Lompoc
cityLompoc is a city located in Santa Barbara County, California, on the Central Coast. As of 2021, the city's population was approximately 43,834. Known as the "City of Arts and Flowers," Lompoc boasts a diverse economy and a rich history rooted in agriculture and space exploration. Lompoc's economy is driven by several key industries, including technology, healthcare, retail, and education. Vandenberg Space Force Base, a major employer in the region, contributes significantly to the city's economy. The city is also known for its burgeoning wine industry and commercial cannabis cultivation. What makes Lompoc distinctive is its blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and historical significance. From the historic La Purísima Mission to the vibrant murals in Old Town, Lompoc offers a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. Its proximity to Vandenberg Space Force Base adds a touch of aerospace history, while its location in the Santa Rita Hills makes it a destination for wine enthusiasts.
Lompoc, California
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Santa Barbara County
- Region
- Central Coast
- Elevation
- 98 ft
- Total Area
- 11.7 sq mi
- Land Area
- 11.6 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.08 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.64611
- Longitude
- -120.46028
- Climate
- Lompoc has a cool Mediterranean climate, characterized by sunny days, ocean breezes, and frequent fog. Snow is rare.
- Notable Features
- Santa Ynez River · Lompoc Valley · Santa Rita Hills
- Neighboring Areas
- Vandenberg Village · Mission Hills · Buellton · Santa Maria
- Population (2020)
- 44,193
- Est. Population (2026)
- 43,294
- Median Age
- 35.1
- Median Income
- $72,004
- Poverty Rate
- 17.26%
- Family Households
- 69.1%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- Lompoc's population is diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population (63.35%). Other major groups include White (39.09%), Asian (4.02%), and African American (3.65%).
- Government Type
- General Law Government, Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Lompoc Unified School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library · Utilities


















































- Unemployment Rate
- 4.6%
- Economic Profile
- Diversified · Tourism · Wine Industry · Space Technology · Agriculture · Commercial Cannabis
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Accommodation & Food Services · Public Administration · Education
- Major Employers
- Vandenberg Space Force Base
- Schools
- 16
- Students
- 8,955
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21:1
- School Districts
- Lompoc Unified School District
- Transportation
- Highway 1 · Highway 246 · Amtrak · Lompoc Airport · City of Lompoc Transit (COLT)
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Lompoc Valley Medical Center · Lompoc Airport · Lompoc Aquatic Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- La Purísima Mission State Historic Park · Jalama Beach · River Park · Ryon Park · Beattie Park
- Parks & Trails
- City Parks · Lompoc Valley Walking and Fitness Trails
- Founded
- 1874
- Incorporated
- 1888
- Named After
- The Chumash word 'lumpo'o̥', meaning 'lagoon'
- Historical Significance
- Lompoc's history is marked by its Chumash heritage, Spanish mission influence, agricultural development, and role in space exploration.
- Key Events
- Establishment of La Purísima Mission (1787) · Founding of Lompoc by the Lompoc Valley Land Company (1874) · Incorporation of Lompoc (1888) · Establishment of Camp Cooke/Vandenberg Air Force Base (1941/1958) · Development of the flower seed industry
