Ojai
cityOjai, California, nestled in the Ojai Valley in Ventura County, is a unique city known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Located northwest of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara, Ojai had a population of 7,637 in 2020. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, with the Los Padres National Forest bordering its northern edge. Ojai is characterized by its boutique hotels, recreational opportunities, and a thriving farmers' market that showcases local organic agriculture. Chain stores are prohibited in Ojai to preserve its small-town character and support local businesses. Ojai's economy is supported by small businesses specializing in art, design, and home improvement, reflecting the community's commitment to ecological friendliness. The most common employment sectors for Ojai residents include retail trade, educational services, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The city's economy also benefits from tourism, drawn by its reputation for clean air and spiritual focus. Ojai's name is derived from the Ventureño Chumash word 'Awha'y, meaning "Moon". The city has a rich history, initially inhabited by the Chumash people and later part of a Mexican land grant. Ojai is known for its Mediterranean climate, Mission Revival architecture, and the "pink moment" sunsets that bathe the surrounding mountains in a unique pink glow. The city's commitment to preserving its unique character and natural beauty makes it a distinctive place to live and visit.
Ojai, California
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 06-53476
- Country
- United States
- County
- Ventura
- Region
- Southern California
- Elevation
- 745 ft
- Total Area
- 4.37 sq mi
- Land Area
- 4.36 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.01 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.44917
- Longitude
- -119.24667
- Climate
- Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
- Notable Features
- Topatopa Mountains · Los Padres National Forest · Sulphur Mountain · Ojai Valley
- Neighboring Areas
- Ventura · Meiners Oaks · Mira Monte · Oak View
- Population (2020)
- 7,637
- Est. Population (2026)
- 7,526
- Median Age
- 47.3
- Median Income
- $82,656
- Poverty Rate
- 8.23%
- Family Households
- 64.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The population is 70.5% White, 19.6% Hispanic, 5.2% Asian, and 4.0% Multiracial.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Ojai Unified School District
- Municipal Services
- Police (contracted with Ventura County Sheriff's Department) · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Ojai Trolley Service
- Unemployment Rate
- 6.4%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Tourism · Small Business
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Educational Services · Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- School Districts
- Ojai Unified School District
- Transportation
- Ojai Trolley · Highway 33 · Gold Coast Transit
- Utilities
- Municipal Water (Casitas Municipal Water District) · Southern California Edison · Broadband/Fiber
- Major Facilities
- Ojai Recreation Center · Lake Casitas
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Los Padres National Forest · Lake Casitas · Libbey Park
- Parks & Trails
- Libbey Park · Sarzotti Park · City Parks
- Founded
- 1874
- Incorporated
- 1921
- Named After
- Derived from the Chumash word 'Awha'y meaning "Moon"
- Historical Significance
- Ojai has evolved from a Chumash settlement and Spanish rancho to a unique city known for its arts, culture, and natural beauty.
- Key Events
- Inhabited by Chumash Indians prior to European settlement · Part of Rancho Ojai Mexican land grant · Originally named Nordhoff in 1874 · Renamed Ojai in 1917