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).
Where to stay in Arcata
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.