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When families research the safest places to live in California, 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 . This exceptional safety record stems from a combination of proactive community policing, high-quality schools, and strong neighborhood engagement that creates a secure environment where families can thrive. With a crime rate of 1,172 per 100,000 people which is 51% lower than the US average , Thousand Oaks consistently earns recognition as one of the most secure places to call home in the Golden State.102378443421298Thousand OaksSimi ValleyCalifornia AvgVenturaOxnard0200400600Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 Residents

Source: FBI Crime Statistics, February 2026

What Crime Statistics Make Thousand Oaks One of the Safest Cities in California?

The numbers tell a compelling story about Thousand Oaks' exceptional safety record. NeighborhoodScout's research shows that Thousand Oaks's violent crime rate is 1 per one thousand inhabitants, which is about average for all communities in America, across all population sizes . However, when compared specifically to California cities, the data becomes even more impressive. Thousand Oaks, CA has a significantly lower overall crime rate (11.5) compared to the national average (33.37), which is well documented in national crime data, with particularly low rates of violent crime (0.57) and property crime (10.93) . This places Thousand Oaks far below both state and national averages for crime incidents. The city's safety extends across different types of crime. Roughly similar to the national average, our analysis shows that your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Thousand Oaks is one in 986 . For property crimes, your chance of becoming a victim of any of these crimes in Thousand Oaks is one in 97 . What makes these statistics particularly noteworthy is the context of the city's size and location. NeighborhoodScout analyzed all cities and towns in America with a similar population size to Thousand Oaks, and we found that the crime rate in Thousand Oaks is one of the lowest in the nation for its size. This means Thousand Oaks is one of the safest places in America in which to live for its size, a very important finding .

How Does Thousand Oaks' Safety Ranking Compare to Other Ventura County Cities?

Thousand Oaks doesn't stand alone in its safety achievements within Ventura County. Moorpark and Thousand Oaks remain among the safest cities of their size in California . The entire county benefits from strong collaborative law enforcement efforts, with Ventura County continuing to have the lowest overall crime rate among California's 16 largest counties. Although crime increased slightly from the record low of 2022, Ventura County continues to outperform every other large county in the state . This regional safety extends to neighboring communities that Davis Bartels serves. Our analysis identifies communities like Rancho Santa Margarita, Moorpark, and Saratoga as some of the safest places to live in California, where low crime rates, quality schools, and idyllic settings create secure environments . The entire Conejo Valley benefits from this culture of safety and community engagement. The safety achievements reflect coordinated efforts across law enforcement agencies. "Once again, these numbers reflect the positive outcomes of community partnered policing," said Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. "Our long-term crime trends reflect years of strong partnership between our officers and the community."

What Makes Thousand Oaks Neighborhoods So Safe for Families?

The safety in Thousand Oaks isn't uniformly distributed, with some areas being significantly safer than others. Thousand Oaks Residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Thousand Oaks varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 15 in the southwest neighborhoods to 1 in 64 in the northeast . This variation creates opportunities for families to choose neighborhoods that align with their safety priorities. The northeast areas of Thousand Oaks, which include neighborhoods like Lang Ranch and parts of North Ranch, offer some of the lowest crime rates in an already safe city. These areas benefit from newer development, active homeowner associations, and strong community engagement. The city's commitment to maintaining safe neighborhoods extends beyond just law enforcement. Thousand Oaks overall is one of the safest towns I've been in, many people here are super friendly and sweet. There are so many hiking trails you can go on with amazing scenery and wildlife . This sense of community connection contributes significantly to the overall safety profile. For families considering different areas within Thousand Oaks, it's worth noting that areas with high visitor traffic, such as shopping districts, may appear to have higher crime rates simply because more crimes occur where people gather, even if few residents live there. For example, the southeast part of the city has more retail establishments, which can artificially inflate crime rates in that area .

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

The safety and desirability of Thousand Oaks is reflected in its strong real estate market. The median sale price of a home in Thousand Oaks was $1.0M last month, down 16.3% since last year, according to real estate market analysis. This represents both an opportunity for buyers and the continued value retention that comes with living in one of California's safest cities. Current market conditions show the typical home value of homes in Thousand Oaks CA is $994,477. Thousand Oaks CA home values have gone down 1.1% over the past year . This modest decline from peak prices makes the market more accessible while maintaining the premium associated with the city's safety and quality of life.

Property Type Median Price Year-over-Year Change Days on Market
Single Family Homes $1,075,000 -16.3% 44 days
Townhomes $865,000 N/A 38 days
Condos (1BR) $385,000 N/A N/A
Condos (2BR) $535,000 N/A N/A

Market dynamics show the Thousand Oaks housing market is somewhat competitive. Homes in Thousand Oaks receive 2 offers on average and sell in around 44 days . This balanced market benefits both buyers and sellers, avoiding the extreme competition seen in some California markets while maintaining steady demand. The current market presents opportunities for families who want to invest in safety and quality of life. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $496K a year to afford the median home price in Thousand Oaks , reflecting both the premium for safety and the strong earning power of many residents who choose to call this secure community home.

What Schools and Amenities Support the Safe Family Lifestyle in Thousand Oaks?

The safety of Thousand Oaks extends into its educational excellence. Thousand Oaks High has consistently performed well, ranking in the top 20% of California high schools for several years. In the 2024-2025 school year, the school ranked 604 out of 2,162 California high schools, with a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. This academic performance reflects the same community values that contribute to the city's safety. School safety and performance go hand in hand throughout the district. On average, schools in Thousand Oaks score 53% on their proficiency tests, and we project an average score of 45% on those same proficiency tests. Comparing the differences, on average, schools in Thousand Oaks greatly exceed expectations . This outperformance indicates strong community support and engagement that contributes to both educational and safety outcomes. Beyond schools, Thousand Oaks offers numerous amenities that support safe family life. Families can explore Wildwood Regional Park, which features over 27 miles of hiking trails. Over 250 plant species have been recorded in Wildwood, as well as 37 species of mammals, 70 bird species, and 22 species of amphibians and reptiles . The park's crown jewel is Paradise Falls drops 40 feet into a large pool along the Arroyo Conejo in Thousand Oaks , offering families a safe and beautiful outdoor destination. For dining and shopping, families enjoy The Oaks Shopping Center, which is the largest shopping center in Ventura County. Over five million visit the mall each year . The center features family-friendly restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Lazy Dog Café, providing safe environments for family dining and entertainment. Local dining options reflect the community's welcoming character. At Moqueca Brazilian Restaurant, families can enjoy the signature dish, the moqueca. The shrimp and shellfish were cooked beautifully and if you aren't familiar with Brazilian cuisine, this is a great introduction to it . The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden offers another family destination, where the plants and trees are laid out and labeled nicely, and it is free to use .

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Thousand Oaks

Is Thousand Oaks safe for raising children?

Yes, Thousand Oaks is exceptionally safe for families with children. With a violent crime rate of only 102 incidents per 100,000 residents and highly rated schools throughout the Conejo Valley Unified School District, the city provides a secure environment where children can walk to school and play in neighborhoods safely. The northeast areas of the city are particularly safe, with crime rates as low as 1 in 64 chance of being a victim.

How do Thousand Oaks crime rates compare to other Los Angeles area cities?

Thousand Oaks significantly outperforms most Los Angeles area cities in safety. With an overall crime rate 51% lower than the US average, it ranks among the top 10% safest cities in California. Compared to downtown LA, residents face dramatically lower risks, with property crime rates substantially below regional averages and violent crime occurring at less than half the state rate.

What neighborhoods in Thousand Oaks are the safest for home buyers?

The northeast areas of Thousand Oaks, including neighborhoods near Lang Ranch and North Ranch, offer the highest safety levels with crime victimization rates as low as 1 in 64. These areas feature newer developments, active homeowner associations, and strong community engagement. Neighborhoods around Wildwood Regional Park and the Dos Vientos area also maintain excellent safety records while offering family-friendly amenities.

Does living in Thousand Oaks cost more because of its safety rating?

Yes, the safety premium is reflected in home prices, with median home values around $994,477 as of 2026. However, this represents good value considering the dramatically lower crime rates, excellent schools, and quality of life amenities. The investment in safety often pays dividends in property value retention and lower insurance costs, making it financially sound for long-term homeownership.

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