Stanislaus County, California

Stanislaus County is located in the heart of California’s Central Valley. Modesto is the largest city and county seat, and it is famously associated with the setting of the classic film American Graffiti.

Agriculture is a major part of the county’s economy, with important crops including almonds and peaches. The population is around 565,000, and many communities maintain strong connections to the region’s farming heritage.

The county takes its name from the Stanislaus River, which flows through the region. Highway 99 also runs through Stanislaus County, connecting it with other communities throughout the Central Valley and beyond.

CategoryDetails
County NameStanislaus County
County SeatModesto
PopulationApproximately 565,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesModesto, Turlock, Ceres, Oakdale, Patterson, Riverbank, Newman
Interstates and HighwaysInterstate 5, State Route 99, State Route 108
FIPS Code06-099
Total Area (Land and Water)1,515 square miles (Land: 1,499 sq mi, Water: 16 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction) San Joaquin County (North), Merced County (South), Tuolumne County (East), Calaveras County (Northeast), Santa Clara County (West)
Time ZonePacific Standard Time (PST)
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.6391° N, 120.9970° W
EtymologyNamed after the Stanislaus River
Major LandmarksModesto Arch, Stanislaus River, Tuolumne River, Great Valley Museum

PHYSICAL MAP

Stanislaus County Topographic Map

This topographic map highlights Stanislaus County’s predominantly flat agricultural landscape. The terrain gradually rises from west to east toward the Sierra Nevada foothills, with subtle elevation changes visible across the county.

SATELLITE IMAGERY

Stanislaus County Satellite Map

This satellite map reveals the extensive agricultural development across Stanislaus County, with fields forming a distinctive grid pattern throughout the Central Valley. The San Joaquin River winds along the county’s northern edge.

OUTLINE MAP

Stanislaus County Blank Map

This blank map outlines Stanislaus County’s distinctive shape in the northern San Joaquin Valley. The eastern boundary approaches the Sierra Nevada foothills, while the western side extends toward the Coast Range.

California County Map

Printable California county map showing county boundaries and locations

Ever wonder how California’s 58 counties are organized? Our California county map lays them all out, from the Pacific Coast to the vast desert regions. Explore the map to find the counties you know—and perhaps discover a few you don’t.

Scroll to Top