Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Eureka, CA
Considering a move to Eureka, CA? With a population of about 27,000, Eureka offers coastal living at a lower cost of living index (110.6) than many California cities, and median home prices around $385,000. Expect mild, foggy weather, a short average commute of 15 minutes, and a vibrant arts scene. While Eureka boasts scenic beauty and access to redwoods, property crime rates are higher than average, so context matters when choosing a neighborhood. Local schools and healthcare are solid, and the community enjoys a laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle by the Pacific.
Demographics - Eureka, CA
Demographics - Eureka, CA
Eureka is home to nearly 27,000 residents with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 38, reflecting a diverse community where about 73% identify as White and 12% speak a language other than English at home. The city offers a moderate population density, providing a mix of small-town charm and coastal urban amenities.
Population:
26,938
Density:
1,360 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.0
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.6%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
3.9%
Others:
22.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Eureka, CA?
The cost of living in Eureka is moderately higher than the national average, with a median home value of $385,000 and average rent around $1,250 per month. Utilities and groceries are slightly above average, while state income taxes range widely, so residents should budget for California’s higher costs in certain categories.
Median House Value:
$385,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.6
Grocery:
106.2
Housing:
117.4
Utilities:
111.5
Transportation:
104.1
Health Care:
106.8
Miscellaneous:
104.5
Crime
Is Eureka, CA a safe place to live?
Eureka experiences higher-than-average crime, with a violent crime rate of 749 per 100,000 people and property crime affecting roughly 1 in 19 residents annually. Those considering a move may want to research neighborhoods to find areas with lower crime rates.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
749
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,335
Crime Index:
6,084
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 134
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 19
Weather
What is the weather like in Eureka, CA year-round?
Eureka enjoys a mild coastal climate year-round, with summer highs averaging 64°F and winter temperatures rarely dipping below 41°F. The city receives about 40 inches of annual rainfall, and around 60% of days are sunny, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
64°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Eureka’s community is characterized by a median household income of just under $47,000 and a poverty rate of 21%, with most residents commuting less than 15 minutes to work. Educational attainment is solid, with over 90% having completed high school and nearly 30% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$46,500
Family Income:
$60,100
Per Capita Income:
$25,400
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
21.0%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
2.3%
Commute Time:
14.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.7%
Bachelors or More:
29.4%
Education
How are the schools in Eureka, CA?
Eureka provides families with a selection of public and private schools, including Eureka High School and Grant Elementary, as well as proximity to higher education at College of the Redwoods and Cal Poly Humboldt just a short drive away. Class sizes are moderate, and local schools offer a supportive environment for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Eureka High School
Street:
1915 J St
Phone:
707-441-2508
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Grant Elementary School
Street:
3900 Henderson St
Phone:
707-441-2480
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. Bernard's Academy
Street:
222 Dollison St
Phone:
707-443-2735
Students:
230
Colleges
Name:
College of the Redwoods
City:
Eureka
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
4,500
Name:
Cal Poly Humboldt
City:
Arcata
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
6,700
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to two major hospitals and a physician density of 2.1 per 1,000 people, with over 91% of the population carrying health insurance. The city’s healthcare index indicates generally good access to medical services for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence St. Joseph Hospital Eureka
Address:
2700 Dolbeer St, Eureka, CA 95501
Phone:
(707) 445-8121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mad River Community Hospital
Address:
3800 Janes Rd, Arcata, CA 95521
Phone:
(707) 822-3621
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Eureka, CA?
The housing market in Eureka offers a median home price of $385,000 and an average rent of $1,250 for a two-bedroom unit, making it relatively affordable for coastal California. The area has a balanced mix of rentals and owner-occupied homes, with low foreclosure and vacancy rates supporting a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
40.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Eureka residents access vehicle services through the California DMV office located at 322 W. 15th Street, providing comprehensive licensing and registration support. For more information, the state DMV website and local contact line are available for convenience.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
322 W. 15th Street, Eureka, CA 95501
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
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.