Arcata, CA—95521
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Arcata, CA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Arcata, CA is $491,000, with a year-over-year change of -7.6%. This indicates that home prices in Arcata, CA are decreasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is -3.6%, suggesting a decrease housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $491,000 | -7.6% |
| Single Family | $491,000 | -7.5% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $432,000 | -6.7% |
3 Bed | $488,000 | -4.9% |
4 Bed | $578,000 | -3.7% |
| 5 Bed | N/A | N/A |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Arcata, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Arcata, CA is $1,640, with a year-over-year rent change of -5.7%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Arcata, CA is studios: $900, 1-bedrooms: $1,050, 2-bedrooms: $1,540, 3-bedrooms: $2,180, 4-bedrooms: $2,820. The most common rental property sizes in Arcata, CA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 38.1% and 24.1% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,500 | $1,640 |
| Studio Rent | $900 | $900 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $995 | $1,050 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,500 | $1,540 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,000 | $2,180 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,650 | $2,820 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Arcata, CA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Arcata, CA is 46. This is a decrease of -29.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market shorter than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 43.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $599,000 | 0.0% |
Listing Count | 37 | -12.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.2% | -12.0% |
Days on Market | 46 | -29.0% |
Demographics — Arcata, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Arcata, CA has a population of 21,700, which has remained stable by 1.0% over the past 5 years. Arcata, CA is a less popular place for families, as children make up 13.9% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 45.0% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 12.7% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 21,700 | 1.0% |
% Under 18 | 13.9% | 11.2% |
% Seniors | 14.1% | 18.5% |
% WFH | 12.7% | 92.4% |
% w/ College Degree | 45.0% | -11.8% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Arcata, CA is a predominantly white area, with 71.6% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 2.1% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Arcata, CA is hispanic, making up 14.9% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 6.2% of the population in Arcata, CA, and this percentage has increased by 51.2% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 71.6% | -2.1% |
% Black | 2.1% | -22.2% |
% Hispanic | 14.9% | -2.0% |
% Asian | 2.3% | 9.5% |
% Foreign Born | 6.2% | 51.2% |
Mortgage and Risk — Arcata, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 116 mortgage originations in Arcata, CA, of which 89.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 58.0%, with 10.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in Arcata, CA. Investor activity is low, as 1.0% of loans were by investors. 11.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 116 |
% Conventional Loans | 89.0% |
% Government Loans | 11.0% |
% Investor Loans | 1.0% |
% Second Loans | 7.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 11.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Arcata, CA
Arcata, CA lacks sufficient Section 8 program data for analysis.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 441 |
Total Units Section 8 | 441 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | N/A |
% Occupied Section 8 | 75.1% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $185 | $995 | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedroom | $40 | $1,500 | $1,540 |
| 3 Bedroom | $160 | $2,000 | $2,160 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$60 | $2,650 | $2,590 |
Affordability — Arcata, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 10.3 |
| Median Home Price | $491,000 |
| Median Household Income | $54,300 |