Where is Ceres, California, U.S.

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

Where is Ceres, California Located in the United States? - Ceres is a city located in the Stanislaus County in California, United States. Ceres lies between 37.5949 Degrees North latitudes and -120.9577 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Ceres, Stanislaus, California

Where is Ceres Located in Stanislaus, California

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

Ceres Map, California, USA

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

About Ceres, Stanislaus County, California

Ceres is located in Stanislaus 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 northern San Joaquin Valley near the city of Modesto. The city was incorporated in 1918 and was named after Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, reflecting the region’s strong farming heritage, and it developed from an agricultural settlement into a residential and commercial community.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Ceres is 49,302 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 5,400 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Ceres covers a total area of approximately 9.4 square miles (about 24.3 square kilometers), including about 9.4 square miles (24.3 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.

Location and Surroundings

Ceres is situated south of Modesto and north of Turlock, positioned within the flat agricultural landscape of the San Joaquin Valley. The city features residential neighborhoods, surrounding farmland, and irrigation canals supporting regional agriculture. State Route 99 runs west of the city, providing a major transportation route connecting Ceres to other Central Valley communities and Northern California.

Top Attractions

Ceres offers parks, community centers, and recreational facilities that support outdoor activities and local events. Popular destinations include Whitmore Park, Smyrna Park, and the Ceres River Bluff Regional Park along the Tuolumne River. The city hosts seasonal festivals, community celebrations, and youth sports programs reflecting its agricultural roots and family-oriented environment.

Transportation

Ceres is served by nearby State Route 99 and several regional roads, offering convenient highway access throughout the Central Valley and Northern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is Stockton Metropolitan Airport, located approximately 50 miles to the north.

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 Ceres City Website.

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Ceres City Facts

CityCeres
StateCalifornia
CountyStanislaus County
CountryUnited States
RegionSan Joaquin Valley
IncorporatedFebruary 25, 1918
Founded1887
Total AreaApproximately 8.0 sq mi (20.7 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 8.0 sq mi (20.7 km2)
ElevationApproximately 92 ft (28 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 50,000+
Population (2020 Census)49,302
Population DensityApproximately 6,100 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes95307
Area Code209
Major HighwaysState Route 99
Public TransitStanislaus Regional Transit
Major AttractionsCeres River Bluff Regional Park, Whitmore Park, Ceres Community Center
Official Websitehttps://www.ci.ceres.ca.us/

Distance from Ceres, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Modesto, CA – 4 miles (6 km)
  • Turlock, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Riverbank, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Hughson, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
  • Oakdale, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Keyes, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
  • Denair, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Ripon, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
  • Manteca, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Escalon, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Tracy, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Stockton, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Merced, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Atwater, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Los Banos, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Sonora, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Fresno, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Sacramento, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • San Jose, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Oakland, CA – 95 miles (153 km)

Ceres, California Climate and Weather Overview

MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Avg Rainfall (in)
January55392.4
April74491.1
July95620.1
October81540.7
Annual765112.5
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate Classification (Köppen)Hot-Summer Mediterranean (Csa)
Annual RainfallAbout 12.5 in
Annual Sunshine DaysAbout 260 days
Hurricane/Tornado RiskNo hurricane risk and very low tornado risk
SnowfallRare (trace amounts)

Driving Distances from Ceres, California

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
ModestoCalifornia410 min
KeyesCalifornia610 min
HughsonCalifornia715 min
TurlockCalifornia915 min
RiverbankCalifornia1120 min
OakdaleCalifornia1825 min
PattersonCalifornia2430 min
MantecaCalifornia2835 min
StocktonCalifornia3540 min
MercedCalifornia3945 min

Transportation and Connectivity in Ceres, California

TransportationDetails
Airport NameModesto City-County Airport
IATA CodeMOD
PortPort of Stockton (nearest inland port)
Major HighwaysCalifornia State Route 99, Whitmore Avenue, Hatch Road
Train/Amtrak ServiceNearest Amtrak station in Modesto (Altamont Corridor Express connections nearby)
Local Bus/Transit ServiceStanislaus Regional Transit (StanRTA) and Modesto Area Express (MAX)
  • California State Route 99 provides direct access to Modesto, Turlock, Merced, Stockton, and Sacramento.
  • Modesto City-County Airport is about 5 miles north and serves general aviation, while commercial flights are available from nearby regional airports.
  • StanRTA and MAX bus services connect Ceres with Modesto, Turlock, educational institutions, shopping areas, and neighboring communities.
  • Amtrak San Joaquins service is available from nearby Modesto through connecting transit services.
  • Ceres is a growing city in California's Central Valley, recognized for its agricultural heritage, family-friendly neighborhoods, and convenient access to regional employment and recreation.

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Ceres, California

Landmark NameType
Ceres River Bluff Regional ParkRegional Park
Whitmore ParkCommunity Park
Ceres Community CenterCommunity Center
Tuolumne River Regional ParkNature Park
McHenry MuseumHistory Museum
Gallo Center for the ArtsPerforming Arts Center
Great Valley MuseumNatural History Museum
Dryden Park Golf CourseGolf Course
Modesto ArchHistoric Landmark
Caswell Memorial State ParkState Park

Colleges and Universities in and near Ceres, California

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Modesto Junior CollegePublicCommunity CollegeTransfer programs, career education, and workforce training
California State University, StanislausPublicUniversityBusiness, nursing, education, and liberal arts
University of the Pacific - Stockton CampusPrivateUniversityHealth sciences, business, and law
San Joaquin Valley College - Modesto CampusPrivateCareer CollegeHealthcare, trades, and technical education
Merced CollegePublicCommunity CollegeAssociate degrees and transfer programs

Waterbodies in Ceres, California

Tuolumne River, Dry Creek, Stanislaus River, San Joaquin River, Modesto Reservoir, Turlock Lake, Don Pedro Reservoir, Ceres Main Canal

Golf Courses in and near Ceres, California

Dryden Park Golf Course, Creekside Golf Course, Del Rio Country Club, Modesto Municipal Golf Course, Turlock Golf & Country Club, Oakdale Golf & Country Club, River Oaks Golf Course, Diablo Grande Golf & Country Club

Ceres, California - Key Historical Facts

  • Ceres was founded in the early 1870s and named after the Roman goddess of agriculture, reflecting the area's rich farming heritage.
  • The arrival of the railroad helped transform Ceres into an important shipping center for grain, fruit, and livestock produced throughout the Central Valley.
  • Agriculture has remained the foundation of the local economy, with almonds, walnuts, grapes, and dairy farming playing significant roles.
  • During the second half of the twentieth century, the city experienced rapid residential growth as the Modesto metropolitan area expanded.
  • Modern commercial development, improved transportation, and new neighborhoods have continued to shape Ceres while preserving its agricultural roots.
  • Today, Ceres is known for its diverse community, strong agricultural economy, family-oriented neighborhoods, and convenient location in California's Central Valley.

References

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