RANK #923 / 996 · POP 842,009 · CA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -2.0%
Ventura County, California, stands out for its natural amenities, a characteristic often cited by locals. It was once ranked the most desirable place to live in the country based on its climate, topography, and scenery. Located along the Pacific Ocean, roughly an hour north of Santa Monica, the county offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with access to beaches like those in Ventura and Oxnard, and opportunities for surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Inland, the landscape transitions to rolling hills and mountains, providing extensive hiking and biking trails in areas like the Santa Monica Mountains and Harmon Canyon Preserve. Notable towns include Ojai, known for its artistic community and wellness focus, and Camarillo, which offers a suburban atmosphere. Commute options to Los Angeles include Metrolink trains and carpool lanes on major freeways.
Life in Ventura County appeals to families and those seeking a balance between a quieter lifestyle and access to urban centers. The county's public school system serves 12 cities and communities, with districts like Conejo Valley Unified and Oak Park Unified recognized for their schools. The economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and public administration. While economic growth has been slower compared to other parts of Southern California, there is ongoing investment in commercial and residential sectors, as well as in renewable energy infrastructure.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Prices declining
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 11.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Ventura Energy Storage (Saticoy Energy Storage Project)
Strata Solar (now Strata Clean Energy)
|
$100M | Operating |
|
Maple Court Apartment Complex (350 units)
Unknown
|
$100M | Proposed |
|
Black Walnut Battery Energy Storage (2 facilities)
esVolta
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Ventura Compressor Modernization Project
SoCalGas
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Olivas Park Drive Extension and Levee Project
City of Ventura
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Ventura County has a Boom Town Index score of 7/100, ranking #923 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.9% and a median household income of $102,141, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Ventura County is $719,100 with median rent at $2,140/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.142, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.9%. Home values changed -1.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.36% of Ventura County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.