Median Income
$48,731
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$466,600
66% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
393/100K
3% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
45.1%
34% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,287
11% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.9%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.5%
136% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.5%
25% higher than US avg
How Arcata Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population18,578
Median Age28.0 yrs
Density1,972/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans3.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$48,731
Per Capita$30,772
Unemployment8.5%
Poverty15.5%
County GDP$7,591M
Commute18 min
Housing
F
Home Value$466,600
Rent$1,287
Ownership33.9%
Zillow$488,248
Housing Units8,308
Rent Burden38.6%
Crime
F
Violent393/100K
Property3,300/100K
Murder5.5/100K
Assault235/100K
Burglary666/100K
Health
Obesity32.9%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking14.9%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation13 ft (4 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+45.1%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+18.9%
School Score4.55
Community
2024 VoteR 34% / D 62%
Commute18 min
Broadband92.8%
EV Stations17
Libraries13
Is Arcata a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Arcata receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Arcata has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Arcata is $48,731, 35% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 15.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Arcata is $466,600, making it a premium housing market at 66% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,287 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.6x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 393 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,300 per 100,000, 68% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 45.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Arcata experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Arcata has a population of 18,578 with a density of 1,972 people per square mile, spread across 11.0 square miles. The median age is 28.0 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (73.9%), with 4.2% Hispanic, 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.1% of residents, while 14.9% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.0yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.1%
8% above US avg
Spanish
14.9%
11% above US avg
The median household income in Arcata is $48,731, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,772 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,062, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,685 business establishments, including 393 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,731 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,772 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,062 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,241 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.5% |
| 136% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,685 |
| County GDP | $7,591M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 393 |
| Healthcare | 384 |
| Retail | 538 |
| Manufacturing | 123 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,760 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 13.4% |
The median home value in Arcata is $466,600, 66% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $488,248. Homes sell for 91.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,287 (11% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 33.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 8,308 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $4,760 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.6x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $466,600 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $488,248 |
| Median List Price | $448,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $448,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $262 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.6% |
| Price Drops | 31.6% |
| Inventory | 19 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,287 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,668 |
| Rent Burden | 38.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 33.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 33.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 66.1% |
| Housing Units | 8,308 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,760 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.02% |
In Arcata, 32.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,642. The dentist ratio is 1:1,216. 88.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
10.0
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
13.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
10.4
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.9
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
138.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Arcata vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.9% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,642 |
| Dentists | 1:1,216 |
| Mental Health | 1:160 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,668/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 384 |
Arcata has a violent crime rate of 393 per 100,000 residents, 3% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 234.6 per 100,000, robbery at 87.3, rape at 65.5. The murder rate is 5.5 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,300 per 100,000, 68% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,318, burglary at 666, vehicle theft at 316 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 24 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Arcata receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Arcata vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 392.8/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| Murder | 5.5/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rape | 65.5/100K |
| Robbery | 87.3/100K |
| Assault | 234.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,300.2/100K |
| 68% above US avg |
| Burglary | 665.5/100K |
| Theft | 2,318.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 316.4/100K |
| Arson | 114.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Traffic Accidents | 561 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Arcata experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 13 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
58°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 13 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 11.0 sq mi (28.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,972/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8623°N, 124.0750°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Humboldt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Redding Regional (RDD) 96 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
8.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0303 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.31 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.23 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
| Tsunami |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5,196 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Apr 25, 1992 |
The 1992 Petrolia, California Earthquake |
M7.2 |
60 km |
| Sep 1, 1994 |
121 km W of Ferndale, California |
M7.1 |
145 km |
| Mar 10, 2014 |
77 km WNW of Indianola, California |
M6.8 |
89 km |
| Feb 19, 1995 |
126 km W of Ferndale, California |
M6.6 |
145 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
32 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M6.6 |
67 km |
| Jan 10, 2010 |
The 2010 Eureka, California Earthquake |
M6.5 |
57 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
30 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M6.5 |
63 km |
| Aug 17, 1991 |
30 km SSW of Scotia, California |
M6.0 |
70 km |
| Feb 4, 2010 |
61 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.9 |
90 km |
| Mar 9, 2020 |
69km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.8 |
101 km |
| Jan 28, 2015 |
40 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
75 km |
| Mar 16, 2000 |
85 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
111 km |
| Sep 3, 2016 |
124 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.6 |
149 km |
| Jan 22, 1997 |
33 km SW of Scotia, California |
M5.6 |
70 km |
| Feb 13, 2012 |
26 km NNW of Willow Creek, California |
M5.6 |
39 km |
| Jun 23, 2019 |
6km SSW of Petrolia, CA |
M5.6 |
68 km |
| May 21, 2023 |
108km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.6 |
137 km |
| Oct 4, 1997 |
100 km WNW of Samoa, California |
M5.5 |
109 km |
| Jan 13, 2001 |
off the coast of Northern California |
M5.4 |
99 km |
| Feb 26, 2007 |
51 km W of Ferndale, California |
M5.4 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
7 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 29, 1958 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Dec 30, 1992 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Dec 11, 1992 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 2018 |
EF0 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jan 20, 1996 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1960 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 1958 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.1 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1873 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
3.1 m |
— |
127 km |
| 1992 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.8 m |
— |
59 km |
| 2024 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
97 km |
| 1994 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
145 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Shasta (169 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Shasta |
Stratovolcano |
4,317 m (14,163 ft) |
1250 |
169 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MONUMENT (226,125 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
MONUMENT |
226,125 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
HAYPRESS |
204,549 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
RED SALMON COMPLEX |
147,535 |
63 km |
| 1999 |
MEGRAM- ORLEANS |
125,337 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
PIGEON |
100,962 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
SISKIYOU-BLUE 2 COMPLEX (BLUE 2) |
100,823 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
MCCASH |
95,762 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
RIVER COMPLEX |
78,531 |
60 km |
| 2008 |
PANTHER |
71,448 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
YELLOW 2 |
53,626 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
BEAR WALLOW COMPLEX (UKONOM) |
40,029 |
84 km |
| 2023 |
MOSQUITO |
36,111 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
ROUTE COMPLEX |
35,444 |
54 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (EAGLE) |
32,397 |
79 km |
| 2015 |
PATTISON |
31,129 |
58 km |
| 2022 |
CAMPBELL |
30,392 |
45 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (BUCKHORN) |
29,446 |
68 km |
| 1994 |
JACK 1 |
28,007 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
LIME COMPLEX (LIME) |
27,234 |
69 km |
| 2008 |
LIME COMPLEX (MINERS) |
25,680 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
7.4 in |
|
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
6.5 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
6.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| June |
58°F (14°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| July |
58°F (14°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| August |
61°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
Warmest |
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
7.6 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
8.1 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Arcata has a seasonal temperature swing of 14°F / from 46°F in December to 61°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 47.6 inches, with December being the wettest month (8.1") and July the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Arcata. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,586 |
| Toddler | $1,003 |
| Preschool | $830 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,094 |
| Toddler | $952 |
| Preschool | $884 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Arcata
What is the population of Arcata?
Arcata has a population of 18,578 residents and is located in California. The population density is 1,972 people per square mile, spread across 11.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Arcata expensive to live in?
Arcata is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $48,731, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $466,600 (66% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,287 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Arcata safe?
The violent crime rate in Arcata is 393 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,300 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Arcata receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Arcata?
Arcata has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Arcata?
The job market in Arcata faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,062. There are 7,685 business establishments in the area, including 393 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 13.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Arcata?
The median home value in Arcata is $466,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $488,248. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,287. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 33.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,760.
How are the schools in Arcata?
Schools in Arcata have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 45.1% of adults in Arcata hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 18.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Arcata?
The obesity rate in Arcata is 32.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 88.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,642.
What is transportation like in Arcata?
The average commute in Arcata is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 59.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 13.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Arcata?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Arcata is 73.9% White, 2.4% Black or African American, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 85.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.9% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.