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In January 2026, Los Angeles County is home to 72,308 people experiencing homelessness, while Thousand Oaks recorded just 87 homeless individuals in its latest count. This staggering contrast, representing a difference of more than 830 times, is driving unprecedented relocation patterns from Los Angeles to the Conejo Valley. For families seeking safe communities near LA, the homelessness Conejo Valley vs Los Angeles comparison reveals not just numbers, but a fundamental difference in quality of life.

The disparity extends beyond statistics. While Los Angeles County hosts the largest unhoused population in the U.S., estimated at more than 72,000 , the Conejo Valley maintains a dramatically different environment. This stark contrast is pushing families, professionals, and retirees to reconsider their living situation, especially as remote work has made geographic flexibility more viable than ever.

What Is the Homelessness Situation in Los Angeles County in 2026?

The scale of Los Angeles County's homelessness crisis continues to challenge residents and policymakers alike. Los Angeles County reported 72,308 people experiencing homelessness countywide, including 43,699 in the city of Los Angeles, marking a 4% drop across the county and a 3.4% decrease in the city compared to 2024 . Despite these improvements, the numbers remain overwhelming for daily life in many neighborhoods.

What makes the situation particularly complex is its persistence across different communities. For the past two years, homelessness declined slightly in both the city and county of Los Angeles, even as homelessness surged 18% nationally in 2024 . However, local homelessness officials warn the L.A. region's unhoused population may be growing again, as some state and local funding for homeless services and housing is disappearing .

The financial impact on residents is substantial. This year's count helps determine how much money each of Los Angeles County's 88 cities receives from Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax expected to generate about $1 billion annually for homeless services and affordable housing, with about $96 million from Measure A going into a Local Solutions Fund divided among all cities .

Homelessness in LA County vs Conejo Valley (2026)LA County72,308Thousand Oaks87Note: Bars not to scale due toextreme difference in values70K+35K0

Source: LAHSA 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, Ventura County Point in Time Survey 2026

How Does the Conejo Valley Compare When It Comes to Homelessness?

The contrast with the Conejo Valley could not be more striking. In Thousand Oaks, 87 homeless people were included in the survey count, with 29 identified as sheltered and 58 as unsheltered . For context, this means Thousand Oaks, with a population of 122,936 , has a homelessness rate of approximately 0.07%, compared to Los Angeles County's rate of over 0.7%.

Ventura County as a whole is seeing positive trends. The number of people experiencing homelessness in Ventura County dropped by nearly 12% over the last 12 months, with the annual Point in Time homeless survey identifying 1,755 people as homeless . This decline reflects coordinated efforts that have proven effective.

The difference in daily experience is tangible. In Thousand Oaks, the city works to enforce local regulations and help businesses and residents understand homelessness, their role, ways to contribute, and how law enforcement can help, while working closely with local and regional service providers rather than managing large-scale encampments.

Local resources in the Conejo Valley focus on prevention and support. Organizations like Harbor House provide case management and assistance, while Step Up in Thousand Oaks is converting the former Quality Inn at 12 Conejo Blvd into permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals under the Project Homekey initiative .

What Is the Median Home Price in Thousand Oaks in 2026?

Despite the quality of life advantages, Thousand Oaks remains surprisingly accessible compared to many Los Angeles neighborhoods. The average Thousand Oaks home value is $994,477, down 1.1% over the past year and goes to pending in around 10 days . The median price of a Conejo Valley home was $1,116,250 in November 2025, up 2.9% from $1,085,000 the previous November .

Current market conditions favor both buyers and sellers, depending on approach. There are 444 active listings compared to 361 the previous year, a 23% increase, with homes taking longer to sell at 65 days on average versus 50 days last November, while expired listings doubled to 100 unsold homes . Understanding how multiple offers work in the Conejo Valley can help buyers navigate competitive situations effectively.

The rental market also reflects the area's appeal. The median rent price in Thousand Oaks is $2,664 and most residents own their homes . For comparison, the average rent in the Conejo Valley is over $2,600 a month, meaning that a household must earn $105,000 a year for the housing to be considered affordable .

Metric Thousand Oaks LA County Average Difference
Median Home Price $994,477 $874,000 +$120,477
Days on Market 65 45 +20 days
Homeless Population Rate 0.07% 0.72% -10.3x lower
Crime Rate (per 1,000) 11.5 33.37 -2.9x lower

The stability in pricing reflects broader market confidence. Prices remain relatively flat, up 3% year-over-year, but bouncing between $1.1M and $1.2M annually . This consistency, combined with the area's safety profile, makes it attractive for families prioritizing long-term stability over rapid appreciation. However, buyers should also consider how the California insurance crisis is affecting home sales in the Conejo Valley when making purchasing decisions.

What Makes Thousand Oaks One of California's Safest Cities?

Safety statistics underscore why families choose Thousand Oaks over Los Angeles neighborhoods. Thousand Oaks is the #3 safest city to live in California, with a significantly lower overall crime rate (11.5) compared to the national average (33.37), with particularly low rates of violent crime (0.57) and property crime (10.93) . For a deeper look at security throughout the region, our analysis of crime rates in Conejo Valley vs Greater LA provides comprehensive data.

The safety advantage is measurable across multiple metrics. Thousand Oaks is safer than 90% of every city located within California along with 64% of all cities located in the United States . Thousand Oaks shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 102 violent incidents per 100,000 residents, making it an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community .

Community perception aligns with statistics. 68% of Thousand Oaks residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark, while 32% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime .

The city's approach to public safety emphasizes community partnership. The Thousand Oaks Police Department enforces laws where applicable; however, homelessness in itself is not a crime . This balanced approach contributes to the overall sense of security residents experience.

Natural amenities enhance the living experience beyond safety. Wildwood Regional Park offers 14 nature trails covering over 27 miles , including the famous Paradise Falls, a year-round 70-foot cascade in a steep gorge . The dining scene rivals nearby areas, with local favorites like The Stonehaus in Westlake Village and Mastro's Steakhouse providing upscale options minutes from home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Relocating from LA to the Conejo Valley

How does the commute to LA from Thousand Oaks compare to living in the city?

The commute typically ranges from 45-75 minutes depending on traffic and destination, but many residents find the trade-off worthwhile for the quality of life improvements. With remote and hybrid work becoming more common, many professionals only commute 2-3 days per week, making the distance more manageable than traditional daily commuting.

What services and amenities might I miss moving from LA to Thousand Oaks?

While Thousand Oaks has excellent shopping at The Oaks Mall and diverse dining options, you'll have fewer late-night entertainment venues and cultural institutions than LA proper. However, you're still within an hour of most LA attractions when you want them, and many residents appreciate the quieter, family-oriented atmosphere as a benefit rather than a drawback.

Are there good job opportunities in the Conejo Valley, or will I need to commute?

The Conejo Valley hosts major employers like Amgen, Bank of America, and numerous tech companies. Many residents work locally, though some do commute to LA, Santa Barbara, or other areas. The area's median household income of $135,603 reflects strong local employment opportunities across multiple industries.

How do schools in Thousand Oaks compare to LA area schools?

Conejo Valley Unified School District consistently ranks among California's top districts, with schools earning high ratings on GreatSchools and strong academic performance. The area's focus on education is one of the primary draws for families relocating from LA, where school quality can vary dramatically by neighborhood.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Thousand Oaks?

Davis Bartels and the DB Real Estate Group have helped nearly 1,000 families navigate the local market since 2009. Whether you're exploring your options or ready to make a move, reach out for a no-pressure conversation about your goals.

Contact Davis: davisbartels.com