California / Humboldt County

Moving to Arcata, CA

Thinking of making a move to Arcata, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Arcata, CA

Considering a move to Arcata, CA? This welcoming community of 18,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $475,000 and average rents near $1,520. Commute times average 17 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Arcata's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Arcata, CA

Arcata has a population of 18,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 27 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 72% White, 2% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
18,000
Density
2,600 per sq mi
Median Age
27.4
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
72.0%
Black
1.5%
Asian
7.5%
Others
19.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Arcata, CA?

The cost of living in Arcata is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 139.0. Median home values are around $475,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,520. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$475,000
Gross Rent
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$720
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
139.0
Grocery
113.0
Housing
185.0
Utilities
122.0
Transportation
132.0
Health Care
108.0
Miscellaneous
115.0

Crime

Is Arcata, CA a safe place to live?

Arcata is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 320 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
320
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,900
Crime Index
3,220
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

What is the weather like in Arcata, CA year-round?

Arcata experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 68°F and cold winters dipping to 39°F. The area receives about 42 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
39°F
Max
54°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
68°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,500 and a low poverty rate of 21.0%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 47% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 17 minutes, and almost 14% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,500
Household Income
$58,500
Family Income
$77,000
Per Capita Income
$28,500
Income Male
$38,500
Income Female
$34,500
Poverty Rate
21.0%
Non English Speakers
11.0%
Rent
$1,520
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Public Transport Usage
13.5%
Commute Time
16.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.0%
Bachelors or More
46.5%

Education

How are the schools in Arcata, CA?

Arcata offers quality education options, with public schools like Arcata High School and Sunny Brae Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt and College of the Redwoods. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Arcata High School
Street
1720 M St
Phone
707-825-2400
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
17.0
Name
Sunny Brae Middle School
Street
2080 Baldwin St
Phone
707-826-0931
Students
480
Student Teacher Ratio
18.0

Private Schools

Name
St. Mary School
Street
2400 Baldwin St
Phone
707-822-2392
Students
180

Colleges

Name
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
City
Arcata
State
CA
Distance
1 mile
Students
5,700
Name
College of the Redwoods
City
Eureka
State
CA
Distance
12 miles
Students
6,500

Healthcare

Arcata residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mad River Community Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital Eureka nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 92.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Mad River Community Hospital
Address
5901 E. Myrtle Ave, Arcata, CA 95521
Phone
(707) 822-3611
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
St. Joseph Hospital Eureka
Address
2700 Dolbeer St, Eureka, CA 95501
Phone
(707) 445-8121
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
92.0%
Health Care Index
71.5

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Arcata, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $475,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 43%. The market has seen a 4.0% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Arcata offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$475,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate
43.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.0%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Arcata handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Arcata, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Arcata, review the core fields on this page: population 18,000, median home value $475,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,520, commute time 16.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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