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ZIP Code · CA

ZIP 95521

Part of Arcata, CA
Pop. 21,980·Humboldt County·880th most expensive ZIP in California
Median rent (all units)
$1,615/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.3%
Month-over-Month
+2.5%
vs US Median
-$350
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 95521 · $1,615
More affordable than 65% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,160
1 BR
$1,240
2 BR
$1,620
3 BR
$2,250
4 BR+
$2,720
Research median
$1,620/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$19,380/yr
At $1,615/mo median
Location
CityArcata
StateCA
CountyHumboldt County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 3.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+3.3% YoY, +2.5% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 95521 (Arcata, CA) is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 46.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
21,980
Median income
$53,114
Median age
29.2
Renters
59.8%
Age distribution
14%
44%
18.6%
14.7%
Under 1814%
18–3444%
35–5418.6%
55–648.7%
65+14.7%
Gender
48.9%
51.1%
Male48.9%
Female51.1%
Race & ethnicity
73.6%
15.4%
White73.6%
Black3%
Hispanic15.4%
Asian1.3%
Other6.7%
Education (25+)
15.5%
33.2%
46.4%
No HS diploma4.9%
HS diploma15.5%
Some college33.2%
Bachelor's+46.4%
Housing tenure
40.2%
59.8%
Owner40.2%
Renter59.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 95521 in Arcata, CA has changed in 5 years

Income
$43,520 → $53,114
up 22.0%
Population
22,259 → 21,980
down 1.3%
Renter share
62.2% → 59.8%
-2.4 pts
Bachelor's+
46.5% → 46.4%
-0.1 pts
Median age
28.4 → 29.2
+0.8 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $43,520 to $53,114 across the same window, up 22.0% versus 2021. Census counts show ZIP 95521 in Arcata, CA losing about 279 residents over the five-year window, down 1.3% on net. The renter share has eased from 62.2% to 59.8%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder.

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 95521

About renting in ZIP 95521

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 95521 covers Arcata, CA. The median rent here is $1,615/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,240/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,620/mo.

At 36% of local median household income ($53,114/yr), ZIP 95521 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 95521?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 95521 (Arcata, CA) is $1,615. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 95521 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 95521's median rent of $1,615/mo is $350 (18%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 95521 compare to other ZIPs in California?

ZIP 95521 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in California, ranking #880 out of 907 ZIPs at $1,615/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 95521?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $65,000/year (~$31/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,615/mo in ZIP 95521. The local median household income is $53,114/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 95521?

Rent in ZIP 95521 has increased 3.3% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 95521 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 95521 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,615/mo, rent takes approximately 36% of the local median household income ($53,114/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 95521 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 95521 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 59.8% of ZIP 95521 households are renters, while 40.2% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 95521 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 95521 compare to the rest of Arcata?

ZIP 95521 sits right at the Arcata citywide median of $1,615/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 95521 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 95521 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
36%
MODERATE

At $1,615/mo, rent takes ~36% of ZIP 95521's median household income ($53,114/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 95521 36%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
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Public schools near ZIP 95521 (Arcata, CA)

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