About Ceres
Demographics
According to the latest Department of Finance numbers issued annually by the State, Ceres is home to 40,943 people and the third largest city in Stanislaus County. The City’s population is currently growing at an annual rate of about five percent and is expected to continue at a steady pace over the next 20 years. Ceres grew 31.5 percent between 1990 and 2000.
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, median household income was $40,736 and the average household size was 3.31 persons. The median price of a house in 2006 was $355,000. While the housing market surged in recent years, Ceres is still one of the most affordable cities in the northern San Joaquin Valley. The City’s housing vacancy rate has remained relatively stable at 3.1 percent and is the second lowest in the County.
Growth & Development
Economic Development
Economic development continues to be vigorous. Over the past decade Ceres has experienced a nearly 90% increase in sales tax generated. Within the last five years development projects have included:
- WinCo Foods Distribution Center 107 acres/720,000 square feet
- Home Depot 10.67 acres/137,156 square feet
- Central Valley Marketplace 8.06 acres/83,710 square feet
- Food-4-Less
- Banking
- Dining
- Service
Developing projects include the Ceres Commerce Center, an 8.8-acre, 87,000 square foot business park on Mitchell Road at the northern gateway into town. When complete the center will consist of 24 buildings; current construction includes buildings of 3,000 to 6,000 square feet.
At Ceres southern entrance—Mitchell Road at Highway 99—the 420-acre South Gateway Regional Commercial Center is also being developed. The center’s first large retail anchor will break ground in 2007 and major infrastructure projects, including the Service/Mitchell roads interchange are in process.
The Ceres Enterprise Zone encompasses most of the city’s industrial and commercial areas and includes 6,804 acres. An application is now in process—as part of a countywide effort—to expand the Zone by 132 acres, taking in nearly all commercial land on Mitchell Road. Property owners in Zone can take advantage of tax, financial and development incentives and business assistance.
Housing
New home construction has been going at record pace over the past few years—in Fiscal Year 2003 the building department issued more permits than it had since before 1990. While median home prices increased, the City has had continued success in providing affordable housing opportunities, including construction of a senior apartment complex; rehabilitation and construction of a number of multi-family developments; as well as operating robust first-time homeowner and housing rehabilitation assistance programs.
Parks, Recreation & Facilities
Ceres River Bluff Regional Park
Progress continues at Ceres River Bluff Regional Park with construction projects moving along in both the sports park and riverfront habitat. In September 2006 the City celebrated the completion of the five-field soccer complex; the first two fields were open for play in 2004. The parking lot has been expanded and the concession, plaza and restrooms are nearly complete. The riverfront has also undergone a major transformation; part of the old walnut orchard has been cleared and the new ponds are being excavated and graded in preparation for liners. When complete, the 76-acre park will feature soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, a playground and group picnic area, as well as a restored natural habitat with trails and access to the Tuolumne River.
Community Center
After four years of planning, the first step in the construction process has begun on the Ceres Community Center. The center will be built on the site of the former Ceres Christian Church, occupying about half a city block on Magnolia between 3rd and 4th streets. In 2006, contractors began by removing asbestos and lead paint from the building and demolition crews finished the job of clearing the site. The 25,000 square foot community center will be the focal point of downtown Ceres and will provide residents with a central gathering place for education, recreation and social/cultural events. Public amenities will include over 9,000 square feet of assembly space, a teen activity room, arts & crafts center, computer learning center, senior activity room and kitchen. The City expects to open the center in December 2007.
