Eureka
cityEureka, California, is the county seat of Humboldt County, situated on the North Coast. Located on the shores of Humboldt Bay along U.S. Route 101, it lies approximately 270 miles north of San Francisco and 100 miles south of the Oregon border. The city's population was approximately 26,512 in 2020. Eureka serves as the regional center for government, healthcare, trade, and the arts in the North Coast region, north of the San Francisco Bay Area. Eureka's economy has historically been driven by the lumber industry and commercial fishing. It is home to the largest deep-water port between San Francisco and Coos Bay. While these sectors have seen changes over time, healthcare, tourism, and other industries have contributed to diversifying the city's economic base. Key institutions such as St. Joseph Hospital and College of the Redwoods are located in Eureka. Eureka is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, particularly in its nationally recognized Old Town Historic District, and is a state historic landmark. The city's cultural attractions include the Carson Mansion, Sequoia Park Zoo, and the Clarke Historical Museum. Its location within California's Redwood Empire provides access to stunning natural landscapes, including Redwood National and State Parks.
Eureka, California
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 0623042
- Country
- United States
- County
- Humboldt County
- Region
- Redwood Empire
- Total Area
- 14.5 sq mi
- Land Area
- 9.4 sq mi
- Water Area
- 5.1 sq mi
- Latitude
- 40.80194
- Longitude
- -124.16361
- Climate
- Eureka has a mild, temperate cool-summer mediterranean climate. Winters are mild and rainy, and summers are mild, cool, and dry.
- Notable Features
- Humboldt Bay · Pacific Ocean Coast · Redwood Forests
- Neighboring Areas
- Arcata · Fortuna
- Population (2020)
- 26,512
- Est. Population (2024)
- 25,412
- Median Age
- 39.1
- Median Income
- $57,662
- Poverty Rate
- 18.1%
- Family Households
- 51%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Eureka includes 68.2% White, 5.99% Other Race, 5.57% Asian, and smaller percentages for Black or African American, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Eureka City Unified School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation


















































- Unemployment Rate
- 6.6%
- Economic Profile
- Commercial · Tourism · Fishing
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Public Administration
- Major Employers
- St Joseph Hospital · Target · Costco Wholesale · Walmart · College of the Redwoods
- Schools
- 12
- Students
- 3,538
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 24:1
- School Districts
- Eureka City Unified School District
- Colleges & Universities
- College of the Redwoods
- Transportation
- U.S. Route 101 · Public Transportation
- Utilities
- Municipal Water · Power · Broadband
- Major Facilities
- St. Joseph Hospital · California Redwood Coast – Humboldt County Airport (ACV) · Eureka Public Marina
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Redwood National and State Parks · Humboldt Bay · Sequoia Park
- Parks & Trails
- Sequoia Park · Waterfront Trail
- Founded
- 1850
- Incorporated
- 1856
- Named After
- The Greek word meaning 'I have found it!'
- Historical Significance
- Eureka played a significant role in the West Coast lumber trade and retains its original 19th-century commercial core as a nationally recognized Old Town Historic District.
- Key Events
- Establishment as a supply post for the Trinity Mountains mining industry · Development as a major lumber port · Expulsion of Chinese residents in 1885
