CaliforniaPop. 200,928Mid-size cities
Is Oxnard a Good Place to Live? Oxnard, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Oxnard ranks #912 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #170 of 256 mid-size cities and #119 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.5%, #206 of 241) and expensive homes ($652,700, #210 of 256).
Oxnard by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Oxnard's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Oxnard?
Oxnard's cost of living index is 110.5, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1112 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,032/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $759,573, 1% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Oxnard | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 110.5#1112 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $759,573#1038 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,864/mo#1007 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $652,700#1122 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,032/mo#1109 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.8x#1130 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.3%#1030 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Oxnard housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Oxnard is in the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Oxnard safe?
Oxnard recorded 557 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% above the US rate of 373 and 27% above California's 440. That ranks #882 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #177 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oxnard Police Department. Property crime runs 1,638 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Oxnard | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 557#882 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,638#540 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Oxnard?
The median household in Oxnard earns $96,212, 25% above the US figure of $76,827 and 5% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.2%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Oxnard | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $96,212#400 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 11%#571 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Oxnard?
The median resident of Oxnard is 34.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 19.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1181 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Oxnard | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 34.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 19.5%#1181 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 54.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Oxnard's schools and health?
Oxnard's 44 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.5 students per teacher and $19,211 spent per pupil. 28.4% of adults are obese and 12.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Oxnard | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 21.5#995 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $19,211#247 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 28.4%#287 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.8%#918 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.9%#840 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 19.2%#1204 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 36,792 students are enrolled in Oxnard's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Oxnard?
The average commute in Oxnard is 25.3 minutes (California 25.2); 0.6% of workers take transit and 7.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Oxnard scores 14.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65.8°F and winters 56.3°F, with 12.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Oxnard | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 25.3 min#799 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.7%#674 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 73.5% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.1% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 7.4% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.6#72 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 65.9 | 46.1 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 65.4 | 47.7 | 3.3 |
| Mar | 65.6 | 49.3 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 66.6 | 50.5 | 0.7 |
| May | 68 | 54.3 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 69.5 | 57.9 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 72.9 | 60.6 | 0 |
| Aug | 73.5 | 60.6 | 0 |
| Sep | 73.5 | 59.7 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 73.5 | 55.4 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 70 | 50.1 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 65.9 | 46.9 | 2.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oxnard Ventura Co Airport.
| Measure | Oxnard | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 61.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 65.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 12.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oxnard Ventura Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Oxnard?
Ventura County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 52% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ventura County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.42% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Oxnard | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 50#854 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.42%#1242 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Ventura County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ventura County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.16% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.18% | 95% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.028% | 92% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Oxnard compare with similar-size cities?
Oxnard is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #170 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 200,928.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #912 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 | 25.3 min |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #1131 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 | 22.8 min |
| Grand Prairie, TXPop. 201,883 | #760 | 54.0 | $81,619 | $1,629/mo | 202 | 28 min |
| Tallahassee, FLPop. 201,875 | #1007 | 49.9 | $57,409 | $1,293/mo | 629 | 19.1 min |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #1173 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 | 21.1 min |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #308 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 | 17 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 min |
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #948 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 | 19 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Oxnard compare with the rest of California?
Oxnard ranks #119 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 5% above the California median. Violent crime is 27% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Lake Elsinore, CAPop. 72,461 | … #115 | 51.9 | $101,888 | $2,078/mo | 116 |
| Menifee, CAPop. 110,305 | #116 | 51.8 | $93,454 | $2,110/mo | 170 |
| Glendale, CAPop. 190,748 | #117 | 51.7 | $88,393 | $2,182/mo | 234 |
| Downey, CAPop. 110,939 | #118 | 51.7 | $90,699 | $1,937/mo | 300 |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #119 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 |
| La Mesa, CAPop. 60,797 | #120 | 51.3 | $95,028 | $2,049/mo | 397 |
| Palm Desert, CAPop. 51,990 | #121 | 51.3 | $77,513 | $1,778/mo | 138 |
| Whittier, CAPop. 86,165 | #122 | 51.2 | $97,201 | $1,906/mo | 395 |
| Fairfield, CAPop. 120,785 | #123 | 51.1 | $101,895 | $2,266/mo | 522 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Oxnard among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Oxnard's score calculated?
Oxnard scores 51.5 out of 100, #912 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Oxnard. Similar-size median 52.9.
53.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Oxnard's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
59.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Oxnard. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Oxnard's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
52.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Oxnard's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
39.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Oxnard. Similar-size median 51.2.
61.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Oxnard. Similar-size median 42.1.
33.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Oxnard. Similar-size median 50.1.
42.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Oxnard's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
23.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Oxnard's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Oxnard has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Oxnard
Is Oxnard, CA a good place to live?
Oxnard ranks #912 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #170 of 256 mid-size cities and #119 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.5%, #206 of 241) and expensive homes ($652,700, #210 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Oxnard?
Oxnard's cost of living index is 110.5, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1112 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,032/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $759,573, 1% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Oxnard?
Oxnard recorded 557 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% above the US rate of 373 and 27% above California's 440. That ranks #882 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #177 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oxnard Police Department. Property crime runs 1,638 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Oxnard?
The median household in Oxnard earns $96,212, 25% above the US figure of $76,827 and 5% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.2%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Oxnard?
Median rent in Oxnard is $2,032/mo (Census), #1109 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,864/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Oxnard?
Zillow's typical home value in Oxnard is $759,573, up 1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $652,700.
How are the public schools in Oxnard?
Oxnard's 44 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.5 students per teacher and $19,211 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Oxnard?
The average commute is 25.3 minutes, #799 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 5.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Oxnard?
Oxnard averages 61.2°F over the year, 65.8°F in summer and 56.3°F in winter, with 12.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Oxnard walkable?
Oxnard scores 14.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Oxnard at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ventura County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.42% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Oxnard?
Ventura County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 52% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Oxnard?
Oxnard has 200,928 residents. The median resident of Oxnard is 34.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 19.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1181 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Oxnard compare with the rest of California?
Oxnard ranks #119 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 5% above the California median. Violent crime is 27% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Oxnard?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Oxnard's population of 200,928 are Mobile, AL (#1131 overall), Grand Prairie, TX (#760 overall), Tallahassee, FL (#1007 overall), Augusta, GA (#1173 overall), and Sioux Falls, SD (#308 overall). Oxnard is #912.