Livingston is located 7 miles (11 km) west-northwest of Atwater,[5] at an elevation of 131 feet (40 m).

Livingston's total area is 3.678 square miles (9.53 km2),[2] including undeveloped farmland annexed in anticipation of future growth.

[3] It lies slightly uphill from where the Southern Pacific Railroad crosses the Merced River.

[5] The town was named for Dr. David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer of Africa who was an international celebrity in the late 1800s.

Like the rest of the valley, it has long, dry summers and depends on irrigation water.

The winters are mild, alternating between fog, rain, and sun, with occasional frost.

The growing season is long, and there is a low risk of mold, drought, or bad weather interfering with crops.

Among these are the largest poultry producer in the western United States, Foster Farms, and a dairy, Joseph Gallo Farms, which owns the largest dairy herd in the United States.

[7] Almond orchards are a common sight, and the Central Valley is a key part of California's production of this crop (California produces 100% of the US domestic supply of almonds, and 80% of the world's supply[8]).

Other crops are farmed in smaller quantities, including alfalfa, corn, soybeans, peaches, melons, berries,[7] and turf.

All three elementary schools offer some form of two-way immersion instruction designed to build proficiency in both English and Spanish.

Livingston High School's foreign language department offers classes in Spanish and Punjabi.

In 1995, a Federal appellate court affirmed the right to wear the kirpan if certain safety precautions are followed.

The Chronicle publishes local happenings, especially Livingston High School academic and athletic events.

The Merced Sun-Star and Modesto Bee are also widely read and cover Livingston news and events.

[12] The residents of Livingston are descended from people of many nations, including: An estimated 30 European, 25 Asian, 15 Latin American and 5 Sub-Saharan African nationalities are counted among Livingston's ethnic makeup.

Most of the recent immigrants are from Mexico, Central America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Punjab.