Simi Valley is a city located in Ventura County, California. As of the 2020 census, the population of Simi Valley was 126,356, making it the second largest city in Ventura County after Oxnard. Simi Valley lies approximately 40 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles and is part of the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Population and Demographics
The population of Simi Valley has grown rapidly over the past few decades. In 1970, the population was just 18,229. By 1990 it had grown to 100,217 and then to 124,237 by 2010. As of 2020, the population stands at 126,356 as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Simi Valley has an ethnically diverse population. The racial makeup of Simi Valley is predominantly White (69.5%), followed by Asian (15.9%), Hispanic or Latino (15.5%), Black or African American (2.6%), and other races (4.8%) according to 2020 census data.
Economy and Major Employers
Some of Simi Valley’s major employers include Boeing which designs and manufactures satellites, Space Systems Loral which designs and builds satellites, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley Town Center, and Simi Valley Hospital. Other top employers are in the education, technology, aerospace, healthcare, and retail industries.
The median household income in Simi Valley is $98,217 and the median home value is $544,700 (Source: U.S. Census Bureau). The major industries providing employment are education, health care, manufacturing, retail trade, construction and professional services.
Places to Visit in Simi Valley
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is one of Simi Valley’s most famous attractions. Located high on a hilltop with sweeping views, the library houses President Reagan’s archives and chronicles his life and presidency through exhibits and displays. Some highlights include a replica of the Oval Office, gifts from heads of state, and the Air Force One jetliner used during his administration.
Simi Valley Town Center
For shopping, dining and entertainment, the Simi Valley Town Center offers over 60 stores and restaurants all in an open-air pedestrian friendly setting. Anchor stores include Macy’s, JC Penney, and Target. There’s also a Regal Cinemas movie theater.
Corriganville Park
Corriganville Park offers beautiful scenery and hiking trails along its 256 acres of rolling hills, valleys and rock outcroppings. During Hollywood’s golden era, Corriganville was a movie ranch used to shoot westerns and other films. Today, old movie sets still stand and there are historical exhibits on the park’s cinematic past.
Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival
Each year Simi Valley hosts the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival in May. This lively outdoor music festival features Cajun food, craft beers, and two stages packed with top blues, zydeco, and Cajun music performers. It’s held at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park.
Local Sports Teams
For sports fans, Simi Valley is home to the Simi Valley Samson, a professional soccer team founded in 2021 that plays at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park. The Samson compete in the USL League Two.
Simi Valley City Government
Simi Valley is governed by a City Council consisting of five members elected to four-year terms on a staggered basis. For more information about Simi Valley’s city government, visit the City of Simi Valley’s website.
You can also follow Simi Valley news and events on the city’s Facebook page.