CaliforniaPop. 125,205Mid-size cities
Is Thousand Oaks a Good Place to Live? Thousand Oaks, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Thousand Oaks ranks #284 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #37 of 256 mid-size cities and #26 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #5 of 205) and high household income ($135,603, #14 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,664/mo, #250 of 256) and a shrinking population (-1.1%, #235 of 241).
Thousand Oaks by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Thousand Oaks'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 Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks'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 $2,664/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,035,291, 35% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Thousand Oaks | 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 | $1,035,291#1123 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 | $3,361/mo#1067 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $991,600#1248 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,664/mo#1263 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.3x#1173 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.6%#845 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.
Thousand Oaks 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. Thousand Oaks is in the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Thousand Oaks safe?
Thousand Oaks recorded 127 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% below the US rate of 373 and 71% below California's 440. That ranks #193 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #24 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Thousand Oaks Police Department. Property crime runs 988 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Thousand Oaks | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 127#193 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 988#209 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 Thousand Oaks?
The median household in Thousand Oaks earns $135,603, 77% above the US figure of $76,827 and 48% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Thousand Oaks | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $135,603#86 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 8.9%#409 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -1.1%#1095 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 Thousand Oaks?
The median resident of Thousand Oaks is 44.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 51.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #242 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Thousand Oaks | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 44.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 51.4%#242 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 70.8% | 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 Thousand Oaks's schools and health?
Thousand Oaks's 15 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.2 students per teacher and $15,819 spent per pupil. 23% of adults are obese and 10.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Thousand Oaks | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 21.2#983 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,819#495 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 23%#62 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.1%#419 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15%#262 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 5.8%#134 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. 7,892 students are enrolled in Thousand Oaks's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Thousand Oaks?
The average commute in Thousand Oaks is 24.6 minutes (California 25.2); 0.5% of workers take transit and 24.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Thousand Oaks scores 12.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #428 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.4°F and winters 56.3°F, with 12 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Thousand Oaks | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 24.6 min#743 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.9%#1053 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 63.5% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 24.3% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.4#428 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 | 68 | 45 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 67.6 | 45.6 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 68.5 | 47.4 | 2 |
| Apr | 71 | 49.2 | 0.6 |
| May | 71.9 | 52.7 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 74.7 | 57 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 78 | 60.3 | 0 |
| Aug | 79.5 | 60.9 | 0 |
| Sep | 79.6 | 59.4 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 76.4 | 53.9 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 72.8 | 48.6 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 67.7 | 43.8 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Camarillo Airport.
| Measure | Thousand Oaks | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 62.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 68.4°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 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 Camarillo Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Thousand Oaks?
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 | Thousand Oaks | 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 Thousand Oaks compare with similar-size cities?
Thousand Oaks is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #37 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 125,205.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thousand Oaks, CAPop. 125,205 | #284 | 62.3 | $135,603 | $2,664/mo | 127 | 24.6 min |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #746 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 | 20.6 min |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #762 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 | 24.6 min |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #973 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 | 16.7 min |
| College Station, TXPop. 124,570 | #728 | 54.5 | $50,900 | $1,194/mo | 132 | 17.4 min |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #295 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 | 26.1 min |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #282 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #732 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 | 23.4 min |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #193 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 | 20 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 Thousand Oaks compare with the rest of California?
Thousand Oaks ranks #26 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 62.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 48% above the California median. Violent crime is 71% below the statewide rate. Homes are 35% above 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 |
| Elk Grove, CAPop. 179,155 | … #22 | 63.3 | $125,924 | $2,262/mo | 161 |
| Livermore, CAPop. 85,522 | #23 | 63.2 | $160,775 | $2,677/mo | 175 |
| Yorba Linda, CAPop. 67,170 | #24 | 62.9 | $157,582 | $2,846/mo | 47 |
| South San Francisco, CAPop. 64,305 | #25 | 62.8 | $136,578 | $2,802/mo | 309 |
| Thousand Oaks, CAPop. 125,205 | #26 | 62.3 | $135,603 | $2,664/mo | 127 |
| Mission Viejo, CAPop. 92,151 | #27 | 62.2 | $136,123 | $2,839/mo | 119 |
| Castro Valley, CAPop. 65,001 | #28 | 62.1 | $142,779 | $2,554/mo | no data |
| San Clemente, CAPop. 63,273 | #29 | 62.1 | $140,062 | $2,460/mo | 166 |
| Daly City, CAPop. 101,964 | #30 | 62.0 | $123,547 | $2,551/mo | 254 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Thousand Oaks among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Thousand Oaks's score calculated?
Thousand Oaks scores 62.3 out of 100, #284 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Thousand Oaks. Similar-size median 52.9.
77.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Thousand Oaks's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
91.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Thousand Oaks. Similar-size median 53.8.
75.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Thousand Oaks's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
57.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Thousand Oaks's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
21.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Thousand Oaks. Similar-size median 51.2.
82.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Thousand Oaks. Similar-size median 42.1.
29.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Thousand Oaks. Similar-size median 50.1.
58.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Thousand Oaks's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
60.0 - 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: Thousand Oaks'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 Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks
Is Thousand Oaks, CA a good place to live?
Thousand Oaks ranks #284 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #37 of 256 mid-size cities and #26 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #5 of 205) and high household income ($135,603, #14 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,664/mo, #250 of 256) and a shrinking population (-1.1%, #235 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks'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 $2,664/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,035,291, 35% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks recorded 127 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 66% below the US rate of 373 and 71% below California's 440. That ranks #193 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #24 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Thousand Oaks Police Department. Property crime runs 988 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Thousand Oaks?
The median household in Thousand Oaks earns $135,603, 77% above the US figure of $76,827 and 48% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,664/mo (Census), #1263 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,361/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Thousand Oaks?
Zillow's typical home value in Thousand Oaks is $1,035,291, up 1.6% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $991,600.
How are the public schools in Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks's 15 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (California 85%), with 21.2 students per teacher and $15,819 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Thousand Oaks?
The average commute is 24.6 minutes, #743 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 9.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks averages 62.5°F over the year, 68.4°F in summer and 56.3°F in winter, with 12 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Thousand Oaks walkable?
Thousand Oaks scores 12.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #428 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 Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks?
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 Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks has 125,205 residents. The median resident of Thousand Oaks is 44.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 51.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #242 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Thousand Oaks compare with the rest of California?
Thousand Oaks ranks #26 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 62.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 48% above the California median. Violent crime is 71% below the statewide rate. Homes are 35% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Thousand Oaks?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Thousand Oaks's population of 125,205 are Athens, GA (#746 overall), Allentown, PA (#762 overall), Topeka, KS (#973 overall), College Station, TX (#728 overall), and Arvada, CO (#295 overall). Thousand Oaks is #284.