RANK #963 / 996 · POP 136,132 · CA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -3.6%
Humboldt County, California, is defined by its ancient redwood forests and rugged coastline, offering a distinctive blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Located about 270 miles north of San Francisco, the county seat, Eureka, and the college town of Arcata are known for their Victorian architecture and proximity to Humboldt Bay, California's second-largest natural bay. The region boasts extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and biking through redwood groves in places like Humboldt Redwoods State Park and along coastal trails such as the Hammond Trail. Residents and visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and beachcombing across 17 county parks and numerous state parks.
Life in Humboldt County often appeals to those seeking a slower pace and a strong connection to nature. While the area attracts outdoor enthusiasts and artists, it has also seen an increase in remote workers and retirees drawn to its natural amenities and community feel. The economy, historically reliant on timber, has diversified, with recent growth in services, retail, healthcare, and state and local government. The legal cannabis industry has also become a significant contributor to the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, with new jobs emerging in related product development. Public transportation options, including bus services, connect the main towns and Cal Poly Humboldt.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 9.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Humboldt County has a Boom Town Index score of 3/100, ranking #963 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +4.2% and a median household income of $57,881, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Humboldt County is $386,000 with median rent at $1,191/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.15, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +4.2%. Home values changed -4.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.88% of Humboldt County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.