San Buenaventura (Ventura): The Data Profile (2026)

San Buenaventura, known simply as Ventura, represents a distinct coastal micro-economy within California. With a population of 109,056, it functions as a mid-sized city with a specific demographic skew. The local economic engine is fueled by a highly educated workforce, where 42.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly outpacing the US average of 33.1%.

This educational attainment translates directly to income resilience. The median household income sits at $97,970, a robust 31.4% increase over the national median of $74,580. However, this income premium is immediately challenged by a localized cost-of-living index heavily weighted toward housing.

Statistical Target Demographic:
The data profiles the ideal Ventura transplant as a college-educated professional (likely remote or hybrid) earning between $115,000 and $140,000 annually. This demographic prioritizes coastal lifestyle and air quality over raw affordability, possessing the financial elasticity to absorb a 45% premium on housing costs relative to the US average.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Ventura's median income is high, the cost structure reveals a "lifestyle tax." Groceries (104.7) and transportation (108.8) hover slightly above average, but the critical variance is in utilities and dining. Electricity costs are a major outlier at 31.97 cents/kWh, nearly double the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

TABLE 1: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $97,970 ($6,200/month after tax) retains approximately $2,700 in monthly disposable income after covering the single-person budget. A family of four on a dual-income median of $195,940 ($11,800 after tax) retains roughly $4,810. While positive, these margins are tighter than in non-coastal cities with similar income levels.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the defining economic barrier in Ventura. The Housing Index of 145.0 indicates that housing costs are 45% higher than the national average. For every $1 of purchasing power in the US, a Ventura resident effectively has $0.55 regarding housing.

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

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the median home price of $915,000, the barrier to entry for buying is exceptionally high. The monthly carrying cost of a mortgage on a median home (assuming 20% down and 6.5% interest) exceeds $5,500. Comparatively, renting the equivalent 3-bedroom home costs $2,800. Mathematically, renting is currently the financially superior option, with a monthly savings delta of approximately $2,700. Buying only becomes viable if the property appreciates at a rate exceeding 7% annually, which is historically aggressive.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Ventura's economy is transitioning into a "post-remote" hybrid model. The local unemployment rate is a concern, sitting at 5.5%, which is 1.5 percentage points higher than the US average of 4.0%. This suggests a mismatch between local skills and available on-site roles.

RTO & Commute Impact:
For those employed in Los Angeles or Santa Barbara, the commute is a data point of stress. The average commute time is 28 minutes, but this balloons to 45-60 minutes during peak traffic on the 101 freeway. With 42.6% of residents holding degrees, many are pivoting to remote roles to leverage the $97,970 local income while avoiding the +45% housing cost through geographic arbitrage.

Quality of Life Audit

Ventura scores high on health metrics but struggles with safety and air quality. The "Health Score" of 83.3/100 is driven by lower-than-average risk factors: Obesity is 25.9% (vs US 31.9%) and Smoking is 10.4% (vs US 14.0%).

TABLE 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Air Quality Analysis:
Safety is a double-edged sword. While Violent Crime is 500 per 100k (only marginally higher than the US average of 380), Property Crime is a significant issue at 2,676 per 100k, which is 33.8% higher than the national average. Residents must account for higher insurance premiums and security measures.

Air Quality is generally acceptable with an AQI of 58, but PM2.5 levels at 9.0 µg/m³ are slightly elevated compared to the national benchmark of 8.0 µg/m³, often due to ocean inversion layers trapping particulate matter.

Schools & Weather:
Schools in Ventura Unified School District generally perform at a 7/10 rating. The weather remains the primary asset: today’s clear conditions with a high of 65°F and a low of 46°F offer a stable, temperate climate with minimal variance.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Resilience: Median income of $97,970 provides strong purchasing power outside of housing.
• Health Profile: Lower obesity (25.9%) and smoking (10.4%) rates suggest a healthier long-term outlook.
• Education: High density of educated peers (42.6%) creates a stimulating social environment.

Cons:

• Housing Trap: The $915,000 median home price makes homeownership statistically unattainable for the median earner without significant capital.
• Property Crime: The rate of 2,676 per 100k requires constant vigilance.
• Utility Costs: Electricity at 31.97¢/kWh is a massive financial drain compared to the rest of the country.

Final Recommendation:
Rent, Do Not Buy. Ventura is a high-value lifestyle destination that is financially toxic for prospective homebuyers in 2026. The data supports a strategy of renting a 1-bedroom unit for $1,850 while maximizing the $97,970 income. If your priority is coastal access and health metrics, Ventura is a viable rental market. If your goal is building equity, look to inland markets with lower housing indices.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Ventura?
To support the single-person monthly budget of $3,500 while saving 15% for retirement, a gross salary of at least $70,000 is required. To match the median household income lifestyle, $98,000 is the benchmark.

2. How does Ventura's value compare to nearby Santa Barbara?
Ventura is a "value play" compared to Santa Barbara. While Ventura's housing index is 145.0, Santa Barbara's is typically 220.0+. You sacrifice some prestige for a $915,000 median price versus $1.6M+ in Santa Barbara.

3. Are the safety statistics alarming?
The property crime rate of 2,676 per 100k is the primary concern. Violent crime is near average. It is statistically advisable to budget for a home security system and higher auto insurance deductibles.

4. When is the best time to move?
Data suggests Q4 (October-December) is optimal. The rental market cools slightly, and the median home price often dips 2-3% from summer peaks. Avoid moving during the "June Gloom" marine layer if you want to assess the property's natural light.