Economy of Ventura, California

Ventura, California is a medium-sized coastal city located in Southern California between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. With its beautiful beaches and harbors, vibrant downtown, and array of businesses, Ventura has a diversified local economy that revolves around tourism, growth industries like biotech and tech, agriculture, oil production, and local retail. Below is an in-depth look at the key aspects of Ventura’s economy.

Major Industries and Key Employers

Tourism

Ventura attracts over 2 million visitors per year, primarily drawn to its sunny beaches, oceanfront attractions, and outdoor recreation. Tourism sustains over 12% of the local jobs, especially in hospitality, food service, entertainment, and retail. Popular tourist destinations include:

• Ventura Pier and Promenade
• Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park
• Downtown Ventura and Main Street
• Beach communities like San Buenaventura State Beach
• Island Packers Cruises to the national park Channel Islands

Oil and Gas Production

Ventura has a long history of oil exploration and drilling, with 23 active oil fields producing 6.5 million barrels annually. Major operators like Aera Energy and Signal Hill Petroleum extract oil resources offshore and inland, employing hundreds of oil workers and contractors in the Ventura area.

Technology and Biotechnology

With its skilled workforce, Ventura has growing tech and biotech companies developing software, medical devices, research tools, and innovations for agriculture. Top employers are Dexterra, SAGE Veterinary Centers, BioResearch Solutions, and Citrix Systems.

Healthcare

Major health providers like Community Memorial Health System, Ventura County Health Care Agency, and Clinicas del Camino Real employ thousands in hospitals, clinics, and facilities serving Ventura residents.

Agriculture

The fertile valleys and soils around Ventura produce over $2 billion in crops like strawberries, lemons, nursery plants, and other produce. Leading growers include berry producers like Reiter, Driscoll’s, and Well-Pict Berries.

Employment and Income

Employers

After the government, school districts, and military, top private employers include Community Memorial Hospital, Australis Aquaculture, Patagonia, and Four Seasons Hotel (over 200 workers each). Most jobs outside of government and education are provided by small and mid-sized businesses.

Median Income

Ventura has higher wages than national median ($71,881 vs $67,521) but lags the California state figure ($75,235). There is also significant income disparity, with over 10% living below the national poverty line. However, low unemployment (under 5%) and a variety of industries provide residents with stable job opportunities.

Jobs by Industry

The following table summarizes key industries and their estimated employment impact (number of jobs):

Industry	# of Jobs
Healthcare and Social Assistance	14,823
Retail Trade	11,271
Accommodation and Food Services	10,509
Professional and Technical Services	10,205
Construction	9,245
Manufacturing	8,023
Agriculture	7,390

Economic Outlook and Development

The economic development strategy for Ventura focuses on the following areas to promote job growth and prosperity:

Port of Hueneme

The Port of Hueneme generated over $1.5 billion in economic activity each year through imports like automobiles and bananas. Expanding the port’s cargo and shipping capacity promises more jobs and tax revenue.

Revitalizing Key Districts and Assets

Reinvesting in assets like a struggling Pacific View Mall, opening up the Downtown Ventura area, and enhancing the Ventura Harbor and Marina would provide new opportunities in dining, retail, recreation, and housing.

Promoting New Industries

Attracting and growing research firms, renewable energy companies, engineering startups, and higher education satellites through zoning changes and permitting would enable emerging industries to drive future growth.

Major Development Projects

Ventura is currently undergoing over $500 million in development investments, including:

New Hotels and Hospitality

• Paseo Colorado hotel/apartments ($60 million)
• Thompson Hotel at Promenade ($50 million)
• Ventura Beach Resort renovation ($12 million)

Commercial Office Space

• Public Market at former K-mart ($35 million)
• Ventura Corporate Center ($150 million)

Higher Education Expansions

• CSUCI Student Housing Growth Plan ($316 million)
• Ventura College Applied Sciences Building ($60 million)

Tourism in Ventura

Tourism makes up a vital part of Ventura’s local economy and identity as a popular California beach destination. Over 2.5 million people visit Ventura per year, attracted by attractions like:

Top Visitor Activities

1. Beachgoing at Surfer’s Point, Marina Park, and San Buenaventura State Beach
2. Surfing and watersports like standup paddleboarding and kayaking
3. Hiking and biking trails like the Ventura Promenade, Ventura River Trail and Ojai Valley Trail
4. Shopping at destinations like Downtown Ventura, Pacific View Mall, and the Ventura Harbor
5. Visiting the Channel Islands National Park via Island Packers

Major Events and Festivals

• Ventura Music Festival (classical music)
• Ventura County Fair
• Ventura Winter Wine Walk
• Ventura Film Festival
• Ventura Pirate Faire
• Harbor Cove Christmas Boat Parade

The warm climate, scenic coastline, attractions, dining, and events offer visitors plenty of options for a Ventura getaway or staycation. And visitor spending helps create jobs and tax revenues supporting local businesses and government.

Agriculture in Ventura

Major Crops and Yields

Ventura County grows over $2 billion in crops annually, led by strawberries ($912 million), lemons ($247 million), and nursery plants ($230 million). Higher than average yields and optimal growing temperatures drive agricultural prosperity.

Leading Growers

Top farming operations and growers include berry producers Driscoll’s, Well-Pict Berries, Coastal Berry, and Channel Islands Berry and citrus growers Limoneira, Rancho Limoneros, and Farmers Citrus Alliance among dozens of privately owned orchards and farmland. These companies employ thousands of local agricultural workers and contractors while providing fruits, vegetables, and nursery products consumed globally.

Downstream Economic Impact

Beyond direct crop sales, the broader economic impact flows to agricultural suppliers, shipping and trucking, food manufacturers (Limoneira’s lemon juicing plant), cold storage, packaging, regional food processors, and grocery chains. Maintaining access to adequate water, addressing labor shortages, and mitigating the impact of fires and drought remain continual challenges for the vital farming sector.

Professional Employment Outlook

Ventura offers growing opportunities for skilled professionals in emerging fields like technology, healthcare, and business services:

Technology

With excellent connectivity and quality of life, more software developers, programmers, and IT support technicians and engineers are finding jobs with tech companies or able to work remotely in the Ventura region. Available jobs span skills like Java development, cloud architecture, cybersecurity analytics, data science, and network administration across sectors like biotech, defense, finance, and agriculture technology.

Healthcare Services

Ventura’s aging population and investment in new clinics and facilities drive careers for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), registered nurses (RNs), radiology technicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and other allied health professions. There is also demand for doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, and care coordinators.

Professional Services

Lawyers, accountants, architects, consultants, designers, engineers, marketing specialists, and administrative professionals can also find openings supporting local startups, corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies located in and around Ventura.

For skilled professionals seeking better work-life balance outside big cities, Ventura offers a appealing mix of employment options in emerging fields without sacrificing career growth opportunities. And the Mediterranean climate and coastal lifestyle provide plenty of amenities for residents.