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Oxnard, California

"Strawberry Capital"

The largest city in Ventura County, Oxnard is the agricultural powerhouse of Southern California with the most productive strawberry fields in the nation.

Founded 1898 | Population 199,970 | Peak 199,970 (2024) | County Ventura County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Oxnard, California

1898City Founded: Albert Oxnard built a sugar beet processing factory, and the town that grew around it took his name.

1942Port Hueneme Naval Base: The adjacent Naval Construction Battalion Center became a major Pacific staging area during WWII.

1960Strawberry Capital: Oxnard's fertile plain became the most productive strawberry-growing region in the United States.

2000Population Boom: Oxnard surpassed 170,000 as Latino families settled in the affordable agricultural community.

2014Channel Islands Gateway: Oxnard solidified its role as the primary departure point for Channel Islands National Park.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1898 Industry

Founded around sugar beet factory

1903 Government

City incorporated

1942 Government

Port Hueneme naval base expands

1960 Industry

Becomes strawberry capital

1980 Government

Population reaches 108,000

2000 Government

Surpasses 170,000

2014 Culture

Channel Islands tourism grows

2023 Government

Approaches 200,000

Did You Know?

Oxnard Plain produces more strawberries than any other region in the United States.

The city is over 75% Hispanic, making it one of the most Latino cities in California.

Channel Islands National Park, sometimes called the 'Galapagos of North America,' is reached by boat from Oxnard's harbor.

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