Moving to Turlock California? 🏬😍 | Guide to City of Turlock Living + What to Expect

Turlock, California, is a Stanislaus city founded on December 22, 1871, by Farmer John William Mitchell; the city is named after the Irish village Turlough and was incorporated on February 15, 1908. Turlock’s land was initially used for agricultural purposes only, but by the late 1900s, the city was a busy Central California hub.  Turlock is known as the "Heart of the Valley" due to its leading agricultural industry; Turlock is famous for its prominent agricultural production.  

Turlock is a great place to live—you get the convenience of residing in California with the ease of living in a less congested area. The cost of living here is relatively affordable considering its location and attributes, and there are countless nice neighborhoods to live in! Turlock motto is “The best of the earth and each other.” If you’re considering moving to Turlock, keep reading; we have lots of information below!

Where Is Turlock California?

Turlock, CA, is located in Stanislaus County, California; Turlock, CA, is 14.3 miles from Modesto, CA. You can find the city in southern California between Modesto and Merced. Delhi, Cortez, Hatch, and Keyes border the city. Turlock, Calif, is mainly developed, but the parks do provide ample greenery and mature landscaping.

Turlock Transit provides public bus transportation for the city of Turlock, CA. A regular day pass is $2.00, but seniors, Medicaid card holders, and disabled citizens only pay $1. You can keep track of the buses in real-time with the Transits live map and schedule your ride on their website.

Turlock Population & Demographics

Turlock has diverse demographics and a notable foreign-born population! Turlock racial and ethnic makeup: 64.1% White (28.0% non-Hispanic or Latino), 63.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% two or more races, 3.9% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, 1.1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.2% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander.

The population of Turlock, California, is 68,875 and has seen a 2.6% increase since 2010. The city of Turlock has the second-highest population in Stanislaus County and the twelfth-highest median income. The median household income in Turlock is $62,050 ($6,971 below the US average.)

Notable people from Turlock:

• Richard L. Bare
• Tony Corbin
• Cal Niday

Of the 68,875 people living in Turlock, CA, 47% are under the age of 30; the city boasts a median age of 32.4 years old, which is much younger than the US median age of 38.1 years old (as of 2019.)

Additional Turlock demographics: 

• Educational attainment: 82.7% have high school diplomas or higher, and 28.6% have bachelor's degrees or higher
• Sex ratio: 53 females to 47 males
• Mean commute time: 25.8 minutes
• Marital status: 57% are unmarried, 43% are married
• Veteran population: 3.6%
• Foreign-born population: 16.2%

Is Turlock CA Safe?

Although Turlock has a higher crime rate than its state and country, there are still plenty of safe neighborhoods to live here! We discuss the best and safest Turlock neighborhoods below, but for now, let’s dive into the city’s crime rate!

According to the FBI, this is the crime rate in Turlock, CA, compared to the state and national average:

• Turlock, CA crime rate per 100k people: 3,330
• California crime rate per 100k people: 2,581
• US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346

• Turlock, CA violent crime rate per 100k people: 550
• California violent crime rate per 100k people: 442
• US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388

• Turlock, CA property crime rate per 100k people: 2,780
• California property crime rate per 100k people: 2,139
• US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958

While Turlock does have a higher crime rate than its state and country, the 76 sworn officers working for the Turlock Police Department work day and night to keep its citizens safe! But you shouldn’t have anything to worry about, as there are plenty of safe neighborhoods in Turlock that barely see any crime. Turlock is a very safe place to live; keep reading to hear all about the best places to live in Turlock!

Cost of Living in Turlock CA

Turlock, California, has a cost of living index of 119, 19% higher than the US average. Utilities here are 41% more expensive, housing is 46% more expensive, and groceries are 7% more expensive than the US average.

Typical Turlock living expenses:

• Inexpensive restaurant meals: $12.00
• Pound of beef round: $6.00
• Gallon of milk: $3.00
• Pound of tomatoes: $1.99
• Pound of bananas: $0.69
• Loaf of white bread: $2.25
• Average city of Turlock utilities per month: $279 (per Doxo)

Source: Numbeo

The Economic Policy (EPI) Institute suggests a median household income of $84,920 for a family of four to live comfortably in Stanislaus County. The EPI also predicts a family of four will spend $14,688 on housing, $9,894 on housing, and $12,977 on child care annually.

Although Turlock, Calif, is highly desirable, the housing index cost isn’t much higher than the US average. The median sale price of homes for sale in Turlock is $485,000, which is much higher than the US median sale price of $431,000—the average price per square foot has even seen a 4.1% decrease since 2022. If you’re interested in purchasing a home here, keep a close eye on the houses for sale in Turlock, CA, as they only sit on the market for a median of 23 days.

Renting in Turlock, California, is also an affordable option! The average rent in Turlock, CA, is $1,614 for a 837-square-foot rental. When these figures are compared to Los Angeles’s average rent of $2,742 for a 788-square-foot rental.

Best Neighborhoods in Turlock CA | Where to Live in Turlock

Here are the best places to live in Turlock, California. 

Downtown Turlock | Ideal for Young Adults

Downtown Turlock is an established area of Turlock; most homes were built in the early 1900s and boast many of its original elements. Most homes for sale here would be fixer-uppers, but this up-and-coming Turlock neighborhood would be a great investment.

This neighborhood surrounds Turlock’s main street and the various restaurants and shops on the city’s center strip. Not only are you buying a historic home in a historic town, but the location is ideal. Any homes in this neighborhood are within walking (or golf carting) distance of the countless downtown Turlock restaurants and shops! Although homes are rarely for sale, the median sale price in Downtown Turlock is only $300,00.

Northeast Turlock | Affordable Turlock Neighborhood

Northeast Turlock is one of the best neighborhoods in Turlock, CA! The city of Turlock strategically developed this master-planned community to ensure quality living options for people living in Turlock, CA! There are numerous family-friendly parks and notable schools, not to mention the neighborhood is still affordable. The median sale price for Northeast Turlock homes is $468,00.

Legends North | Family-Friendly Turlock Neighborhood

Legends North is located in Turlock’s Northeast area, which is considered the city’s most desirable spot to buy real estate or raise a family. This neighborhood boasts new-construction homes, a park, and affordable prices. The median sale price for Legends North homes is $480,000. If you’re moving to Turlock, browse these Legends North homes for sale!

Turlock Weather & Climate

The weather in Turlock, CA, is enjoyable most of the year but does have some hot months. The warm season starts in early June and ends in late September; the hottest month of the year is July, and the average high is 91 degrees. The cold season starts in late November and is over by February. The temperatures are mild in the winter; the average low in the coldest month (December) is 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

Turlock has a Koppen climate classification of warm and temperate—you can expect hot, arid summers and short, cold, wet winters. The average annual rainfall is 12 inches, and the average annual snowfall is 0 inches; it hasn’t snowed in Turlock since 1922.

Turlock, CA, weather is most enjoyable in the summer; the best time to visit Turlock is early June to late September—this way, you can enjoy all the warm weather activities like the city’s parks and nearby waterways.

Things to Do in Turlock | Activities in Turlock

Notable stores in Turlock are Monte Vista Crossing and Turlock Shopping Center, but If you’re looking for other things to do in Turlock, CA, we have a refined list below!

Columbia Park

Columbia Park is one of the best parks in Turlock, CA! Your children can enjoy the large playground, basketball courts, or swimming pool! This is a great free activity in Turlock.

595 High St, Turlock, CA 95380, (209) 668-5594

Regal Turlock

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Turlock, CA, the Turlock movie theater is a great spot. Regal Turlock boasts reclining seats, a full bar, and lots of tasty concession options!

2323 W Main St, Turlock, CA 95380, (844) 462-7342

Crane Park

Crane Park is another notable Turlock park! The playground, tennis courts, and basketball courts are all great, family-friendly options.

1555 E Canal Dr, Turlock, CA 95380, (209) 668-5594

Additional Attractions in Turlock

• Turlock Sports Park: Soccer and baseball recreation field
• Columbia Waterpark: A Turlock water park within Columbia Park
• Donnelly Park: Turlock skate park with a large lake and playground

The Turlock Parks and Rec Department maintains the countless Turlock parks. You stay active in the community by attending the various events the city of Turlock, CA, hosts! After moving to Turlock, keep an eye on their special events calendar!

Turlock Restaurants | Food in Turlock CA

Here are the tastiest restaurants in Turlock! Turlock boasts various restaurants, but Mexican and Latin American cuisine is most popular here.

La Mo Restaurant

La Mo Restaurant is one of the yummiest restaurants in Turlock, CA! Downtown Turlock restaurants are always a great option as they’re centrally located and boast eclectic menu options. Lo Mo is known for sourcing local ingredients and its laid-back ambiance.

310 E Main St # B, Turlock, CA 95380, (209) 632-6655

La Morenita Restaurant

La Morenita Restaurant is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Turlock! Their chips & salsa, and molcajete are raved about in their reviews.

226 S Golden State Blvd, Turlock, CA 95380, (209) 632-7000

Huckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch

Huckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch Is one of the most well-reviewed Turlock restaurants. Huckleberry's has mouth-watering menu items like french toast, biscuits and gravy, and eggs benedict.

3191 Geer Rd, Turlock, CA 95382, (209) 634-4253

Turlock Jobs

One of Turlock’s most attractive attributes is its strong economy. The city is projected to see a  31.7% job market increase by 2033 and has seen a 1.3% job market increase since 2022.

Although there are many jobs in Turlock, CA, the city’s leading industries are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, agriculture, and retail trade. The main employers in Stanislaus County are Amazon, Bartles & Jaymes Co, Bronco Wine Co, and large employers in Turlock are Emanuel Medical Ctr and Foster Farms. While Turlock is well-renowned for its agriculture and manufacturing industries, there are still plenty of other established industries; this city can support most careers.

The average hourly wage in Turlock is $19.30, and the average salary is $71,000. People living in Turlock, CA, are earning great wages! Below are the popular professionals and their average salaries.

Source: Payscale.

Turlock boasts countless job opportunities; there are currently 564 Turlock job listings on Indeed, ranging from real estate coordinator to equipment service positions. No matter your industry, we don’t think you’ll have any issue finding well-paying jobs in Turlock, CA, to apply to. If you work in the public sector, there are ample opportunities in Turlock, California. City of Turlock jobs offer competitive pay and benefits.

Turlock Schools

Turlock, CA, is part of the Turlock Unified School District; the district is large, with sixteen schools spanning across Turlock and surrounding cities. Notable schools in the district include Turlock High School, Walnut Elementary Education Center (#1 Turlock Unified School District District Elementary School,) and Crowell Elementary (rated the best middle school in the Turlock school district.)

Turlock has the resources for anyone—young or old—to advance their education. The school district provides ample teachers with the proper training, and 23 full-time counselors work for the district. Turlock Library serves the city and offers extensive assets to its members. Whether you need free WiFi, computers, or tutors, the Turlock Public Library covers you.

Turlock Library hours:

• 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday and Tuesday
• 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday
• 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday
• Closed Sunday

Turlock is also home to a notable college, California State University, Stanislaus, and near Merced College. There are plenty of impressive Turlock schools to serve you, your loved ones, or your children!

Turlock Statistics & Information

• Turlock, CA County: Stanislaus County
• Turlock area: 16.93 square miles
• Turlock zip code: 95380, 95381, 95382
• Turlock area code: 209
• Turlock elevation: 102 feet
• Turlock time zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)
• Closest airport to Turlock: Merced Regional Airport (MCE) is 25.6 miles from Turlock, CA

Turlock CA Map

Explore more things to do with this map of Turlock!

If living in Turlock, CA has sparked your interest, you’ve got the right idea! This city provides everything you’d want in your future home—the demographics are diverse, the cost of living is only 19% above the US average, and plenty of activities and nearby attractions exist. If you’re moving to Turlock, you’ll need reliable Turlock movers to help get you there! Contact Grace Moving at 209-551-7772 to get started on a free estimate.