Oxnard: The Data Profile (2026)

Oxnard presents a complex economic paradox for the 2026 relocation market. With a population of 198,499, it functions as a mid-sized coastal enclave rather than a major metro hub. The primary statistical tension lies in the income-to-cost ratio: the median household income stands at $87,975, which is 18.0% higher than the US average of $74,580. However, this income advantage is immediately eroded by a cost of living index heavily weighted by housing, which sits at 145.0—45.0% above the national baseline.

The educational attainment data reveals a specific demographic target. With only 19.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher (compared to the US average of 33.1%), Oxnard is statistically attractive to trade professionals, logistics specialists, and service industry managers rather than the typical tech or finance cohort. The "post-remote" reality of 2026 favors those with hybrid roles requiring proximity to the Port of Hueneme or local agriculture, rather than purely digital nomads.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Oxnard is driven significantly by energy and service costs. While groceries remain relatively competitive at an index of 104.7, the electricity cost is a massive outlier at 31.97 cents/kWh—nearly double the US average of 16.0 cents. This structural utility cost impacts the monthly budget significantly, particularly for single-income households.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis

Despite the higher median income, the "Oxnard Tax" on services is real. A single earner making the median $87,975 annually takes home roughly $5,200 monthly after taxes. With a baseline expenditure of $3,010, the disposable income is approximately $2,190. This is 18.0% lower than the disposable income potential in a US average market, indicating that residents are effectively trading liquidity for coastal proximity.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the defining barrier to entry in Oxnard. The Housing Index of 145.0 dictates that buying is significantly harder than renting relative to the national curve. The median home price is disproportionately high compared to the local earning power, creating a high barrier to entry for wealth accumulation via real estate.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict

Mathematically, renting is the superior financial decision in 2026. The price-to-rent ratio on a median home ($785,000 vs. $2,800 monthly rent) exceeds 23 years of rent payments without interest. With mortgage rates hovering near 7.0%, the monthly payment on a median home would exceed $5,200—roughly 85% of the median household's take-home pay. Renting preserves capital mobility and mitigates exposure to the region's +45.0% housing premium.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-remote economy of 2026 has bifurcated Oxnard's job market. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, significantly higher than the national average of 4.0%. This suggests that while high-income earners may live here, the local job creation engine is lagging.

RTO (Return to Office) Impact:
For residents commuting to Los Angeles or Santa Barbara, the "drive until you afford" model is failing. Average commute times have increased by 12% since 2024 due to traffic congestion on the 101 and 126 corridors. However, for hybrid workers (2-3 days onsite), Oxnard remains viable. Proximity to the Ventura County Naval Air Station and the Port of Hueneme provides stability for defense and logistics sectors, insulating the local economy from the volatility seen in pure tech hubs.

Quality of Life Audit

Oxnard offers a "Good" health score of 80.4/100, driven largely by an active lifestyle environment. However, the environmental data requires scrutiny. The Air Quality Index (AQI) averages 58, which falls into the "Moderate" category (Orange). This is largely due to the region's topography trapping particulate matter.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Air Quality

• Violent Crime: 500 per 100k residents. This is 31.6% higher than the US average (380), placing it in the "Average" but elevated risk category.
• Property Crime: 2,676 per 100k residents. This is 33.8% higher than the US average (2,000), categorized as "High." Secure parking and home security systems are recommended investments.
• Air Quality: The PM2.5 level of 10.5 µg/m³ exceeds the WHO guideline of 5.0 µg/m³. Residents with respiratory conditions should monitor daily AQI reports, particularly during late summer and early fall (wildfire season).

Schools & Weather

• Schools: With only 19.6% college attainment, the K-12 system is average to slightly below average in academic metrics compared to affluent suburbs. Families prioritizing elite public education may find better metrics in neighboring Thousand Oaks.
• Weather: The current snapshot of 57.0°F (High 67°F, Low 45°F) with "Mostly Clear" conditions is representative of the year-round Mediterranean climate. This is a primary driver of the +45.0% housing premium.

The Verdict

Pros

• Income Resilience: Median income ($87,975) is 18.0% higher than the national baseline.
• Climate: High livability due to coastal weather patterns.
• Renting Opportunity: While rents are high, they are mathematically superior to the inflated $785,000 purchase price.

Cons

• Housing Cost: The +45.0% housing premium is unsustainable for the local workforce.
• Safety: Property crime is 33.8% above the national average.
• Health Risks: Diabetes rates (12.8%) and Air Quality (AQI 58) are statistically concerning.

Final Recommendation

Rent, Don't Buy. Oxnard in 2026 is a "lifestyle rental" market. It is highly recommended for hybrid remote workers who value coastal access over equity building. It is not recommended for first-time homebuyers or those reliant on the local job market alone, given the 5.5% unemployment rate and $785,000 median home price.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Oxnard in 2026?
For a single person to live comfortably (including savings and discretionary spending), a gross income of at least $110,000 is required. This covers the $1,450 rent and the elevated $380 grocery index while allowing for savings.

2. How does Oxnard's value compare to neighboring Ventura or Santa Barbara?
Oxnard is 15.0% cheaper than Santa Barbara but roughly 5.0% more expensive than Ventura. You are paying a premium for Oxnard's specific beachfront proximity compared to the inland areas of Ventura.

3. Is the crime rate dangerous?
Violent crime is statistically "Average" (500/100k), but Property Crime is "High" (2,676/100k). You are at higher risk of car break-ins or theft than physical assault. Gated communities are recommended.

4. When is the best time to move to Oxnard?
Ideally, move between October and November. The weather is optimal (avoiding the marine layer of spring and the heat of late summer), and rental inventory typically increases as the tourist season ends.