countyscore
44.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.8Weather & Climate 81.2Health 71.2

County Report Card

About Ventura County, California

Ventura ranks above the national middle

Ventura County's composite score of 44.3 sits modestly below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 44th percentile nationally. The county delivers above-average livability for most Americans, driven by exceptional income levels and natural assets.

A premium California county outperforming peers

At 44.3, Ventura scores above California's state average of 40.9, ranking in the upper portion of the state's counties. The coastal county's profile closely mirrors Sonoma's, driven by affluent populations and strong health infrastructure.

Wealth, health, and water resources excel

Ventura delivers exceptional median household income of $107,327 and income score of 96.8, paired with health outcomes of 71.2 and California's best water score of 63.0. These strengths reflect the county's coastal prosperity and resource advantages.

Housing affordability remains severely constrained

Ventura's cost score of 0.7 is among California's worst, with median home values of $768,400 and monthly rent at $2,248 creating extreme affordability barriers. Safety at 33.0 suggests property crime challenges typical of wealthy Southern California coastal regions.

For high-income families valuing coastal living

Ventura County suits affluent professionals and established families who can afford premium coastal housing in exchange for excellent schools, health services, and Mediterranean climate. This county remains inaccessible to middle-income families despite strong fundamentals, making it primarily a destination for the economically secure.

Score breakdown

Tax64Cost0.7Safety33Health71.2Schools53.8Income96.8Risk0.6Water63Weather81.2
🏛64
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠0.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼96.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤81.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Santa Barbara County
California
43
Los Angeles County
California
36.9
Kern County
California
27.8
Orange County
California
44.3
San Luis Obispo County
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42.9
San Diego County
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42.3
Kings County
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Tulare County
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Deep Dives

Ventura County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ventura County

via TaxByCounty

Ventura's taxes reflect premium home values

Ventura County's effective tax rate of 0.693% sits just below California's 0.714% average, but its median property tax of $5,326 nearly doubles the national median of $2,690. The county's median home value of $768,400 explains the high absolute tax burden despite a modest effective rate.

Below-average rate, above-average tax bill

Ventura ranks slightly below the state average with an effective rate of 0.693% compared to California's 0.714%. However, its median tax of $5,326 substantially exceeds the state median of $4,045, placing Ventura among the highest in absolute dollars despite its moderate effective rate.

Similar to Sonoma, lower than most inland peers

Ventura's 0.693% effective rate closely mirrors Sonoma (0.716%) in coastal Southern California, and both counties' high tax bills reflect expensive real estate. Inland counties like Sutter (0.779%) and Tulare (0.730%) carry higher effective rates but far lower absolute taxes due to cheaper homes.

A $768,400 home costs $5,326 yearly

The typical Ventura homeowner with a $768,400 property pays approximately $5,326 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate of 0.693%. With mortgage-related assessments, that figure climbs to $5,944.

High-value homes deserve rigorous assessment review

Ventura homeowners with expensive properties should carefully review their assessments, as even small percentage overvaluations translate into large dollar savings. An appeal is particularly worthwhile given the county's high absolute tax burdens.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ventura County

via CostByCounty

Ventura ranks among California's priciest

Ventura County residents spend 25.1% of income on rent, the highest of the eight counties profiled and well above California's 22.4% average. At $2,248 per month, median rent is 39% above the state median, reflecting Ventura's Southern California coastal location and proximity to Los Angeles employment.

Ventura competes with state's costliest

Ventura ranks in the upper tier of California counties for housing costs, with a median home value of $768,400 that rivals San Francisco Bay Area communities. The county's coastal Southern California location commands premium pricing.

Ventura leads affordability comparison

Renters in Ventura pay $2,248 monthly versus $1,247 in Tuolumne—an 80% difference—and nearly match Sonoma's $2,093. However, Ventura's median income ($107,327) is the highest profiled, slightly outpacing Sonoma's $102,840.

Where Ventura dollars go

A Ventura household earning $107,327 annually spends approximately $26,976 on rent (25.1% of income) or $28,920 on mortgage payments. Despite strong median income, housing still consumes over a quarter of household earnings, limiting savings capacity.

Ventura: premium pricing for coast access

Ventura's $2,248 rent and 25.1% housing burden are justified primarily by coastal Southern California location and strong regional employment in aerospace and entertainment. Relocate here only if your salary ($107,000+) justifies the premium or coastal lifestyle is non-negotiable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ventura County

via IncomeByCounty

Ventura's prosperity outpaces America

Ventura County's median household income of $107,327 runs 44% higher than the national median of $74,755. This exceptional performance reflects the county's robust job market, affluent suburbs, and proximity to Southern California's economic hub.

California's highest-income tier

At $107,327, Ventura ranks among California's wealthiest counties, exceeding the state median of $87,001 by 23%. Per capita income of $48,416 also surpasses the state average of $43,669, demonstrating broad-based prosperity.

Southern California's income leader

Ventura ($107,327) rivals Sonoma ($102,840) as California's top earner, significantly outpacing all other counties in this analysis. The county's coastal location and Los Angeles metro integration drive exceptional household income.

High income meets steep costs

Ventura's 25.1% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this cohort, and median home values of $768,400 approach Sonoma's levels. Strong income is essential here; even well-earning households face compressed housing affordability.

Aggressive wealth-building opportunities

With median household income of $107,327, Ventura residents can maximize retirement contributions, diversify investment portfolios, and explore high-yield financial products. High earners should prioritize tax-efficient strategies and long-term wealth preservation in this expensive market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ventura County

via CrimeByCounty

Ventura County among the nation's safest

Ventura County is exceptionally safe, with a safety score of 97.5 and a total crime rate of just 1,572.0 per 100,000. These figures are much lower than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Top-tier safety in California

Ventura ranks as one of the safest coastal counties in California, with a safety score significantly higher than the 96.3 state average. Its total crime rate is roughly 33% lower than the statewide average.

A secure alternative to urban centers

Ventura consistently outperforms its larger urban neighbors in every safety metric. Twenty-one reporting agencies collaborate to maintain this high standard of public safety across the county.

Remarkably low violent crime rates

The violent crime rate is remarkably low at 203.6 per 100,000, nearly half the state average. Property crime also stays low at 1,368.4, making it one of the most secure regions in the country.

Modern security for Ventura homes

Maintaining this level of safety starts with personal vigilance and modern home security tools. Smart doorbells and home monitoring systems are popular and effective ways to keep Ventura homes secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ventura County

via HealthByCounty

Ventura's life expectancy leads the nation

At 80.7 years, Ventura residents live over 4.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The 17.6% poor/fair health rate is also better than the national average of 18%, reflecting strong overall population health.

Among California's healthiest counties

Ventura's 80.7-year life expectancy exceeds California's 78.5-year average by 2.2 years, placing it among the state's top performers. The 17.6% poor/fair health rate also ranks better than state norms.

Competing with the region's healthiest

Ventura's 80.7-year life expectancy rivals Sonoma's 80.6 years, making both counties standouts in California health outcomes. Ventura also maintains strong provider access with 81 primary care providers per 100,000 and 487 mental health providers per 100,000.

Excellent coverage and good provider access

Ventura's 8.5% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average of 7.2%, though this is offset by solid primary care access at 81 providers per 100,000. The county's 487 mental health providers per 100,000 are among the region's highest, supporting comprehensive behavioral health services.

Maintain coverage to stay healthy

While Ventura has healthier outcomes than most counties, about 1 in 12 residents still lack insurance. Check your coverage status through Covered California or local health departments to ensure you can maintain access to the quality care that supports the county's strong health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ventura County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Coastal Education Hub

Ventura County manages 236 public schools, serving an impressive 148,490 students across 49 districts. The system is comprehensive, featuring 131 elementary schools, 28 middle schools, and 41 high schools. This large infrastructure supports one of the most significant student populations along the California coast.

High Achievement on Efficient Spending

Ventura County outperforms the state with an 88.5% graduation rate, beating both the California and national averages. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil spend of $8,122, which is lower than the state average of $8,762. This suggests a highly efficient educational system that delivers strong outcomes for its students.

Major Districts and Virtual Options

Conejo Valley Unified and Simi Valley Unified are the largest districts, each managing 27 schools and over 15,000 students. The county is also a hub for virtual education, with California Virtual Academy @ Los Angeles enrolling over 5,400 students. Charter schools make up 11.9% of the total landscape, offering a variety of specialized learning models.

Urban Centers and Large Suburban Highs

The vast majority of schools are in city or suburban settings, with 124 city campuses and 81 suburban locations. The average school size is 651 students, but massive high schools like Pacifica High serve over 3,200 students. This environment offers students a wide range of extracurricular and academic resources typical of large metropolitan areas.

Invest in a Home Near Great Schools

High graduation rates and efficient school districts make Ventura County a premier choice for home buyers. Neighborhoods in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and Ventura are particularly popular due to the reputation of their local unified districts. View current property listings to find your future home near the county's top-rated campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ventura County

via RiskByCounty

Ventura faces nation's most extreme exposure

Ventura County's composite risk score of 99.40 ranks it among the nation's highest-risk counties overall. This Relatively High rating reflects near-maximum vulnerability across nearly every major hazard type.

Tied with Sonoma for California's worst

Ventura's 99.40 score matches Sonoma County (99.08) as California's most at-risk county, dwarfing the state average of 88.72. The county's coastal and mountain geography creates a uniquely dangerous hazard convergence.

Far riskier than Los Angeles and Kern

Ventura (99.40) significantly exceeds neighboring Los Angeles and Kern county risk profiles. Only Sonoma statewide approaches Ventura's extreme composite exposure.

Wildfires, earthquakes, floods all maximum

Ventura faces wildfire risk at 99.78 (California's highest), earthquake risk at 99.65, and flood risk at 99.27. Tornado risk at 42.43 also ranks among state highs, creating a four-hazard perfect storm.

Comprehensive coverage non-negotiable

Separate earthquake, flood, and wildfire policies are mandatory—standard homeowners won't cover any of your primary hazards. Work with an insurance broker immediately to layer all four coverages; Ventura's extreme risk demands belt-and-suspenders protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ventura County

via WeatherByCounty

Significantly warmer than the U.S.

Ventura County’s 61.3°F average annual temperature is much higher than the national median. Its coastal location provides a steady, warm climate that is envied nationwide. This represents one of the most stable and pleasant climates in the country.

Exceeding the state average

The county’s 61.3°F average temperature is higher than the California state average of 58.7°F. While warmer overall, it avoids the extreme highs found in the state's interior. This makes it a premium location for those seeking consistent warmth.

Coastal cool and dry skies

Ventura only sees 16 extreme heat days per year, far fewer than the 85 days seen in Stanislaus. However, it is quite dry, with 15.2 inches of rain compared to the 25.8-inch state average. The ocean breeze provides natural climate control that neighbors lack.

Endless spring and mild winters

Winters are exceptionally mild at 55.3°F, and July averages a comfortable 68.0°F. There is zero annual snowfall and very few days of extreme heat. The seasonal variation is minimal, providing a nearly year-round outdoor lifestyle.

Focus on water conservation

With only 15.2 inches of annual rain, drought-resistant landscaping is a critical investment. High-end HVAC systems are less urgent here, as there are only 16 extreme heat days. Residents should focus on sun protection and fire-safe property maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ventura County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal soils of the Gold Coast

Ventura County's soil pH and taxonomic data are currently not summarized in the available regional records. Coastal soils often vary depending on their proximity to the ocean and the influence of salt spray. Homeowners should test their soil to see how it compares to the national median pH of 6.5.

From riverbeds to coastal plains

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages for Ventura are not currently listed in this dataset. The county's geography includes rich alluvial plains and rugged mountain slopes, leading to a wide variety of soil textures. Determining your specific texture will help you master your irrigation schedule.

Maintaining California's high standards

While local organic matter data is missing, the state average of 3.30% is an excellent target for Ventura's high-value agricultural land. Aiming for an available water capacity of 0.141 in/in will ensure your landscape remains resilient during dry spells. Healthy soil is the secret to the county's productive lemon and avocado groves.

Planning for coastal hydrology

Limited data on drainage classes means local observation of your property is vital. Good drainage is essential for preventing root diseases in Ventura's frequent coastal fog and winter rains. Check for slow-draining areas in your yard to determine where to place thirsty or sensitive plants.

The ultimate climate in zone 10a

Ventura County enjoys the mild, frost-free climate of USDA zone 10a. This allows you to grow tropical delights like avocados, citrus, and even bananas in some areas. With such a long growing season, now is the perfect time to begin your backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ventura County

via LawnByCounty

Mild Coastal Growing Challenges

Ventura County's score of 40.3 is lower than the state average, primarily due to low rainfall. However, Zone 10a offers a virtually frost-free environment for year-round lawn care.

Dry Climate with Low Heat

Only 15.2 inches of rain falls annually, which is well below the ideal range for grass. On the plus side, only 16 extreme heat days occur per year, far fewer than the state average of 59.

Monitor Your Soil's Health

With limited local soil data, testing for salinity and pH is a smart move for coastal residents. Focus on amendments that help the soil retain moisture during the 4209 GDD season.

A Year of Significant Drought

Ventura experienced 36 weeks of drought over the past year, making water efficiency a top priority. Mulching around lawn edges can help maintain soil moisture during dry periods.

Year-Round Planting Potential

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are perfect for this mild coastal climate. Since frost is rare, you have a very wide window to start your lawn compared to inland counties.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ventura County's county score?
Ventura County, California has a composite county score of 44.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Ventura County rank among counties in California?
Ventura County ranks #13 among all counties in California on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Ventura County, California?
The median annual property tax in Ventura County is $5,326, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Ventura County a tax score of 64/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ventura County?
The median household income in Ventura County, California is $107,327 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ventura County earns an income score of 96.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ventura County, California a good place to live?
Ventura County scores 44.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in California. The best way to evaluate Ventura County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Ventura County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.