The city has a population of almost 4,000. The town was founded in 1907, and incorporated as a city in 1972. It has a police department, fire department, and ambulance service. It also has a medical facility, a health club, grocery stores, restaurants, furniture store, hardware store, and a salon. Hughson is extremely proud of its agricultural heritage and many diverse crops are grown locally.
Agriculture includes wine grapes, peaches, walnuts, almonds, apricots, and nectarines.
In May, the city celebrates the Fruit and Nut Festival. The city has a terrific school system, and the lowest crime rate in the county for 12 consecutive years. The nearest large city is Modesto has a population of about 180,000. Modesto was based originally on agriculture, but it has grown to a medium-sized metropolis. It has all the amenities of most large cities yet is still easy to find your way around.