expensive than the typical US city but 33% less costly than the Bay Area.

The Economic Policy Institute also has a Family Budget Calculator that is an excellent resource. It indicates that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids would need to earn $104,786 to afford the cost of living in Oakdale CA.

Typical expenses of living in Oakdale CA:

1 gallon of gasoline: $4.19
Bunch of bananas: $0.87
Hamburger: $6.63
Loaf of bread: $4.62
Gallon of milk: $5.49
Visit to the doctor: $178.01
Average Oakdale monthly utility bill: $279.16

Source: Payscale

Oakdale real estate is also very affordable for the state. Redfin shows that the median price of homes for sale in Oakdale CA is $496,500. That makes homes for sale in Oakdale, CA, 17% more expensive than the typical home in the US but 32% lower than the rest of California. The median price per square foot is $297.

Rent in Oakdale is also very affordable. Census data shows that 64% of Oakdale, CA real estate is occupied, and 36% is rented out. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Oakdale is $1648 per month, which is 5.8% less expensive than the national average and 37% less expensive than the rest of California. Rent prices for a standard 3-bedroom range from $2450 to $2800 per month.

Popular buildings for renters living in Oakdale CA:

Oakdale Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Oakdale

Living in Oakdale CA offers low crime, friendly neighbors, and affordable homes, no matter where you choose to settle down. However, some areas are naturally more desirable than others for myriad reasons. Here are some of the best communities to check out if you're planning on moving to Oakdale.

The Vineyards | A Family-Oriented Community In a Good Location

The Vineyards is a peaceful community popular among families living in Oakdale CA that offers well-maintained streets, close proximity to top-rated schools, and homes ranging in price from $450,000 to $700,000.

Bridle Ridge | A Respected Community With Large, Well-Priced Homes

Bridge Ridge is a popular neighborhood for affluent residents living in Oakdale CA. It was developed by respected builder Florsheim's Homes and offers spacious lots and a range of floor plans with easy access to downtown Oakdale.

Fair Oaks | A Pleasant Community With Easy Access to Local Schools

Home to an elementary school of the same name, Fair Oaks is a beautiful, residential community offering a semi-rural atmosphere, large homesites, and gorgeous mature oak trees.

Oakdale Weather & Climate

Oakdale CA weather is relatively mild year-round. It features a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Temperatures usually range from 40°F to 95°F, though it can get as cold as 31°F in winter and as hot as 103°F in summer. You'll typically want to take a trip and stop to visit a friend living in Oakdale CA between June and September.

You'll be glad to know that snow won't be much of a concern to those moving to Oakdale. However, you'll want to bring an umbrella as it averages 13 inches of rain.

Things to Do in Oakdale

Looking for fun things to do in Oakdale, CA? You'll find a wide variety of attractions from rodeo museums to amusement centers. People living in Oakdale CA will find a wide variety of shopping options at local shops along Route 108 and 120, including Foothill Oaks, Cotton and Sage Boutique, and At The Corner Home Decor. Beyond shopping, here are some other fun things to do in Oakdale.

The Cowboy Museum

The Cowboy Museum is a local history center dedicated to preserving Western Heritage in the Central Valley, with artifacts and exhibits on ranching and rodeos. It’s perfect for anyone living in Oakdale CA who is interested in the rodeo.

355 E F St, Oakdale, CA 95361 (209) 847-7049

Knights Ferry Recreation Area

Situated on the Stanislaus River, the Knights Ferry Recreation Area is a local park with beach access for kayaking, swimming, and other recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts living in Oakdale CA.

17968 Covered Bridge Rd, Oakdale, CA 95361 (209) 881-3517

Funworks Modesto

Funworks is an 18-acre amusement center and one of the best things to do for families living in Oakdale CA, with go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, and more.

4307 Coffee Rd, Modesto, CA 95357 (209) 549-7888

Additional Oakdale Attractions

For those seeking more exciting activities while living in Oakdale CA, the local Recreation Department has a list of resources and clubs available on its website.

Oakdale Restaurants

Oakdale, CA is known for its agricultural production and features many delicious restaurants serving everything from farm-to-table cuisine made with fresh ingredients to a full bar with beer and wine and drink specials on Thursday and Saturday. Here are some of the best restaurants in Oakdale for you to enjoy.

Bistro 120

Combining sophisticated flavors with a comfortable atmosphere, Bistro 120 is one of the best restaurants in Oakdale, CA, if you're hungry for classic California cuisine with a global flair on a night out.

152 N Yosemite Ave, Oakdale, CA 95361 (209) 845-6080

Cahoots Corner Cafe

Cahoots Corner is a lively cafe and one of the best Oakdale, CA restaurants to visit for classic breakfast or brunch fare, including waffles, pancakes, and omelets.

110 E F St, Oakdale, CA 95361 (209) 848-0955

Bamboo Garden

Bamboo Garden is a popular restaurant among those living in Oakdale CA, that serves both traditional Chinese cuisine and Asian-American fusion fare such as orange chicken and cream cheese wontons.

111 S Maag Ave K, Oakdale, CA 95361 (209) 848-4845

Jobs in Oakdale

Living in Oakdale CA offers plenty of job opportunities and a great work-life balance across industries like agriculture, food manufacturing, and tourism. It's most notable for its almond production, and the city is home to a 500,000-square-foot facility that produces a type of candied almond known as "Jordan almonds".

Cattle ranching is also common in the rural areas around Oakdale. ConAgra has a food manufacturing plant nearby that is one of the world's largest tomato processing plants. Healthcare and manufacturing are also major drivers of the economy and provide excellent jobs in Oakdale, CA.

Largest employers providing Oakdale CA jobs:

Payscale suggests that the average hourly rate in Modesto is $22.80. So anyone living in Oakdale CA can expect to earn around that much. From litigation paralegal to email marketer, you'll find a wide range of fantastic Oakdale jobs available. You can likewise find fantastic City of Oakdale jobs available with the local government.

An almond orchard in Oakdale California

Oakdale Schools

Kids living in Oakdale CA will get a great education at schools in the Oakdale Joint Unified School District. There are four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school in the Oakdale School District:

Sierra View Elementary School
Magnolia Elementary School
Fair Oaks Elementary School
Cloverland Elementary School
Oakdale Junior High School
Oakdale High School

Oakdale High School has a decent reputation and ranks 14th in the Modesto area with a 95% graduation rate. Oakdale Christian Academy is a private K-12 school offering a Christian education to residents living in Oakdale CA. Residents can also check out the Oakdale branch of the San Joaquin County Public Library for books and other media.

Oakdale Statistics & Information

Oakdale County: San Joaquin and Stanislaus County
Oakdale area: 6.26 square miles
Oakdale zip code: 95361
Oakdale area code: 209
Oakdale elevation: 157 ft
Oakdale time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
Closest airport to Oakdale: The Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) is 31 miles away

Oakdale FAQ

Is Oakdale CA Expensive?

The cost of living in Oakdale CA is slightly higher than the national average, but very reasonable compared to the rest of California. The cost of living index is 137, indicating it's about 37% more expensive than the typical US city. But the median home price is 32% lower than the rest of the state, and the average rent is 37% less expensive.

What Is the Job Market Like In Oakdale?

Living in Oakdale CA features a strong economy, supported by the agriculture industry. It's home to a massive almond-processing factory and one of the world's largest tomato processors. Outside of agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing also play a significant role in the local economy.

Is Oakdale CA Safe?

Yes, the Oakdale crime rate is low compared to both the national and statewide average. The total crime rate is 38.1% below the national average, and violent crime is 27% below the national average. So living in Oakdale is very safe.

Oakdale CA Map

Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Oakdale CA with this map.

Thinking About Moving to Oakdale?

Now that you know all the amazing benefits of living in Oakdale CA, you’re ready to decide if it’s the right place for you. When that happens, you can trust the dedicated Oakdale movers at Grace Moving to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call (209) 551-7772 today for a free quote from our award-winning Modesto movers.

Patrick Bolger

We are Patrick and Sally Bolger, and we own and operate Grace Moving Company. We were set-up on a blind date nearly 25 years ago and have been married almost 20 years now! In the early years, Patrick worked at Bambacigno Steel and Sally was the marketing director at a large retirement community in Modesto.