City Profile
Oxnard, California
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Oxnard, California, situated on the coast of Ventura County, is the county's largest city and a significant economic hub. Originally an agricultural center, Oxnard has evolved into a diverse city with a strong presence in manufacturing, healthcare, and technical services. Its strategic location between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, coupled with access to the Port of Hueneme, makes it an attractive location for businesses and residents alike. People are drawn to Oxnard for its coastal access, relatively affordable housing compared to other California coastal cities, and a growing job market.
Founded in 1898 by Henry Oxnard, the city was built around the sugar beet industry, which laid the groundwork for its agricultural prominence. Over the decades, Oxnard has transformed, embracing a broader economic base that includes advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare. The city's commitment to economic development is evident in initiatives like the Oxnard Employee Pipeline, designed to connect local talent with high-demand jobs. This blend of historical agricultural roots and modern industrial growth defines Oxnard's unique character.
Oxnard offers a distinct lifestyle characterized by its Mediterranean climate, abundant sunshine, and proximity to natural attractions like Channel Islands National Park. The city's cultural landscape is rich, influenced by its significant Hispanic and Latino population, which contributes to a vibrant culinary scene and community events. For those seeking a balance between coastal living and economic opportunity, Oxnard presents a compelling option within Southern California.
California is a diverse and populous state known for its significant economic output, ranking as the fourth largest economy globally if it were an independent nation. Its economy is driven by major industries such as technology (especially in Silicon Valley), real estate, finance, professional services, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Living in California generally entails a high cost of living, particularly for housing, which is significantly above the national average. The state boasts a varied climate, ranging from a Mediterranean-like environment with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters in coastal and central areas, to hotter, drier inland summers and colder, snowier conditions at higher altitudes. The lifestyle often emphasizes outdoor activities, health and wellness, and a diverse cultural experience, though it can also involve considerable traffic in major urban centers.
How this 41/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 40 / 100 | 40.0 | 30% | 12.0 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 132.0 | 3.8 | 25% | 0.9 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $96,212 Income needed to live here: $55,000 Unemployment rate: 4.7% | 83.1 | 20% | 16.6 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 0.55% | 31.0 | 15% | 4.7 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 41.2 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 3 (deep think) (q=63, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 September 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Performance
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Cost of Living
Oxnard's cost of living is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of approximately 132 as of 2026, meaning it is 32% more expensive than the U.S. average [29]. Housing is a primary driver of this elevated cost, with median home values significantly above the national median and average rents also considerably higher than the national average [18, 10]. While utilities, transportation, and food costs are also above the national average, housing expenses represent the most substantial portion of the cost of living for residents [29].
Despite being more expensive than the national average, Oxnard's cost of living is often considered more affordable when compared to other major coastal California cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles [20]. This relative affordability, combined with its desirable location and amenities, continues to attract residents. However, the high cost of housing can present a significant financial challenge, particularly for those on lower incomes, contributing to a poverty rate of 11.05% [4].
Income
Salary Insights
Oxnard's economy is robust and diverse, with key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, health services, and technical/scientific professional services [36]. The city is a major agricultural producer, generating over $2 billion annually from crops like strawberries and celery, and also boasts significant food processing and manufacturing industries [7]. The Port of Hueneme, located just south of the city, provides crucial access to global markets, further bolstering Oxnard's economic standing [36].
Employment in Oxnard has seen growth, with the economy employing approximately 96,200 people in 2024 [3]. The job growth rate was 0.546% from 2023 to 2024 [3]. Initiatives like the Oxnard Employee Pipeline aim to strengthen the local workforce by providing custom training and job matchmaking services, collaborating with educational institutions like Oxnard College [36]. Major employers include Haas Automation, a leading manufacturer, and Community Memorial Health System, reflecting the city's diverse employment landscape [37].
The average salary in Oxnard is $65,000 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.
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Mobility
Transport
Transportation in Oxnard is predominantly car-dependent, with 73.5% of workers driving alone to work in 2024 [3]. The average commute time is approximately 25.3 minutes, which is slightly shorter than the U.S. average [3, 34]. Public transit options are limited, with only about 0.4% of commuters using public transportation, and walkability scores are moderate [31].
The city is well-connected by major roadways, including Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway, facilitating travel within the region and to nearby Los Angeles and Santa Barbara [7]. While car ownership is common, with an average of 2 cars per household, the city's infrastructure supports driving as the primary mode of transport. Traffic congestion can be a factor, particularly during peak commute hours, with the morning commute often peaking between 6:00 AM and 6:29 AM [31].
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