Living in Arcata, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Arcata · Census data 2020–2024
Arcata has 18,607 residents with a median age of 28.1. The median household income is $46,713 (53% lower than the California median), the median home value is $484,600, the median rent is $1,327/month.
Arcata at a glance
- Population
- 18,607
- Median age
- 28.1State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $46,713State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $484,600State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $1,327/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 36.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 46.3%
- Average commute
- 18 min
Is Arcata a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 34% lower than the state median; an average commute of 18 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 53% lower than the California median; unemployment of 11.9%; a poverty rate of 27.2%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Arcata
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Arcata the median home value is $484,600, 46% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,327 per month, which is 40% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,214 a month in housing costs.
Arcata median household income
The median household income in Arcata is $46,713 and the income per person is $32,307. 27.2% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Arcata: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 8,636
- Owner-occupied
- 36.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 63.6%
- Vacant
- 8.7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1976
- Average household size
- 2.14
Arcata demographics
- Population
- 18,607
- Median age
- 28.1
- Under 18
- 11.8%
- 65 and older
- 14.2%
- Households
- 7,884
- Foreign-born
- 4.6%
- Veterans
- 3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Arcata ›
Education in Arcata
46.3% of adults 25 and older in Arcata have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 19.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Arcata
- Unemployment rate
- 11.9%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 18 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 15.4%
- Drive alone
- 58.6%
- Public transit
- 1.4%
- Walk to work
- 10.6%
- Homes with broadband
- 93%
Arcata vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcata | 18,607 | $46,713 | $484,600 | $1,327 |
| Indianola | 560 | $54,716 | $454,800 | $1,920 |
| Blue Lake | 982 | $53,594 | $445,200 | $1,284 |
| Manila | 985 | $53,813 | $409,000 | $1,617 |
| Myrtletown | 5,322 | $60,457 | $453,400 | $1,583 |
| Eureka | 26,010 | $57,662 | $404,500 | $1,195 |
| McKinleyville | 17,113 | $73,327 | $457,600 | $1,607 |
| Samoa | 151 | $57,500 | — | $1,125 |
| Cutten | 3,550 | $97,225 | $471,300 | $1,636 |
More for people moving to Arcata
Arcata ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Arcata: FAQ
What is the median household income in Arcata, CA?
The median household income in Arcata is $46,713, 53% lower than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Arcata?
The median home value in Arcata is $484,600, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Arcata?
The median gross rent in Arcata is $1,327 per month, about 40% of household income.
Is Arcata, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 34% lower than the state median; an average commute of 18 minutes. Minuses: median household income 53% lower than the California median; unemployment of 11.9%; a poverty rate of 27.2%.
What is the median age in Arcata?
The median age in Arcata is 28.1 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Arcata?
The average commute to work in Arcata is 18 minutes; 15.4% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Arcata?
The unemployment rate in Arcata is 11.9% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Arcata?
46.3% of adults in Arcata have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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