Employment
The area surrounding Stockton is known as one of the richest agricultural and dairy regions in California. Throughout its history almost every major fruit, nut and field crop has been grown, some doing better than others. Current major crops include asparagus, cherries, tomatoes, walnuts and almonds plus many other smaller-production orchard, row and feed crops. Grapes amount to forty percent of the fruit and nut harvest and contribute 18 percent to the county's agricultural dollar. Prize-winning wines are also produced from vineyards north of Stockton.
Although historically an agriculturally based economy, Stockton has diversified into all sectors of industry. There are over 16,000 businesses licensed within Stockton. Large employers include Washington Mutual Financial, Pacific Gas & Electric Utility, Kaiser Permanente Health Care, Diamond Walnut Food Processor, The Grupe Company Developer, AT&T Communications, AG Spanos Companies, and Guaranty Bank.