US ZIP Code
95521

Arcata, CA

Humboldt County  ·  California

● Active
👥 21,684 Population ↑ 3% since 2019
💰 $54,324 Median HH Income
▼ 29% below avg ↑ 38% since 2019
🎂 29.2 Median Age ↑ 4% since 2019
🏠 $478,600 Median Home Value
▲ 72% above avg ↑ 36% since 2019
🎓 55.6% College Grads
▲ 43% above avg
📊 12.2% Unemployment
▲ 149% above avg ↑ 13% since 2019
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code95521
CityArcata
StateCalifornia (CA)
CountyHumboldt County
Area Code369/707
Elevation347 ft
Latitude40.843356
Longitude-124.045334
TimezoneLos Angeles (DST)
FIPS06023
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 49.3% (10,679) Female 50.8% (11,005) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 71.6%Hispanic: 14.9%Black: 1.8%Asian: 2.3%Other: 7%Race
White71.6%
Hispanic14.9%
Black1.8%
Asian2.3%
Other7.0%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
3%
5–17
11%
18–24
27%
25–44
29%
45–64
15%
65+
7%

Key Indicators

Median Age29.2 yrs ↑ 4% since 2019
Avg Household Size2.26
Below Poverty24.7% ▲ 147% above avg
College Grads55.6% ▲ 43% above avg
Unemployment12.2% ▲ 149% above avg
No HS Diploma121 (1%)
HS Graduate1,688 (13.9%)
Some College1,250 (10.3%)
Associates2,349 (19.3%)
Bachelors1,306 (10.7%)
Graduate Degree5,461 (44.9%)

Education

No HS: 1%HS Grad: 13.9%Some College: 10.3%Associates: 19.3%Bachelors: 10.7%Graduate: 44.9%Edu
No HS1.0%
HS Grad13.9%
Some College10.3%
Associates19.3%
Bachelors10.7%
Graduate44.9%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 36.7%Renter: 63.3%Tenure
Owner36.7%
Renter63.3%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
4%
$50k–100k
6%
$100k–150k
1%
$150k–200k
0%
$200k–300k
6%
$300k–500k
37%
Over $500k
45%

Financials

Median HH Income$54,324 ▼ 29% below avg ↑ 38% since 2019
Median Home Value$478,600 ▲ 72% above avg ↑ 36% since 2019
Home/Income Ratio8.8x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$1,300/mo ↑ 27% since 2019
Total Units9,797
Vacant Units937
Avg HH Size2.26

Income Distribution

Under $25k
26%
$25k–50k
19%
$50k–75k
18%
$75k–100k
13%
$100k–150k
12%
$150k–200k
6%
Over $200k
6%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
71%
Public Transit
1%
Walked
13%
Work From Home
15%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
50%
15–30 min
36%
30–45 min
7%
Over 45 min
6%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
4%
1940s–1950s
19%
1960s–1970s
14%
1980s–1990s
8%
2000+
54%

Summary

Total Units9,797
Vacant937
Owner Occupied36.7%
Renter Occupied63.3%
Avg HH Size2.26
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 95521 is in Arcata, CA, in Humboldt County.
ZIP code 95521 is located in California (CA).
ZIP code 95521 is in Humboldt County, CA.
ZIP 95521 observes the Los Angeles timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 95521 is 21,684 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 95521 is $54,324 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 95521 is $478,600 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 95521

ZIP code 95521 is located in Arcata, California, within Humboldt County. With a population of 21,684, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a young community — the median age is 29.2 years. Economically, 95521 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $54,324 is below the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 95521 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $478,600 is significantly above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,300 per month in median rent. This is predominantly a renter community, with 63.3% of occupied units rented — typical of urban and transitional neighborhoods. Median home values have increased by 36% since 2019.

The population of 95521 is primarily White (71.63%). Residents are well-educated — 55.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 24.7%. Household income has grown by 38% since 2019.

The unemployment rate in 95521 stands at 12.2%, which is more than double the national average. About 13% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 62%.

Overall, ZIP code 95521 in Arcata, CA is characterized as working-class, well-educated, and a young community. With 21,684 residents, a median household income of $54,324, and a median home value of $478,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of California.