Arcata is a city located in Humboldt County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 16,651. This college town is home to Humboldt State University, which accounts for approximately half of its residents.
Arcata, which is adjacent to Humboldt Bay on the "redwood coast," is a fountain of radical thought in otherwise conservative lumber country and is sometimes derided by outlying Humboldt residents as "The People's Republic of Arcata." It is the first city in the United States to elect a majority of its city council members from the Green Party. Established during the timber boom generated by the 19th century Gold Rush, Arcata features a large number of original Victorian structures, many of which have been lovingly restored. For its size, the city has many bookstores, coffeehouses, restaurants, galleries and music venues. It is also home to the beloved Humboldt Crabs of semi-pro baseball fame, who frequently play before sold-out crowds (of c. 1500) each summer.
In order to preserve its community character, laws in Arcata limit the number of chain restaurants allowed in the city. Residents hotly debate major issues, including protection of the physical environment, the domination of America by corporate culture, legalization of marijuana, and the statue of President William McKinley that is located in Arcata's downtown plaza. Arcata was the first city in the nation to pass a law purporting to nullify the USA PATRIOT Act in that city. The legality of this has not yet been tested. Arcata was also the first municipality to ban the growth of any type of Genetically Modified Organism within city limits, with exceptions for research and educational purposes.
Arcata is located at 40°52'22" North, 124°4'58" West (40.872805, -124.082814).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.6 km2 (11.0 mi2). 23.8 km2 (9.2 mi2) of it is land and 4.8 km2 (1.9 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 16.76% water.
As of the census of 2000, there are 16,651 people, 7,051 households, and 2,813 families residing in the city. The population density is 699.6/km2 (1,812.1/mi2). There are 7,272 housing units at an average density of 305.5/km2 (791.4/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 84.51% White, 1.56% Black or African American, 2.65% Native American, 2.27% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 3.49% from other races, and 5.31% from two or more races. 7.22% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 7,051 households out of which 19.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 25.9% are married couples living together, 10.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 60.1% are non-families. 34.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.16 and the average family size is 2.81.
In the city the population is spread out with 15.3% under the age of 18, 32.3% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 15.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 26 years. For every 100 females there are 99.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $22,315, and the median income for a family is $36,716. Males have a median income of $26,577 versus $24,358 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,531. 32.2% of the population and 14.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 22.4% of those under the age of 18 and 6.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
The Wiyot and Yurok are the farthest-southwest people whose language has Algonquian roots. Their traditional homeland ranged from Mad River through Humboldt Bay (including the present cities of Eureka and Arcata) to the lower Eel river basin. Due to several factors, including violent acts toward the Wiyot people, their population was reduced to less than 5% of pre-European numbers. See the article on the Wiyot people for more on their nation's history in the region.
Source:
ArcataCalifornia.com
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