Riverbank, CA
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Museums
- Universities and Higher Education
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Riverbank is a city in Stanislaus County, California, known as the "City of Action" and located along the Stanislaus River.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Riverbank, California
- Administrative Center: Riverbank is a general law city incorporated on August 23, 1922 . It is not a county seat but is an incorporated municipality within Stanislaus County.
- Country and Region: It is located in the United States, in the state of California, specifically within Stanislaus County. The city is part of the Modesto Metropolitan Statistical Area . The Central Valley region is known as one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world.
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Historical Names: Before becoming Riverbank, the area was known as Burneyville in the 1850s, named after Major James Burney who established a ferry crossing there .
- Official Slogan: Riverbank's official slogan, seen on its website and promotional materials, is the "City of Action" .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Founding and Incorporation: While the area was settled earlier as Burneyville, the town of Riverbank was established with the arrival of the San Francisco and San Joaquin Valley Railroad around the turn of the 20th century . It was officially incorporated as a city on August 23, 1922 .
- Age: As of 2026, the city is 103 years old.
- Founders and Key Figures: Key historical figures include Major James Burney, who founded the Burneyville Ferry, and the Santa Fe Railroad, whose arrival spurred the town's growth and naming .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 37°43′53″N 120°56′37″W (37.73139, -120.94361) .
- Location: Riverbank is nestled in the heart of California's Central Valley, situated along the scenic Stanislaus River . It is located in Stanislaus County and lies along State Highway 108 .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 43 meters (141 feet) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Riverbank is a residential suburb and a small but growing commercial center within the Modesto metropolitan area. Historically, its economy was driven by the railroad and a large cannery that employed up to 2,000 people in the 1920s . Today, it functions as a "bedroom community" with a growing retail sector, serving as a hub for shopping and entertainment (like the Galaxy Theaters) for its own residents and those from nearby smaller towns .
Population and Demographics
- Population: According to the 2020 census, the population of Riverbank is 24,865 .
- Size Class: Based on its population, Riverbank is considered a small city.
- Demographic Features: The city has seen significant growth, with its population increasing by over 85% between 2000 and 2010 . A large portion of the community, 58.3%, identifies as Hispanic or Latino .
"City's Business Card" (Brief)
Riverbank is a historic river crossing that evolved into a railroad town and is now a thriving suburban community in California's Central Valley. Known as the "City of Action," it offers a blend of small-town charm with modern amenities, highlighted by its revitalized downtown Plaza del Rio Park, an annual Cheese and Wine Festival, and its location on the banks of the Stanislaus River .
Geography
Water Features (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
The primary geographic feature of Riverbank is the Stanislaus River . The city is named for its location on the river's bank . The river provides scenic views and recreational opportunities, with Jacob Meyers Park located along its banks, considered a local "crown jewel" .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Riverbank has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa), characteristic of California's Central Valley. It features hot, arid summers and short, cool, and wet winters .
Average Monthly Temperatures
Temperatures in Riverbank vary significantly by season. The hottest months are July and August, with average daily highs around 38°C (100°F) . The coolest month is December, with average daily highs near 14°C (57°F) and lows dropping to around 4°C (40°F) .
| Month | Average High (°C / °F) | Average Low (°C / °F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C (59°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
| February | 17°C (63°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
| March | 19°C (66°F) | 7°C (45°F) |
| April | 23°C (73°F) | 8°C (46°F) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 10°C (50°F) |
| June | 34°C (93°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| July | 38°C (100°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| August | 37°C (99°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| September | 34°C (93°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| October | 28°C (82°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| November | 20°C (68°F) | 8°C (46°F) |
| December | 14°C (57°F) | 4°C (39°F) |
*Source: Meteo Atlas , WeatherSpark *
Precipitation and Humidity
The city receives the vast majority of its annual precipitation from late autumn to early spring.
- Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 677 mm (26.7 inches) .
- Wettest Month: January, with an average of 124 mm (4.9 inches) of rain .
- Driest Month: August, which is virtually rainless, with an average of only 1.6 mm (0.06 inches) .
- Humidity: Summers are very dry, with humidity levels often dropping significantly, making the heat more tolerable .
Sunny Days and UV Index
The climate is characterized by a very sunny summer. The sky is "almost completely cloud-free" from June through September .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Riverbank for warm-weather activities is from early June to late September .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up nicely, ranging from the high 60s to low 80s °F, with decreasing rainfall. It's a pleasant time to see the landscape turn green.
- Summer (June-September): Hot and dry with abundant sunshine. Average highs are consistently above 90°F (32°C) and often exceed 100°F (38°C) in July. This is ideal for enjoying the river or parks but requires preparation for the heat.
- Fall (October-November): Temperatures cool down to a comfortable range, and the chance of rain begins to increase again, offering another pleasant season to explore.
- Winter (December-February): Short, cool, and wet. This is the cloudiest and rainiest period, with daytime temperatures often in the 50s and 60s °F, and nights can be cold with frost possible .
Landmarks and Attractions
[Plaza del Rio Park and the Ferryman Statue]
In the heart of Riverbank's revitalized downtown is Plaza del Rio Park. The plaza's main attraction is a famous bronze figure of a ferryman . This statue is considered symbolic of Riverbank's history, commemorating Major James Burney's ferry crossing that gave the area its start. It was designed by Betty Saletta of Oakdale . The downtown area also features other elements of a Civic Art Collection, including murals like the "Centennial Mural" painted by Alexandra Riddle .
[Jacob Meyers Park]
Jacob Meyers Park is considered the "crown jewel" of Riverbank's parks system . Located along the scenic Stanislaus River, it is a key site for outdoor recreation and a must-see when touring the area .
Transport
Main Highways and Roads
The primary road serving Riverbank is State Highway 108 . This highway connects the city to Oakdale to the east and Modesto to the west.
Rail Service
The BNSF Railway has a mainline running through Riverbank, which serves as its principal line linking Northern California with the Los Angeles-Chicago mainline . While an Amtrak station once existed in the city, it was closed in 1999 and later destroyed by a fire; the nearest Amtrak station is now in Modesto .
Public Transportation
Public bus service in Riverbank is provided by the Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (StanRTA) , with Route 60 connecting Riverbank to the Modesto Transit Center . Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate in the area .
Airports
Riverbank does not have a commercial airport. The nearest major airport is the Modesto City-County Airport (MOD) , which offers general aviation and some commercial flights. For a wider range of domestic and international flights, the Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) are the closest large hubs, each about a 90-minute drive away.
Museums
Riverbank Historical Museum
The primary museum in the city is the Riverbank Historical Museum, which was started in 1983 by a group of local residents interested in preserving the history of their community . The museum officially opened to the public on October 1, 1983, and its mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Riverbank and its surrounding areas .
The museum features exhibits on the city's early settlers, agriculture, industry, and local events . It showcases the cultural heritage of the city, including:
- Native American history and artifacts, related to the indigenous people who originally inhabited the land, such as the Yokuts and Miwok tribes .
- Agricultural heritage, showcasing the tools, equipment, and techniques used by early farmers in the area, including displays on crops grown in the region, such as almonds, walnuts, and peaches .
- Railroad history, as the city of Riverbank was founded as a railroad town .
- Cultural diversity, highlighting the traditions and contributions of the significant Hispanic and Latino community, as well as other ethnic groups .
- Local industries, such as canneries, wineries, and other businesses that have played a significant role in the city's economy .
The museum offers a variety of educational programmes, including guided tours, school field trips, workshops, lectures, living history demonstrations, special exhibitions, and outreach programs . It is run by a board of directors and relies on volunteers and donations to maintain its operations .
Address: 3237 Santa Fe St, 95367, Riverbank, United States Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; closed on Sundays and Mondays .
Universities and Higher Education
While Riverbank itself does not host a university, there are several higher education institutes in the surrounding communities .
Just 10 miles (approximately 18 minutes) from Riverbank is Modesto Junior College (MJC) . MJC provides instructional programs leading to transfers to 4-year colleges, various associate degrees, and vocational programs that lead to certification in specific trades . It is the closest college to Riverbank, located in Modesto at a distance of about 6.4 miles .
Approximately 19 miles from the city is California State University, Stanislaus (CSUS) . CSUS offers Bachelor's degree programs in Art, Business, Education, Humanities, and Science, as well as Master's degrees in Business Administration, Communication Studies, Education, English, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology, and Public Administration .
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Riverbank is served by several medical facilities catering to the local community's primary care and long-term needs.
Golden Valley Health Centers - Riverbank (FQHC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center located at 4150 Patterson Rd, Riverbank, CA 95367 . It operates as a nonprofit organization and offers services to a wide audience, including adolescents, adults, at-risk persons, low-income persons, and others . The center accepts Medicaid and offers a sliding fee scale based on income . Languages spoken include English and Spanish .
Riverbank Post-Acute is a skilled nursing facility and long-term care facility located at 2649 Topeka Street, Riverbank, CA 95367 . It is licensed for 99 beds .
Riverbank Primary Care Clinic is a general medical practice located at 3227 Stanislaus St Ste A, Riverbank, CA 95367 . The practice is run by providers like Dr. Naomi Reynolds, MD, and offers telehealth services .