Arcata city, CA

ZIP 95521 — Economy & Jobs

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates. Page data updated 2026-08-02.

Working ClassLow Snow Area

Income, employment, industries, and economic trends

Income & Economy in Arcata city, CA (95521)

Median Income

$54,324

*Adjusted for inflation (2023 dollars)

IRS Net Migration

+1,067

Wealth inflow

Population

21,684

Unemployment

12.2%

8.5pp above US avg

IRS migration statistics show a net inflow of about 1,067 for ZIP 95521 (Arcata city, CA) on US5’s published series — a signal of people/tax filers moving in relative to those leaving. Inflows often track job growth, housing demand, or lifestyle migration; treat the figure as a directional indicator rather than a precise headcount.

Economic Indicators

Unemployment

12.2%+230% vs US avg

Self-Employed

3.5%-42% vs US avg

SNAP Benefits

21.1%+80% vs US avg

613

Establishments

7,881

Employees

~13 per establishment — small businesses dominate

Healthcare

Top Industry

Economic Distributions

Census ACS 5-Year (P0): occupation, industry, household income brackets.

Occupation

Industry

Agriculture, forestry, mining1.8%
Construction5.9%
Manufacturing3.6%
Wholesale trade1.4%
Retail trade12.8%
Transportation, utilities4.3%
Information1.7%
Finance, insurance, real estate2.9%
Professional, scientific, management11.7%
Education, health care, social27.6%
Arts, entertainment, food services14.3%
Other services6.2%
Public administration5.8%

Household Income

Historical Trends in 95521 (2020–Present)

Since 2020, population grew 2.3%, median income rose 8.2% (inflation-adjusted), home values increased 10.5%.

Median Income

$54,324

-28% vs US avg

Unemployment Rate