Where is Atwater, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 11, 2026

Where is Atwater, California Located in the United States? - Atwater is a city located in the Merced County in California, United States. Atwater lies between 37.3477 Degrees North latitudes and -120.6091 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Atwater, Merced, California

Where is Atwater Located in Merced, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Atwater in Merced County, in the U.S. state of California.

Atwater Map, California, USA

About Atwater Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Atwater, Merced County, California

Atwater is located in Merced County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the central part of the state in the state of the United States within the San Joaquin Valley agricultural region. The city was incorporated in 1922 and was named after Marshall D. Atwater, a railroad official associated with the development of the region, and it developed from a railroad town into an agricultural and residential community.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Atwater is 31,970 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 5,300 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Atwater covers a total area of approximately 6.1 square miles (about 15.8 square kilometers), including about 6.1 square miles (15.8 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.

Location and Surroundings

Atwater is situated north of Merced and south of Livingston, positioned within the fertile agricultural lands of the central San Joaquin Valley. The city features residential neighborhoods, farmland, and nearby irrigation canals that support the region’s farming economy. State Route 99 runs along the eastern edge of the city, providing a major transportation route connecting Atwater to surrounding communities across California’s Central Valley.

Top Attractions

Atwater offers parks, community facilities, and recreational spaces that support local tourism and outdoor activities. Popular destinations include Ralston Park, Castle Air Museum located nearby, and recreational areas throughout the city. The community hosts cultural festivals, youth sports programs, and seasonal events throughout the year.

Transportation

Atwater is served by State Route 99, offering convenient highway access throughout Merced County and California’s Central Valley. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport, located approximately 70 miles to the southeast.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Atwater City Website.

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Atwater City Facts

CityAtwater
StateCalifornia
CountyMerced County
CountryUnited States
RegionSan Joaquin Valley
IncorporatedMay 12, 1922
Founded1880
Total AreaApproximately 6.1 sq mi (15.8 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 6.1 sq mi (15.8 km2)
ElevationApproximately 151 ft (46 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 32,000+
Population (2020 Census)31,970
Population DensityApproximately 5,200 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes95301
Area Code209
Major HighwaysState Route 99, State Route 140
Public TransitMerced County Transit (The Bus)
Major AttractionsCastle Air Museum, Veterans Park, Bloss Memorial Park
Official Websitehttps://www.atwater.org/

Distance from Atwater City, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Merced, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Livingston, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Delhi, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Turlock, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Modesto, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Los Banos, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Madera, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Fresno, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Chowchilla, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Visalia, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Tulare, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
  • Bakersfield, CA – 140 miles (225 km)
  • Stockton, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Tracy, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
  • San Jose, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Oakland, CA – 110 miles (177 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
  • Sacramento, CA – 115 miles (185 km)
  • Salinas, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
  • Monterey, CA – 135 miles (217 km)

Atwater, California Climate and Weather Overview

MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Avg Precipitation (in)
January55382.2
April75491.0
July97630.1
October82540.8
Annual785112.5
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate Classification (Köppen)Csa - Hot-Summer Mediterranean
Annual PrecipitationApproximately 12.5 inches
Annual Sunshine DaysApproximately 265 days
Severe Weather RiskSummer Heat and Occasional Flooding
Average SnowfallRare

Driving Distances from Atwater, California

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
WintonCalifornia35 min
LivingstonCalifornia610 min
MercedCalifornia815 min
DelhiCalifornia915 min
CresseyCalifornia1015 min
HilmarCalifornia1420 min
TurlockCalifornia1825 min
Los BanosCalifornia3540 min
ModestoCalifornia4045 min
MaderaCalifornia4550 min

Transportation and Connectivity in Atwater, California

Nearest AirportMerced Regional Airport
IATA CodeMCE
Major AirportFresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Major HighwaysState Route 99, State Route 140
Rail ServiceAmtrak Service Available in Merced
Public TransitThe Bus (Merced County Transit)
  • Atwater is located in California's Central Valley between Modesto and Fresno.
  • The city is closely connected to agriculture, food processing and distribution industries.
  • Castle Commerce Center, located on the former Castle Air Force Base, is an important economic hub.
  • Its location along State Route 99 provides convenient access throughout the Central Valley.
  • Atwater serves as a residential and commercial center for surrounding agricultural communities.

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Atwater, California

Landmark NameType
Castle Air MuseumAviation Museum
Castle Commerce CenterBusiness and Industrial Park
Veterans ParkCommunity Park
Atwater Memorial BallparkSports Venue
Ralston ParkCity Park
Applegate Park ZooNearby Zoo
Merced National Wildlife RefugeNature Preserve
Lake YosemiteRecreation Area
Downtown AtwaterShopping District
Yosemite National Park Gateway RegionTourism Area

Colleges and Universities Near Atwater, California

Institution NameTypeDistanceNotable For
University of California, MercedPublic University12 miResearch and environmental sciences
Merced CollegeCommunity College9 miTransfer and workforce education
California State University, StanislausPublic University20 miBusiness and education programs
Modesto Junior CollegeCommunity College40 miAcademic transfer programs
Fresno Pacific UniversityPrivate University55 miLiberal arts and professional studies

Waterbodies in and Near Atwater, California

Merced River, Lake Yosemite, San Joaquin River, Bear Creek, Black Rascal Creek, Yosemite Lake, Turlock Lake, McSwain Reservoir, Lake McClure, Merced National Wildlife Refuge Wetlands

Golf Courses in and Near Atwater, California

Rancho Del Rey Golf Club, Merced Golf and Country Club, Stevinson Ranch Golf Club, Turlock Golf and Country Club, Pheasant Run Golf Club, River Oaks Golf Course, Creekside Golf Course, Diablo Grande Golf and Country Club

Atwater, California - Key Historical Facts

  • Atwater was founded in 1888 as a railroad and agricultural community in the Central Valley.
  • The city was named after Marshall D. Atwater, an early landowner and developer.
  • Agriculture, particularly dairy farming and crop production, has long shaped the local economy.
  • Castle Air Force Base, established during World War II, played a significant role in the city's growth.
  • Following the base closure in 1995, the site was redeveloped into Castle Commerce Center and Castle Air Museum.
  • Today, Atwater is known for its agricultural heritage, aviation history and proximity to Yosemite region attractions.

References

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