It is part of the Modesto Metropolitan Statistical Area in the San Joaquin Valley.

Three ferries were crossing the Stanislaus River on the 19th−century Stockton - Los Angeles Road.

The site of the easternmost crossing, Heath & Emory's Ferry, is in present-day East Oakdale.

The second, Taylor's Ferry Crossing, was located in the present day city of Oakdale.

The 2010 United States Census[4] reported that East Oakdale had a population of 2,762.

138 households (13.1%) were made up of individuals, and 78 (7.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 1,102 housing units at an average density of 211.4 per square mile (81.6/km2), of which 984 (93.3%) were owner-occupied, and 71 (6.7%) were occupied by renters.

13.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

In the California State Legislature, East Oakdale is in the 8th Senate District, represented by Democrat Angelique Ashby, and the 12th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Damon Connolly.