Turlock Economic Profile
Whether you are new to Turlock or already familiar with our vibrant business climate, the Turlock is a wonderful place to locate your business and your family.In the heart of California's Central Valley, Turlock is the second largest city in Stanislaus County with a population which has grown steadily from 13,992 in 1970 to around 73,100 today. Cultural art experiences, sports activities, twenty nine parks, sixteen schools, a full range of medical facilities and the attractiveness of the nearby Mother Lode, San Francisco Bay area and the Sierra Nevada add to the pleasure of living in Turlock.
Some of Turlock's living advantages include:
- A Diverse and Affordable Community
- Vibrant Parks and Recreation
- Rich Cultural and Community Life
- Higher Education Presence - Home to California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock benefits from university-driven energy, innovation, and education opportunities that support workforce development and cultural activity.
- Balanced Urban-Rural Living
- Quality Health Care
- Excellent Schools
- Historic and Active Downtown
- Regional Economic Assets
Economic Development Strategic Plan
In 2024–2025, the City of Turlock completed an Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) Update. This updated Economic Development Strategic Plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap to guide the City’s economic development efforts over the coming years, with a strong focus on job creation, business attraction and retention, investment readiness, and long-term economic resilience.The updated plan builds upon previous economic development strategies adopted by the City in 2003 and 2014, while reflecting today’s economic conditions, emerging market opportunities, and Turlock’s evolving role within the regional and statewide economy. Unlike earlier planning efforts that were developed during or shortly after the Great Recession, this update incorporates current demographic, workforce, retail, industrial, and real estate market data, providing a stronger and more actionable foundation for decision-making.
The EDSP Update identifies targeted strategies to:
- Support business retention, expansion, and attraction
- Promote quality job creation across key industry sectors
- Strengthen retail competitiveness and commercial vitality
- Advance infrastructure readiness, including broadband, utilities, and transportation
- Support housing affordability and workforce access
- Enhance downtown revitalization and industrial growth
- Improve coordination with regional partners, educational institutions, and workforce organizations
The 2025 Economic Development Strategic Plan also complements other City initiatives, including marketing and branding efforts and tourism development strategies. Together, these coordinated efforts establish a clear, data-driven framework for strengthening Turlock’s economy and enhancing the community’s overall quality of life.
The updated EDSP will guide City policies, programs, partnerships, and investments, ensuring Turlock remains competitive, business-friendly, and well-positioned for sustainable economic growth.
2025 City of Turlock Economic Development Strategic Plan
2017 City of Turlock Economic Development Strategic Plan