2026 Compare Cities Economy:
Arcata, CA vs San Marcos, CA

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Highlights
- Household income in San Marcos, is 132% more than it is in Arcata and is 24% above the National Average.
- Arcata unemployment rate is 6.7%.
- San Marcos unemployment rate is 5.9%.
 Arcata, CASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.9%6.0%
 Recent Job Growth  Unlock1.4%1.6%
 Future Job Growth31.3%  Unlock33.5%
 Sales Taxes7.8%  Unlock6.2%
 Income Taxes  Unlock8.0%4.6%
 Income per Cap.$25,475  Unlock$37,638
 Household Income  Unlock$90,620$69,021
 Family Median Income$78,010  Unlock$85,028
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 Est. Households By Income
 Arcata, CASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Income Less Than 15K  Unlock7.7%9.4%
 Income between 15K and 20K5.1%  Unlock3.8%
 Income between 20K and 30K  Unlock5.9%8.1%
 Income between 30K and 40K7.7%  Unlock8.0%
 Income between 40K and 50K  Unlock6.9%7.6%
 Income between 50K and 60K5.0%  Unlock7.2%
 Income between 60K and 75K  Unlock8.0%9.6%
 Income between 75K and 100K8.7%  Unlock12.8%
 Income between 100K and 150K  Unlock17.2%16.3%
 Income between 150K and 200K4.5%  Unlock7.8%
 Income greater than 200K  Unlock15.3%9.5%
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 Population By Occupation
 Arcata, CASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Management, business, finance11.3%  Unlock16.4%
 Engineering, computers, science  Unlock8.2%6.5%
 Community, social services2.2%  Unlock1.8%
 Legal  Unlock0.8%1.2%
 Education, library8.6%  Unlock6.2%
 Arts, design, media, sports, entertainment  Unlock1.6%2.0%
 Healthcare practitioners and technology5.6%  Unlock6.2%
 Healthcare support  Unlock3.9%3.3%
 Firefighters, law enforcement0.8%  Unlock2.1%
 Food preparation, serving  Unlock5.4%5.4%
 Building maintenance4.2%  Unlock3.6%
 Personal care  Unlock2.8%2.6%
 Sales, office, administrative support17.1%  Unlock20.9%
 Farming, fishing, forestry  Unlock0.5%0.6%
 Construction, extraction, maintenance/repair5.2%  Unlock8.1%
 Production, transportation, material moving  Unlock11.0%13.1%
Reviews for Arcata    17 Reviews

Pros: Nature hikes Cons: One of highest crime rates in the nation. Opioid epidemic going on (you’ll regularly witness drug deals and ppl doing drugs) No  More

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It takes a special set of preferences to select Arcata. Is this you? - You love clouds and fog. You are happy if you see the sun maybe 10-20 times a year. - Chilly  More

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Over 12 years ago

I've lived in Humboldt for over 30 yrs and know all the areas well. Arcata is the jewel of Humboldt due to having a university and many liberal creative people. There is  More

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Reviews for San Marcos    5 Reviews

Just an amazing place to live. I have lived in 7 states and almost countless cities. Sam Marcos is one of the best. This is literally the longest place I have lived  More

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Over 16 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

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Over 19 years ago

Beautiful Mediterranean climate with bright sunshine and ocean breazes. City is just 15 minutes away from the  More

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