Have you always wanted to settle down in a laid-back beach town with beautiful scenery and friendly residents? Then moving to Oxnard could be the best decision you ever make. Oxnard is a mid-sized city in California's Central Coast region.
It's named after entrepreneur Henry T. Oxnard, who ran a successful sugar beet factory in the area that attracted new residents seeking work. Henry initially planned on calling the new settlement, zachariΒ (the Greek word for sugar) but named it after himself after growing frustrated with the bureaucracy.
Today, Oxnard is known for its excellent beaches and agricultural production, specifically its strawberry fields, which have earned it the nickname the Strawberry Capital of the World.
Living in Oxnard offers coastal charm with beautiful beaches, a diverse community, and a mild year-round climate. Residents enjoy affordable housing compared to nearby cities, excellent dining options, and easy access to outdoor activities like surfing and hiking.
With its relaxed atmosphere and proximity to Los Angeles, Oxnard is an appealing choice for those seeking a balance between beachside living and urban conveniences. If you're considering moving to Oxnard, here's what you need to know.
Where Is Oxnard?
Oxnard is in Ventura County, California's Central Coast region. It's situated on the western edge of the Oxnard Plain, an area dominated by strawberries, lima beans, and other agricultural fields. It's a principal city in the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Santa Clarita River flows along the city's northern border, separating Oxnard from the city of Ventura.
Oxnard is a major transportation hub for Southern California. US Route 101 and California State Routes 1 and 34 both pass through the community, while Amtrak, Union Pacific, Metrolink, and Greyhound all make stops in the city for travelers living in Oxnard. Nearby cities include Port Hueneme, El Rio, Camarillo, Ventura, and Santicoy.
Oxnard is 60 miles or a 1 hour and 24 minute drive from Los Angeles.
Oxnard Population & Demographics
According to the 2020 census, the Oxnard population is 202,063. It's the largest city in the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA and the 22nd most populous in the state of California. The Oxnard, CA, population has increased at a steady rate over the past decade, and the number of residents went up by 2.1% between 2010 and 2020. It has a fairly dense urban atmosphere, and the population density is 7,555 residents per square mile.
Itβs a young, diverse city with a large Hispanic and Latino population living in Oxnard. In Oxnard, 26% of residents are under 18, and the median age is 34.7 (a full five years younger than the statewide median).
The racial and ethnic breakdown of Oxnard residents is 47.4% white (13.3% white, non-Hispanic), 75.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 2.7% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 2% Black or African American, 27% two or more races.
Many famous residents have enjoyed living in Oxnard, including actor Lee Van Cleef and musician Dave Grohl.
Other Oxnard Demographics
- The Oxnard, California population is exactly 50% male and 50% female
- The median household income of people living in Oxnard is $84,941 (which is 7.2% lower than the rest of California)
- 68.5% of residents living in Oxnard have a high school diploma, while 20.4% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 33.3%
Living in Oxnard is safe for a city of its size. According to data from the local police department, the Oxnard crime rate is 1,898 crimes per 100,000 people. That's 33% lower than the rest of California and 18% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate is 29% lower than the statewide average, while property crime is 34% lower. So, as long as you take the necessary precautions, Oxnard, CA, is safe.
The Oxnard Police Department handles crime in the community with the help of 202 sworn officers and 124 civilian personnel.
Oxnard Cost of Living
Living in Oxnard is very affordable by California standards. A great way to determine how much it costs to live in an area is to consider the cost of living index. With the national average representing 100, it juxtaposes the cost of typical consumer goods to the typical US city.
According to the Economic Research Institute, the COLI for the city is 139, indicating the cost of living in Oxnard, CA about 39% more expensive than the standard US city. The Economic Policy Institute also has a Family Budget Calculator, which shows that the average family of four (consisting of two adults and two children) needs to earn about $148,197 to afford the Oxnard CA cost of living.
Typical expenses of living in Oxnard
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.94
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $18.50
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $4.00
- Cappuccino: $5.64
- Loaf of fresh white bread: $1.19
- Bottle of wine: $8.99
- A gallon of gasoline: $4.80
- Average Oxnard monthly utility bill: $179.03
Source: Numbeo
Oxnard real estate is reasonably priced for California. Redfin shows that the median price of houses for sale in Oxnard California is $795,000. That indicates Oxnard CA real estate is about 3% more affordable than typical housing prices in California. The median price per square foot of homes for sale in Oxnard CA is $500.
Tenants moving to Oxnard will also find a range of options available. Census data reveals that 52% of homes are owner-occupied, while 48% are rented out. Rentcafe shows that the average rent in Oxnard, CA, is $2,664. About 10% of rentals are high-rise buildings with 50+ units, while 60% are smaller-scale buildings, and 30% are single-family homes. Rent in Oxnard starts around $2,400 for a one-bedroom and goes up to $5300 for three or more bedrooms.
Oxnard Neighborhoods
Regardless of where you choose to settle down, living in Oxnard offers quiet streets, natural beauty, and easy access to the beach. However, like any city, it has areas that are more desirable than others. So, to help you find the ideal community, here are a few of the best places to live in Oxnard.
Channel Islands | A Luxury Neighborhood with Views of the Ocean
Channel Islands Harbor is a breathtaking waterfront area full of luxury condos, single-family homes, and apartment buildings. It also offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and a marina for well-to-do residents living in Oxnard.
Bartolo Square South | An Affordable Neighborhood in a Central Location
Located just south of downtown Oxnard, Bartolo Square South is a charming residential neighborhood with a mix of ranch and Mid-century style homes starting around $250,000.
Oxnard Shores | A Tight-Knit Community with Beach Access
Oxnard Shores is a beautiful beachfront community that offers the ideal beach lifestyle. Its cozy cottages and Mediterranean-style homes are within walking distance from shops, restaurants, and the Ocean.
Oxnard Climate & Weather
The weather in Oxnard is very pleasant throughout the year. According to the Koppen classification system, it has a warm summer climate, indicating cool, wet winters and dry, hot summers. The temperature in Oxnard typically stays between 47Β°F and 74Β°F, although winters can get as cold as 40Β°F, while the summer can get as hot as 81Β°F. It's often best to visit a friend living in Oxnard between June and October.
Snow won't be much of a concern if you plan on moving to Oxnard. However, you may want to pack an umbrella because the city averages about 15 inches of rain per year.
Things to Do in Oxnard
From beautiful beaches to world-class museums, you'll find a wide variety of fun things to do in Oxnard. The best shopping centers in Oxnard CA are The Collection, Centerpoint Mall, or The Rose. There you'll find luxury and big-brand retailers, delicious restaurants, and entertainment options. Oxnard also hosts the annual California Strawberry Festival. For more options, here are some of the top Oxnard CA attractions.
Voted the top beach on the West Coast by USA Today, Oxnard Beach Park is one of the best things to do in Oxnard CA, on a sunny weekend afternoon with rolling lawns, barbecue areas, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and other public amenities.
1601 S. Harbor Blvd. Oxnard, California 93035 (805) 385-7950
The Channel Island Maritime museum is one of the best things to do in Oxnard with kids and features unique exhibits, ship models and a large art collection centered around the nautical history of the community.
3900 Bluefin Cir, Oxnard, CA 93035 (805) 984-6260
Art lovers in search of fun things to do in Oxnard CA should stop by the city's performing arts center, a dynamic venue that hosts live musical performances, cultural programs and other exciting events.
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030 (805) 385-8147
Additional Oxnard Attractions
Searching for more Oxnard CA things to do? Check out the popular beach areas like Hollywood Beach or Silver Strand Beach. The local department of Recreation and Community Services also has a full activities catalog for residents living in Oxnard available on its website.
Oxnard Restaurants
From seafood to cajun cuisine, foodies will find an eclectic range of delicious restaurants in Oxnard, CA. If you're looking to grab a bite, here are the best places to eat in Oxnard CA.
Ox and Ocean is the onsite dining room at the Zachari Dunes at Mandalay Bay resort and one of the best restaurants in Oxnard if you're in the mood for craft cocktails and gourmet seafood dishes like lobster orecchiette or yellowtail aguachile.
2101 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA 93035 (805) 760-9040
Established in 1949, Dominick's is a family-owned establishment and one of the best Oxnard restaurants if you like Italian, with traditional plates, pizza, and pasta served in a comfortable environment.
477 N Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93030 (805) 483-7933
For those who like Southern cooking, Cajun Country Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Oxnard, CA. It serves classic New Orleans cuisine, such as catfish po' boys and seafood gumbo.
665 S Ventura Rd, Oxnard, CA 93030 (805) 228-8881
Jobs in Oxnard
Living in Oxnard offers access to a robust economy with opportunities in exciting fields. The city's major industries are defense, international trade, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Its location adjacent to the Port of Hueneme (the sole deep-water port between San Francisco and LA) has made it a major hub for shipping and manufacturing.
It's also well known for its agricultural production. The Oxnard Plain has some of the most fertile farmland in the country, which grows a high volume of strawberries, raspberries, celery, and nursery stock. The Oxnard Oil Field and the West Montalvo Oil Field are two highly productive oil fields adjacent to the city that both provide high-paying jobs in Oxnard, CA.
Many top companies are headquartered in Oxnard, including Haas Automation, Seminis, Raypack, Boss Audio, and Seed Beauty. Procter & Gamble and Sysco also maintain their West Coast offices in Oxnard.
The city's top employers include:
Payscale shows that typical Oxnard, CA, jobs pay about $21.68 per hour, on average. If you're currently seeking employment, you'll find plenty of fantastic Oxnard jobs available, such as doggie daycare associate or loss prevention agent.
Oxnard Schools
Moving to Oxnard offers fantastic educational opportunities for your children. The city of Oxnard and the surrounding suburbs are served by more than 54 public schools, enrolling more than 53,000 students.
Four different districts oversee the middle and elementary schools in Oxnard CA:
- Hueneme School District: Serves students in South Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Oxnard Beach
- Ocean View Elementary School, District: Serves students in South Oxnard
- Rio School District: Serves students in North Oxnard and El Rio
- Oxnard School District: Serves students across 21 campuses throughout the city.
All public high schools in Oxnard CA are operated by the Oxnard Union High School District, which features 10 campuses serving more than 20,000 students.
Oak Park High School is generally seen as the best and ranks #771 in the country with a 99% graduation rate and 56% AP participation rate. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles administers several private schools in Oxnard, including three K-8 schools, Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary School, Santa Clara Elementary School, and Saint Anthony Elementary School, as well as Santa Clara High School.
Oxnard College is a public community college in the city and California State University Channel Islands campus is also nearby in Camarillo. Several colleges such as California State University, Northridge and the University of California, Santa Barbara, also have satellite campuses in the city. Residents living in Oxnard are welcomed to stop by the Main Branch of the Oxnard Public Library System for books and community events.
Oxnard Statistics & Information
- Oxnard County: Ventura County
- Oxnard area: 39.14 square miles
- Oxnard zip codes: 93030β93036
- Oxnard area codes: 805 and 820
- Oxnard elevation: 52 ft
- Oxnard time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- The closest airport to Oxnard: The Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is 47 miles away.
Oxnard, CA Map
Discover more attractions, activities, and fun things to do in Oxnard, CA with this map.
Ready to experience the benefits of living in Oxnard is like for yourself? If youβre planning a relocation to this fantastic city, trust our dedicated Oxnard movers to make your moving day relaxed and efficient. Call (866) 684-7336 today for a free quote.
