What to know when moving to Oxnard, CA
TL;DR: Oxnard at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 54.5% renters and a median household income of $90,067.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to beautiful beaches like San Buenaventura State Beach, rated 4.6 stars.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $1,853, which can be challenging for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 23 inches of rain annually; it's wise to invest in rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Oxnard is home to approximately 58,573 residents, with a median household income of $90,067. The education level is moderate, with 18.6% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a 54.5% renter population, indicating a significant portion of the community is renting rather than owning. The local climate features about 23 inches of rain each year, with a very low percentage of public transit usage, which means most residents likely rely on personal vehicles.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a strong public transit system, as only 0.2% of the population uses it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,853, which might be tight for some budgets.
- Median home value stands at $639,800, reflecting the competitive housing market.
- The community has a poverty rate of 11.9%, which influences local economic dynamics.
- With 54.5% of residents renting, the market has a substantial rental base.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the annual violent crime rate is 415.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. Property crime rates stand at 1,764 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national rate by 14%. Importantly, both violent and property crime rates have seen a decline of 17.4% and 26.1% respectively from 2022 to 2025.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national average of 325.3
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national average of 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has dropped by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Oxnard has access to 9 postsecondary institutions, providing a variety of educational options.
- CET-Oxnard
- Modern Beauty Academy
- Oxnard College
- California State University-Channel Islands (Camarillo)
- Ventura College (Ventura)
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Oxnard experiences an annual precipitation of 23 inches, with about 29 rainy days each year. The majority of rainfall occurs in the winter, totaling 14 inches over 14 days. Residents can enjoy nearby outdoor spots like San Buenaventura State Beach and Marina Park, both rated 4.6 stars.
- San Buenaventura State Beach - 4.6 stars (3,229 reviews)
- Marina Park - 4.7 stars (3,017 reviews)
- Emma Wood State Beach - 4.6 stars (2,952 reviews)
- The Collection Riverpark - 4.6 stars (5,864 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Ventura County, the unemployment rate is 4.7% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 422,010 and 402,000 employed individuals. This indicates a stable job market within the county.
- Unemployment rate: 4.7%
- Employed: 402,000
- Labor force: 422,010
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.