Humboldt County, California

Rivers

Humboldt County's major rivers include (in order of flow – in cubic meters per second – from largest to smallest):

• Klamath River
• Eel River
• Trinity River
• Mad River

The smaller rivers include Redwood Creek, significant due to amount of its flow; the Van Duzen; the Eel River syncline group composed of the South Fork, the North Fork, and the Salt River; the Mattole, Salmon, Elk, Bear, and Little rivers.

Seismic activity

Historically, Humboldt County and the entire far north coast of California have had many earthquakes over 6.0 magnitude. The Mendocino fracture zone is in the area.^[26]

The 1992 Cape Mendocino earthquakes were a series of three major earthquakes that occurred off the coast of Cape Mendocino, California on April 25 and 26, 1992, the largest being a 7.2. Ninety-five people were injured and property in the county sustained considerable damage.^[27]

In 2010, a 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck offshore, 33 mi (53 km) west of Eureka, resulting in only minor injuries and some structural damage to houses and utilities, and no fatalities reported.^[28]

In 2022, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake centered approximately 10 miles (16 km) from Ferndale caused damage, especially in Rio Dell.^[29]

The 2024 Cape Mendocino earthquake was a M_ww 7.0 earthquake with an epicenter off the coast of Humboldt County.^[26]

The town of Arcata is built on top of an accretionary wedge. This was formed by the subduction of the Gorda plate under the North American plate.^[30]

Climate

The coastal zone of the county experiences very wet, cool winters and dry, mild foggy summers. In the winter, temperatures range from highs of 40–59 °F (4–15 °C) to lows of 32–49 °F (0–9 °C). Coastal summers are cool to mild, with average highs of 60–69 °F (16–21 °C) and frequent fog. Coastal summer temperatures range from highs of 64–70 °F (18–21 °C) to lows of 46–55 °F (8–13 °C). In the populated areas and cities near the coast, the highest temperatures tend to occur at locations just a few miles inland from Eureka and Arcata, in towns like Fortuna, Rio Dell, and smaller unincorporated communities located somewhat further away from Humboldt Bay. In these locations summer highs are 70–75 °F (21–24 °C). The coastal zone experiences a number of frosty nights in winter and early spring, though snowfall and hard freezes are rare. Coastal winters are cool and wet. Winter rainstorms are frequent, with averages from 30 to 100 inches (760 to 2,500 mm) a year, depending upon elevation.

Inland areas of the county also experience wet, cool winters. Snowfall is common at elevations over 3,000 ft (910 m) throughout the winter months, and is deep enough at higher elevations to have inspired the opening of a small ski lift operation (now defunct) on Horse Mountain, near Willow Creek, for several decades in the late 20th century. Summer displays the sharpest difference between the coastal and inland climates. Inland regions of Humboldt County experience highs of 80–99 °F (27–37 °C) depending on the elevation and distance from the ocean. Occasional summer highs of 100 °F (38 °C) are common in eastern and southern parts of the county including Orleans, Hoopa, Willow Creek, Garberville, Honeydew, and inland river valleys.

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 136,463. The median age was 39.1 years. 19.5% of residents were under the age of 18 and 19.1% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 98.6 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 97.1 males age 18 and over.^[37][38]

The racial makeup of the county was 71.9% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 6.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6% Asian, 0.3% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 5.7% from some other race, and 11.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 13.6% of the population.^[38]

68.5% of residents lived in urban areas, while 31.5% lived in rural areas.^[39]

There were 56,422 households in the county, of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 28.9% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.^[37]

There were 62,120 housing units, of which 9.2% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 55.3% were owner-occupied and 44.7% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.4% and the rental vacancy rate was 4.7%.^[37]

Racial and ethnic composition

2010 census

The 2010 United States census reported that Humboldt County had a population of 134,623. The racial makeup of Humboldt County was 109,920 (81.7%) White, 1,505 (1.1%) African American, 7,726 (5.7%) Native American, 2,944 (2.2%) Asian, 352 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 5,003 (3.7%) from other races, and 7,173 (5.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13,211 persons (9.8%).^[49]

2000

As of the 2000 census, the population of Humboldt County was 126,518. As of that census, there were 51,238 households in Humboldt County, and the population density was 35 people per square mile (14 people/km²). By 2006, the population was projected to have increased to 131,361 by the California Department of Finance.^[50] There were 55,912 housing units at an average density of 16 units per square mile (6.2 units/km²).^{[citation needed]} The racial makeup of the county was 84.7% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 5.7% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 2.5% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. In 2017, 11.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino according to the United States Census Bureau. 13.3% were of German, 10.7% Irish, 10.3% English, 7.4% American and 5.7% Italian ancestry according to Census 2000. 92.1% spoke English and 4.6% spoke Spanish as their first language.

There were 51,238 households, out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.2% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 12.4% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,226, and the median income for a family was $39,370. Males had a median income of $32,210 versus $23,942 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,203. About 12.9% of families and 19.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.5% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

Dairy

Humboldt County is known for its family-operated dairy farms. The Humboldt Creamery, a significant producer of high-grade ice cream and other dairy products, operates from the original headquarters located at Fernbridge adjacent to the Eel River.^[52]

Cannabis

As part of the Emerald Triangle, Humboldt County is known for its cultivation of cannabis, estimated to be worth billions of dollars.^[54][55] Proposition 215 allows patients and caregivers who are given a doctor's recommendation to legally (State level only) grow up to 99 plants in Humboldt County.^[56][57] However, in the years before Prop 215 (early 1970s – late 1980s), Humboldt County saw a large migration of the Bay Area counter-culture to the region. Many came looking to purchase cheap land, and ended up growing marijuana to pay for their land. Especially around Garberville and Redway, the rural culture and hippie scene eventually collaborated to create a rural hippie community in which marijuana became the center of the economy and the culture. Many people prospered by producing marijuana for California and other states because of its reputation for quality.^[58] A Redway radio station, KMUD, in the past has issued warnings and alerts to the region with information on whereabouts of law enforcement on their way to raid marijuana gardens.^[59][58]

The Campaign Against Marijuana Planting is the multi-agency law enforcement task force managed by the California Department of Justice, formed with the prime purpose of eradicating illegal cannabis production in California. The operations began in the late 1970s, named the Northern California Sinsemilla Strike Force in 1979, but the name CAMP became used after its official establishment in 1983. While the influence of CAMP in Humboldt County has waned with decriminalization of marijuana, there is a renewed interest at the state level regarding valid growing permits and environmental concerns. As a result, CAMP is today still used as a policing body, in accordance with the DEA.^[60] Yearly CAMP reports, published by the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) are available online through Cal Poly Humboldt's Special Collections. Starting in 1983, the annual reports detail the organizational structure and names of individual participants, a summary of the season's activities, tactics, and mention of special successes, trends and hazards.^[60]

County officials and the industry have encountered challenges in the transition from an illegal, underground economy to legal recreational cannabis sales that began in California in 2018.^[61]

As of 2023, the county has the largest cannabis farming industry in the Emerald Triangle. While the largest legal pot farm in the county was 8 acres (3.2 ha), a 2021 survey found the median pot farm site was 0.22 acres (0.09 ha).^[62]

Lead poisoning (2017–2018)

Humboldt County children are at greater risk of dangerously elevated blood lead levels than Flint, Michigan's – and almost double that of any other California county measured. The cases are concentrated in Eureka's Old Town and downtown areas.^[63][64][65]

National protected areas

National Park

• Redwood National and State Parks – National Park Service

Conservation area

• King Range National Conservation Area and The Lost Coast – Bureau of Land Management

Recreation area

• Samoa Dunes Recreation Area – Bureau of Land Management

Forests

• Headwaters Forest Reserve – Bureau of Land Management
• Six Rivers National Forest – U.S. Forest Service
• Trinity National Forest – U.S. Forest Service

Wildlife refuge

• Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge – Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

State protected areas

Beaches

• Little River State Beach
• Trinidad State Beach

Parks

• Fort Humboldt State Historic Park
• Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
• Humboldt Lagoons State Park
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park
• Sue-meg State Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Richardson Grove State Park
• Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

Tide pools

• Sue-meg State Park
• Moonstone Beach
• Indian Beach (also known as Old Home Beach)

Recreation areas

• Benbow State Recreation Area
• Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area

Reserves

• Azalea State Reserve
• John B. Dewitt Redwoods State Reserve

County parks

Overview

Humboldt County is in California's 2nd congressional district, represented by Democrat Jared Huffman.^[82]

In the state legislature, Humboldt is part of the 2nd senatorial district, represented by Democrat Mike McGuire,^[83] and the 2nd Assembly district, represented by Democrat Chris Rogers.^[84]

Election audits in the county since 2008 have used a distinctive system which has spread elsewhere. They scan all ballots and release a file of the images with a digital signature, so candidates and the public can recount to find if the official totals are correct. They also release software to let the public tally the images electronically.^[85] The first time they did this they found the official software omitted 200 ballots.^{[86][87][88][89]}

Voter registration

Party preferences

From 1920 to 1984, the county was a noted bellwether area, voting for the national winner of every presidential election. Since 1988, Humboldt has swung heavily to the Democratic Party at the presidential and congressional levels, and is now one of the most Democratic areas in the state outside of the Bay Area and urban Southern California. The last Republican presidential candidate to win a majority in the county was Ronald Reagan, a Californian, in 1984.^[92]

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Humboldt also had a substantial number of people affiliated with the Green Party, but that number has declined in recent years; however, the Green Party has had its best performance by presidential and gubernatorial candidates of any county in the United States in Humboldt County, with Jill Stein gaining her largest county-level number of votes in Humboldt in 2016.^{[citation needed]}

Cities by population and crime rates

Print

The Times-Standard is the only daily newspaper in the region; in continuous publication since 1854, and owned by Media News Group since 1996,^[105][106] They also print three weeklies: the Redwood Times,^[107] the Tri-City Weekly,^[108] and Northcoast 101.^[109] Other local publications include The Independent,^[110][111] the North Coast Journal,^[112] the Ferndale Enterprise,^[113] the Two Rivers Tribune,^[114] the Isis Scrolls,^[115] and The Lumberjack.^[116] The Arcata Eye ^[117] and the McKinleyville Press^[118] merged in August 2013 to form the Mad River Union.^[119]

Television

Humboldt County's locally produced television stations, NBC station KIEM and PBS station KEET, are based in Eureka. KIEM produces the only local TV newscast and KEET is the only PBS station in the region. Since 2017, CBS affiliate KVIQ has been a low-powered station operated as part of a duopoly with KIEM, sharing the same studios.

Fox affiliate KBVU, a semi-satellite of KCVU, is based in Chico and ABC affiliate KAEF, a semi-satellite of KRCR-TV, is based in Redding. In previous decades all major networks had production capacity in Eureka.

Radio

Community media

Community broadband networks and public, educational, and government access (PEG) cable TV channels provide air time for local voices on Access Humboldt.^[140] Cable TV channels are carried by Suddenlink Communications^[141] and local programs are provided online through the Community Media Archive.^[142] The Digital Redwoods initiative of Access Humboldt is developing local networks to meet comprehensive community needs, including public, education and government purposes.^[143]

Major highways

Public transportation

• Humboldt Transit Authority operates two fixed route transit bus systems:
  • Redwood Transit System provides intercity service to and within communities between Trinidad and Garberville, including Manila, King Salmon, Field's Landing, Loleta, Fernbridge and Fortuna. HTA also offers service between McKinleyville or Arcata and Willow Creek and an express bus between Arcata and College of the Redwoods when classes are in session.
  • Eureka Transit Service, operated in the City of Eureka, provides local service on four scheduled routes (one hour headway) in Eureka and its adjacent unincorporated communities. Connections can be made to the Redwood Transit System at several places in Eureka.
• Arcata and Mad River Transit System, operated by the City of Arcata with funding from Cal Poly Humboldt. A&MRTS provides fixed route local bus service on two scheduled routes (one hour headway) in Arcata and an additional route between the Valley West Neighborhood and the university when classes are in session.
• The city of Blue Lake and the Blue Lake Rancheria operates the Blue Lake Rancheria Transit Authority.^[144] This provides fixed route intercity transit bus service (one hour headway) between Arcata and the Blue Lake Rancheria Indian Reservation and casino and local service within the city of Blue Lake.
• Del Norte County's Redwood Coast Transit operates fixed route intercity transit bus service between Arcata and Crescent City or Smith River.
• Amtrak Thruway provides bus service to many towns in the region, including Eureka, Arcata, and Fortuna, connecting to train service at the Martinez station, in the Bay Area.
• The North State Express (NSE) is a proposed express bus service connecting the four corners of the US101, I-5, SR299, and SR20 corridors with each other and with Sacramento and the Bay Area.^[145]

Airports

Arcata-Eureka Airport is located in McKinleyville (north of Arcata). Commercial flights are available. Other general aviation airports are located at Dinsmore, Garberville, Kneeland, Murray Field (Eureka), Samoa Field and Rohnerville (Fortuna).

Seaport

The Port of Humboldt Bay is on Humboldt Bay, California's second largest natural bay.

Filming location

Ferndale, in southern Humboldt county, has been featured in such movies as The Majestic^[189] and Outbreak.^[190][191] It has appeared in made-for-television movies including Salem's Lot,^[190] A Death in Canaan,^[190] and Joe Dirt.^[192] It was also the location of the iconic "I'm a Pepper" commercial for Dr. Pepper.^[193]

Additionally the following films were shot in Ferndale: the science fiction horror cult film She Demons (1958),^[194] the award-winning short film Nonnie & Alex (1995),^[195] and the comedy-drama Kingdom Come (2001).^[196]

Television shows

Much of The WB's Hyperion Bay and the CBS show Blue Skies as well as an episode of Moonlighting were filmed in Humboldt County. The infamous Patterson-Gimlin film was filmed on Bluff Creek near Orleans, California.

Humboldt County has also been the subject of multiple documentary miniseries including Discovery Channel's Pot Cops and Netflix's Murder Mountain.

Humboldt County has also been featured in episodes of On the Case with Paula Zahn, The Profit, Hamilton's Pharmacopeia, Top Gear, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Survivorman, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Finding Bigfoot, Treehouse Masters, Rescue 911, Walking With Dinosaurs, Somebody's Gotta Do It, Monsters Resurrected, Weediquette, Dan Rather Reports, Monster Fish, Beachfront Bargain Hunt, and many more.^[197]

Ferndale was featured by Huell Howser in Road Trip Episode 149.^[198]

Humboldt County has also been the filming location for countless national television advertisements, including many major car commercials.^[197]

The Netflix series Virgin River is set in Humboldt County.

Books

In the book Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov there is a possible pun using the county's name (Humboldt) in connection to the main character's name (Humbert Humbert). This appears on page 108: "With the help of a guidebook I located [The Enchanted Hunters inn] in the secluded town of Briceland." This 'secluded town' could very well be a reference to the unincorporated Briceland of Humboldt County, making The Enchanted Hunters in 'Humboldt Land', continuing the novel's grotesque fairy-tale veneer.^[199]

Towards the end of the novel Parable of the Sower by late author Octavia E. Butler, characters relocate to Humboldt County, near Cape Mendocino. The beginning of the sequel novel, Parable of the Talents, takes place in Humboldt County and mentions several cities by name, including Arcata, Eureka, and Garberville.^[200][201]

Cities

Census-designated places

Other unincorporated communities

Indian reservations

Humboldt County has eight Indian reservations lying within its borders. Only four other counties in the United States have more: San Diego County, California; Sandoval County, New Mexico; Riverside County, California; and Mendocino County, California. The Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation is the largest in the state of California, a state that generally has small reservations (although numerous) relative to those in other states.

• Big Lagoon Rancheria
• Blue Lake Rancheria
• Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation
• Karuk Indian Reservation (partly in Siskiyou County)
• Rohnerville Rancheria
• Table Bluff Rancheria
• Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria
• Yurok Indian Reservation (partly in Del Norte County)

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Humboldt County.^[202]

† county seat