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Regional Overview
Humboldt County is situated along the Pacific Coast, approximately 250 miles north of San Francisco. The county contains nearly 2.3 million acres, 80% of which remains forested. The Kings Range National Conservation Area creates the county’s southern border and Redwood National Park it’s northern one. To the east Trinity County’s rugged Kneeland Range foothills form the boundary with State Highway 299, eastbound to Redding, running through the mountains.
Humboldt Bay, 14 miles long by 4 miles wide, is the only deep-water port between San Francisco, 270 miles to the south and Coos Bay, Oregon, 200 miles north. On the broad, level plain at the mouth of the Eel River and alongside Humboldt Bay grew the population centers of Eureka, Arcata, and Fortuna/Ferndale. These centers of commerce and industry are located along U.S. 101, which follows the coastline from Eel River to the Oregon Border. Well known for the outdoor activities that accompany its beautiful forests, beaches and rivers, tourism is very popular throughout the area.
Environment
Median average temperature at the edge of Humboldt Bay is a cool 54.4 degrees with summertime highs reaching the 60-degree mark. Eureka receives approximately 38” of precipitation annually.
Transportation
As previously noted, transportation is primarily centered along the U.S. Highway 101 corridor, parallel, to and inland from the harbor. Eastbound State Highway 299 begins at its junction with this main north-south artery north of Arcata. The Eureka Southern railroad carries freight and, occasionally, local passengers. Greyhound and Redwood Transit System provide local and long-distance land transportation within the county. Scheduled United Express and Horizon/Alaska air-service land at the nearby Arcata/Eureka airport in McKinleyville.
Population Trends
By 2000, the county had a population of just over 125,000 with nearly 30,000 residing in the coastal-plain cities. The Humboldt County population has seen very slight growth; most recent figures indicate a change of less than 1% annually in the last five years. Eureka has experienced even slower growth with only a .7% increase over the past five years combined. The cool, foggy summers typical for the Northern California coast, encourage the forests to thrive but inhibit growth of population. The county’s other six incorporated cities are Arcata, home to Humboldt State University; Blue Lake (pop. 1,240); Fortuna (pop. 10,250): Rio Dell (pop. 2,940); Trinidad (pop. 360) and Ferndale (pop. 1,370). The areas north of Arcata have absorbed the majority of new growth of the proximity to Humboldt State University and a less foggy climate. McKinleyville sits within this zone with a population of 12,250 in 1994 and an increase of over 38% within the preceding decade. While not incorporated as a city, it is considered Humboldt County’s fastest growing community.
Conclusion
In summary, the economic base for Humboldt County has been the timber industry along with supporting service industries. However, this industry has all but passed away. The primary industry at this point in time is tourism. Humboldt State University, with some 6,000 students and 2,400 employees, and government-related services are next. Retail, small manufacturing, fisheries, and construction all have a lesser influence on the area’s prosperity. In spite of its affordable housing, outdoor recreational activities, and peaceful coastal atmosphere, the health of Humboldt County is directly related to the demand for affordable housing for the immigration of retirees and tourism.
(Content taken from Ryan & Associates, real estate analysts and consultants)
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