Eureka, CA

Eureka, CA, is a vibrant coastal city located in Humboldt County, along California’s stunning North Coast in the United States. With a rich history and natural beauty, Eureka offers a unique blend of small-town charm and cultural attractions.

The average home value in Eureka is approximately $391,515. According to real estate experts, home prices have gone up 0.6% over the past year. A standard house in the city stays about 18 to 25 days on the housing market, on average. Unfortunately, the Eureka real estate market has experienced a housing shortage in the past few years and the problem may continue for a while. Especially now that Humboldt State University has become Cal Poly Humboldt and will attract more people from across the United States.

As for the rental market, the average monthly rent is between $2,250 and $2,625 for a standard-sized apartment.

City highlights

Founded in 1850 during the California Gold Rush, Eureka quickly became a prosperous center for lumber and shipping industries. Today, remnants of its Victorian-era past are visible in the well-preserved architecture that lines the streets of the Old Town district. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll and admire the beautifully restored buildings, including the iconic Carson Mansion, which is considered one of the finest examples of American Queen Anne-style architecture.

Eureka’s natural surroundings are equally captivating. The city is nestled on the shores of Humboldt Bay, providing picturesque views and opportunities for outdoor activities. From exploring the nearby Redwood National and State Parks to enjoying scenic hikes along the rugged coastline, nature enthusiasts will find plenty to indulge in. And, the towering ancient redwood trees, with their awe-inspiring size and majestic presence, are a sight to behold and a testament to the region’s ecological significance.

Did you know, Eureka is home to the Sequoia Park Zoo – one of the few zoos in the United States that houses red pandas?

The community of Eureka is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and festivals celebrating local talent. The city hosts events such as the Eureka Street Art Festival, which brings together artists from around the world to create stunning murals throughout the downtown area. Additionally, Eureka’s bustling farmers’ markets showcase the bounty of the region, offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a chance to connect with the local community.

You can visit world-famous museums such as the Clarke Historical Museum, the Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum, the Morris Graves Museum of Art, HSU First Street Gallery, the Discovery Museum for Children, and the Fort Humboldt State Historic Park.

Eureka is also home to Humboldt State University, now Cal Poly Humboldt, which contributes to the city’s dynamic atmosphere. The university brings youthful energy and offers educational opportunities in various disciplines, including natural resources, environmental science, and the arts.

Geographic location

Eureka, located in Northern California’s Redwood Empire region, encompasses various geographical features such as the Pacific Ocean coast, Humboldt Bay, and numerous rivers. As per the United States Census Bureau, the city of Eureka spans a total area of 14.5 square miles, with 9.4 square miles comprising land and 5.1 square miles consisting of water.

Climate

Eureka experiences a moderate and pleasant cool-summer Mediterranean-like climate. The Pacific Ocean’s influence and its location on the shores of Humboldt Bay result in temperatures that are cooler compared to a typical Mediterranean climate. The winter season is characterized by mild temperatures and rainfall, while summers are mild, cool, and relatively dry.

Demography

Eureka, with a population of 26,441, ranks as the 1472nd largest city in the USA. The city has a population density of 2,818 individuals per square mile. Currently, Eureka’s population is experiencing a decline at an annual rate of -0.09% and has decreased by -0.27% since the last census of 2020, which reported a population of 26,513.

The population of Eureka exhibits a diverse ethnic composition. The majority, accounting for 72.91%, identify as White. There is also a significant presence of individuals with mixed racial backgrounds, comprising 10.16% of the population. Other races make up 6.54% of the community. Asian residents represent 6.2%, while Black or African American individuals constitute 2.3%. The Native American population comprises 1.67% of Eureka, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders account for a smaller fraction at 0.23%.

Cost of Living

Depending on which area you choose to settle down in, Eureka provides a comparatively reasonable cost of living in contrast to other cities in California. With a cost of living index of 103.2, the city slightly surpasses the national average but remains affordable overall.

The annual expenses for a single adult in Eureka, including housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other essentials, amount to $35,973. This is lower than both the annual cost of living for California, which stands at $45,534 and the national average of $38,433.

The median household income is approximately $43,199 in Eureka, CA.

Transportation

Eureka offers a variety of travel options for visitors to explore its natural beauty and cultural attractions. One of the most popular ways to get around Eureka is by car, as it provides flexibility and allows visitors to easily navigate the city and its surrounding areas.

Rental car services are available, and major highways such as US Route 101 provide convenient access to Eureka. For those who prefer public transportation, Eureka has a reliable bus system operated by the Humboldt Transit Authority, offering routes within the city and connections to neighboring towns. Additionally, Eureka has an airport, the Arcata-Eureka Airport, which offers domestic flights. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available for convenient transportation within the city. Furthermore, Eureka is a pedestrian-friendly city with a compact downtown area, making it easy to explore on foot.

Schools

Eureka is home to a variety of outstanding schools catering to different educational needs and levels. It offers top-quality schools across various levels of education. Some of the best schools in Eureka are Eureka High School, St. Bernard’s Catholic School, and Alice Birney Elementary School.

Furthermore, Eureka boasts institutions dedicated to specialized education. The College of the Redwoods, with its diverse range of programs and dedicated faculty, offers students excellent opportunities for career and technical education, as well as transfer programs to four-year colleges and universities.

What is the city like?

The city, the county seat of Humboldt County is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including towering redwood forests, redwood coast, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches, providing residents and visitors with countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. One can hike along picturesque trails, enjoy picnics in beautifully maintained parks such as the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, or go kayaking in the nearby rivers and lakes.

Additionally, the city hosts vibrant cultural events and festivals, featuring live music, art exhibitions, and theater performances, providing ample entertainment for art aficionados.

More importantly, Eureka’s sense of community, celebrating the city’s diverse heritage, and strong commitment to sustainability are commendable.

With its blend of science, nature, and culture, Eureka City offers an enriching and fulfilling experience for visitors of all ages.