Eureka, CA
Population 26,302 · California
About Eureka, CA
Eureka is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 26,302 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,253 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Eureka features a median home value of $375,800, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. This places Eureka in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,157, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,837 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (5,153 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (5,582 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Eureka shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Eureka have an average one-way commute time of 16.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
31.3% of Eureka residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 10.9% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 7.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Eureka, CA
Compared to national averages, Eureka has a median household income of $60,253 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $375,800, which is 53% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,157 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Eureka's income is 38% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 43% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Eureka, CA?
Eureka offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,157/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,253) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $375,800. However, Eureka’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Eureka has a population of 26,302 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare Eureka with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Eureka
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Pasadena | 26,297 | $128,105 | $1,545,100 | Compare |
| Hercules | 26,245 | $130,583 | $741,200 | Compare |
| Wasco | 26,222 | $55,521 | $251,900 | Compare |
| Windsor | 26,179 | $129,004 | $763,200 | Compare |
| Sanger | 26,515 | $74,428 | $346,000 | Compare |
| North Tustin | 26,038 | $186,250 | $1,212,400 | Compare |
| Imperial Beach | 25,897 | $79,071 | $811,000 | Compare |
| Benicia | 26,861 | $125,040 | $778,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Eureka With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Eureka
What is the population of Eureka, CA?
The population of Eureka, CA is 26,302 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Eureka?
The median household income in Eureka, CA is $60,253 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Eureka?
The median home value in Eureka, CA is $375,800, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Eureka?
The median monthly rent in Eureka, CA is $1,157, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Eureka?
The unemployment rate in Eureka, CA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Eureka, CA a good place to live?
Eureka offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,302 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Eureka, CA?
31.3% of residents in Eureka aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Eureka?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Eureka, CA: median home value is $375,800 (53% above national), median rent is $1,157/month, and median household income is $60,253. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Eureka?
The poverty rate in Eureka, CA is 17.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Eureka, CA?
Eureka's population is 10.9% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 7.7% of residents are foreign-born.