Lompoc, CA

Lompoc, California

Introduction to Lompoc, California

Lompoc, California, in Santa Barbara county, is 21 miles S of Santa Maria, California (center to center) and 132 miles W of Los Angeles, California. It's situated in a beautiful valley in the scenic central coast of California. Tourism, seed flowers, wine production, vegetables, a Federal Correctional Institute and a diatomaceous earth mine are significant factors for the economy. The Vandenberg Air Force Base is a major employer.

Lompoc History

The area was originally inhabited by the Chumash Indians. Mission La Purisima Concepcion was founded in 1787. Over time, the mission gradually became ruins. The government of Mexico gave land grants in the Lompoc area known as "ranchos" to settlers. Lompoc was founded as a temperance colony. The city was incorporated in 1888.

During the Great Depression the Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt the Mission La Purisima Concepcion at a nearby site. Beginning in 1958 the area experienced substantial growth due to the plans of the U.S. Air Force to construct the Vandenberg Air Force Base. A large number of houses were built to accommodate the people working at the base.

Lompoc Attractions

The Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival is a popular event.
• The historic old town is home to a large number of beautiful murals.
• La Purisima Mission attracts a large number of visitors.
• The annual Flower Festival is a popular event.
• Fabing-McKay-Spanne House is a noteworthy historic structure. A Blacksmith Shop and a carriage house are also on the property.
• Lompoc Museum focuses on the archeology and history of the region.
• The beautiful flower fields are in bloom during the summer.
• South "H" Street is home to the largest collection of Italian Stone Pines located outside of the Mediterranean area.
• The Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary is a large, beautiful acreage and is home to a vast number of wild horses and burros and is open for visitors during specific times of the year.

• Olde Towne Market offers local entertainment and arts and crafts.
• The Cypress Art Gallery showcases the work of local artists.
• Artesia School House is a notable historic structure.

Lompoc Activities

Wine tasting is popular at the "Wine Ghetto" area and other locations in the city. The Santa Rita Hills is internationally known for quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. River Park is popular for camping, picnicking and other outdoor activities. Cachuma Lake is known for its natural beauty and provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, camping and nature cruises. Gaviota State Park is available for swimming, camping, boating and kayaking.

The scenic Santa Rosa Park features a rural valley landscape and is a great place for picnicking. The Beattie Park is popular with families. Lompoc is located in the Pacific Flyway and offers habitat to a variety of migratory and resident birds. It's a great place for bird watching. The region is regarded as one of the best bicycle riding locations in California.

Lompoc features a top-notch indoor aquatic center. The La Purisima Golf Course has hosted tournaments for the PGA and the LPGA and is enjoyed by golf enthusiasts. The scenic Pacific Ocean is nearby. It should be noted that some of the beach areas have dangerous rip tides.

High Points

Lompoc strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

Category	Trophy
Racial Diversity (vs. Peers)	Top 14%

Comparative Profile of Lompoc, CA

Comparing Lompoc to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Male Share of the Population
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old
Well-Paid Single Men
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Female Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Above Poverty
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Property Taxes
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Rents
People Living Alone
Seasonal and Vacation Housing

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Lompoc Almanac

Lompoc Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Lompoc Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Nearby Cities and Towns

Lompoc Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Lompoc Hospitals

LOMPOC HEALTHCARE DISTRICT
(Government - Hospital District or Authority)
508 E HICKORY AVE
(805) 737-3300
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Lompoc

Wal-Mart in Lompoc

Lompoc High Schools (2004)

LOMPOC HIGH
515 W. COLLEGE AVE.
805-735-5606
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 1,637 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 21.7

CABRILLO SENIOR HIGH
4350 CONSTELLATION ROAD
805-733-4538
Serves 1,554 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 22.7

Lompoc Colleges

(List of All California Colleges)

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