Arcata, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Arcata, California is 18,578 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 368th-largest city in California. The median household income is $48,731, the median home value is $466,600, and the median age is 28.0.
The population has grown 6.0% since 2010 (17,681 → 18,748).
18,578
Population
1973
People / sq mi
$48,731
Median Income
$466,600
Median Home Value
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Arcata covers 9.4 sq mi of land at 1973 people per square mile.
About Arcata, CA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Arcata: 33.9% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. Arcata is a city in California with a population of 18,578.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $48,731, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.5% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $466,600, with typical rent around $1,287.
College attainment is above the local norm at 45.1%, above the national 35.0%. Around 13.4% of workers work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Arcata city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Arcata city had a population of 17,681 in 2010 and 18,748 in 2024, a 6.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,029 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.44%.
18,748
Population (2024)
17,681
Population (2010)
19,029
Peak (2023)
0.44%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,681 |
| 2011 | 17,912 |
| 2012 | 17,875 |
| 2013 | 17,860 |
| 2014 | 17,869 |
| 2015 | 17,945 |
| 2016 | 18,100 |
| 2017 | 18,148 |
| 2018 | 18,246 |
| 2019 | 18,431 |
| 2020 | 18,837 |
| 2021 | 17,756 |
| 2022 | 18,644 |
| 2023 | 19,029 |
| 2024 | 18,748 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 73.9% |
| Black or African American | 2.4% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Economy & Income
$48,731
Median Household Income
$30,772
Per Capita Income
15.5%
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$466,600
Median Home Value
$1,287
Median Rent
33.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.0%
High School+
45.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.4%
Drive Alone
59.2%
Public Transit
13.4%
Work From Home
18.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
25.6%
Foreign Born
85.7%
Non-English at Home
3.0%
Veterans
16.1%
With Disability
95.2%
Health Insurance
95.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 13.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 13.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.7% |
| Public Administration | 5.7% |
| Construction | 4.4% |
| Manufacturing | 3.8% |
| Retail Trade | 3.6% |
| Information | 3.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.4% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Arcata, California has a population of 18,578 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 368th-largest city in California.
The median household income in Arcata, California is $48,731, with 15.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Arcata, California is $466,600, with median monthly rent at $1,287 and a homeownership rate of 33.9%.
The median age in Arcata, California is 28.0 years. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
The population has grown 6.0% since 2010 (17,681 → 18,748).
Arcata city, CA Climate
Arcata city, CA has an average annual temperature of 11.9°C (53°F) and receives about 1201 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.9°C
Avg Temp
1201
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8° / 47° | 189 mm |
| February | 9° / 48° | 165 mm |
| March | 10° / 49° | 166 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 87 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 46 mm |
| June | 14° / 58° | 18 mm |
| July | 16° / 60° | 5 mm |
| August | 16° / 61° | 14 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 29 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 84 mm |
| November | 10° / 51° | 193 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 205 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Arcata city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Arcata city, CA are typically August, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 22°C high). The coldest is December (near 4°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.