California
Arcata is a small city in California with a population of 18,578. Residents earn $48,731 per year, which is 35% below the national average.
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, high health insurance coverage. 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.
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.
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.
The violent crime rate of 439 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,955 per 100,000, 102% above the national average.
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 4.7/10.
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. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 85.1% |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 14.9% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $48,731 |
| 35% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $30,772 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,062 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,241 |
| Unemployment | 8.5% |
| 136% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 15.5% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 7,685 |
| County GDP | $7,591M |
| Restaurants | 393 |
| Healthcare | 384 |
| Retail | 538 |
| Manufacturing | 123 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,760 |
| 36% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.02% |
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Work from Home | 13.4% |
| Census Median | $466,600 |
| 66% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $488,248 |
| Median List Price | $448,000 |
| Median List Price | $448,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $262 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.6% |
| Price Drops | 31.6% |
| Inventory | 19 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,287 |
| 11% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,668 |
| Rent Burden | 38.6% |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 33.9% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,760 |
| 36% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.02% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 70.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,668/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 384 |
| Total Violent | 439.5/100K |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 73.3/100K |
| Robbery | 107.1/100K |
| Assault | 259.2/100K |
| Total Property | 3,955.4/100K |
| 102% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 811.4/100K |
| Theft | 2,811.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 332.4/100K |
| Arson | 84.5/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg | |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 40.4 inches |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 13 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 9.4 sq mi (24.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,972/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8623°N, 124.0750°W |
| County FIPS | 06023 |
Winner: Democrat by 28.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 45.1% |
| 34% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 95.0% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 5 | Nonmetro — Urban 20K+ |
| Population Density | 1,972/sq mi |
| Total Area | 9.4 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 17 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 18 |
| Public Libraries | 13 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 384 |
| Restaurants | 393 |
| Retail Stores | 538 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Avg Commute | 18.2 min |
| Work from Home | 13.4% |