Overview

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.

Demographics

People

Total Population43,511
Male Share of the Population54%
Female Share of the Population46%
Senior Citizens11.2%
Employed Population 16+16,932
Age of the Population33

Families

% of people married43.6%
Average household size3

Education and Earnings

Population % with Bachelor Degree or Higher15.1%
Median Earnings25+$30,334
Median Earnings Without High School Qualification$23,857
Median Earnings With High School Degree$26,386

Wealth

Median Family Income$60,064
% Above Poverty Level80.9%
% Below Poverty Level19.1%

Commute & Sprawl

Average Commute Time26 minutes
% Working from Home3%
% Walking and Biking to Work4.5%
% Using Public Transportation4%

Housing

People Living Alone25.7%
Median Gross Rent$1,138
Median House Value$293,800

Ancestry

Other(often includes Hispanic and African American)63%
German8.2%
Irish6%
English5%
Italian3%
French Except Basque1.9%
Polish1.4%
Scottish1.2%
Norwegian1%
Dutch1%
Portuguese0.8%
Swedish0.8%
Welsh0.7%
African0.5%
Danishn0.4%
West Indian0.3%
Swiss0.3%
Slovene0.2%
Jamaican0.2%
Ukrainian0.2%
Russian0.2%
Hungarian0.2%
Arab0.2%
Croatian0.2%
Canadian0.2%
Greek0.2%
Romanian0.1%
Belizean0.1%
Egyptian0.1%
US/American0.1%
Brazilian0.1%
Czech0.1%
Iranian0.1%
Finnish0.1%
Austrian0.1%
+ Show More

Lompoc Almanac

CategoryValue
CountySanta Barbara County
Standard Zip Codes93436, 93437
P.O. Box Zip Codes93438
Phone Area Codes805
Time ZoneAmerica/Los_Angeles
Approximate Latitude34.6
Approximate Longitude-120.39

Lompoc Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

Notes:

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

StationLOMPOC
Distance0.8 miles
Jan Temp41 to 66 F
Apr Temp46 to 71 F
Jul Temp54 to 75 F
Oct Temp50 to 76 F
Annual Precip15.8 inches
StationTWITCHELL DAM
Distance25.1 miles
Jan Temp41 to 66 F
Apr Temp45 to 71 F
Jul Temp53 to 80 F
Oct Temp50 to 78 F
Annual Precip17.8 inches
StationCACHUMA LAKE
Distance27.4 miles
Jan Temp40 to 66 F
Apr Temp44 to 74 F
Jul Temp53 to 91 F
Oct Temp48 to 83 F
Annual Precip21.8 inches

Nearby Cities and Towns

LocationPopulationMedian Family Income
Buellton5,092$90,907
Guadalupe7,350$46,434
Santa Maria105,483$58,258
Solvang5,734$86,250

Lompoc Public Libraries

Lompoc Public Library
501 E. NORTH AVE.
Lompoc, California
(805) 875-8787

library logo

More Information for Librarians

Lompoc Hospitals

Lompoc Valley Medical Center
(Government - District/authority)
1515 E. Ocean Avenue
Lompoc Valley Medical Center Comprehensive Care Center D/p S
216 North Third Street

Lompoc Public Schools

Buena Vista Elementary
100 Aldebaran Ave.
ZIP: 93436
Primary
Total Enrollment 665
Cabrillo High
4350 Constellation Rd.
ZIP: 93436
High
Total Enrollment 1447
Clarence Ruth Elementary
501 N. W St.
ZIP: 93436
Primary
Total Enrollment 638
La Canada Elementary
621 W. N. Ave.
ZIP: 93436
Primary
Total Enrollment 674
La Honda Elementary
1213 N. A St.
ZIP: 93436
Primary
Total Enrollment 496
Leonora Fillmore Elementary
1211 E. Pine Ave.
ZIP: 93436
Primary
Total Enrollment 653
Lompoc High
515 W. College Ave.
ZIP: 93436
High
Total Enrollment 1327
Lompoc Valley Middle
234 S. N St.
ZIP: 93436
Middle
Total Enrollment 662
Los Berros Elementary
3745 Via Lato
ZIP: 93436
Primary
Total Enrollment 374
Maple High
4010 Jupiter Ave
ZIP: 93436
High
Total Enrollment 172
Miguelito Elementary
1600 W. Olive Ave.
ZIP: 93436
Primary
Total Enrollment 616
Mission Valley
1301 N. A St.
ZIP: 93436
Primary
Total Enrollment 24
Phoenix High Ii
313 N. 9th St.
ZIP: 93436
Arthur Hapgood Elementary
324 S. A St.
ZIP: 93438
Primary
Total Enrollment 543

Lompoc Private Schools

Children's Montessori School
3910 Constellation Rd Ste 101
ZIP: 93436
Elementary
Total Enrollment 16
La Purisima Concepcion School
219 W Olive Ave
ZIP: 93436
Elementary
Total Enrollment 132
Sources :
Our Partner Listings
Additional Resources
Info for Lompoc Government Officials


Are you an official in the Lompoc government or quasi-government agency such as the chamber of commerce, visitors bureau or economic development council? If so, visit our information page for government officials to see how CityTownInfo can support you.