2025 Compare Cities Rankings:
Eau Claire, WI vs Arcata, CA

#15 Best Green Cities

#15 Most Secure Places to Live 2011 (Small Towns)

#16 Most Secure Places to Live in the U.S. (Small Towns)

#28 America's Best and Worst Cities for Crime (Smallest Metro Areas)

#46 Most Competitive Public Colleges

#82 America's Most (and Least) Stressful Cities (117 Smallest Metro Areas)

#135 2005 Best Places to Live

I was born in Spokane, Washington but we moved to Eau Claire when I was no more than 2 years old, so you can bet that all I remember is Eau Claire and Chippewa. I went  More

Progressive business for its  More

I am considering moving there because summer in Denver CO metro area is too hot to me although it is dry. Eau Claire seems to be a best place to move but my most  More

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

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

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