Affordable housing isn't the same as low income housing, but it includes it. Eureka has a housing affordability problem. Median rent in Eureka is $1090 for a one bedroom. This is an increase of 12% in the past year. As rents rise and housing stock stays the same, this means renters, of which Eureka has a higher percentage than the state average, have to compete for housing. The federal government definition of “affordable housing” is housing that costs no more than 30% of a person’s income, including rent and utilities for renters, and mortgage, interest, insurance, taxes and utilities for homeowners. In Eureka, residents with moderate income ($38,433) pay an average of 67% of their income on housing (38%) and transportation (29%) costs.
State housing laws establish the following income levels:
| Very Low Income | 31 to 50% Area Median Income |
| Low Income | 51 to 80% Area Median Income |
| Moderate Income | 81 to 120% Area Median Income |
| Above Moderate Income | 120% Area Median Income |
According to the Census, median household income in Eureka is $46,926 (2017-2021). However, for the purpose of determining affordable housing prices, California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has set the 2023 median income in Humboldt County at $83,800 for a family of four (HCD raised Humboldt County’s area median income to equal California’s non-metropolitan median income). HCD uses the $83,800 median income value to determine which Humboldt County households qualify as very-low income, low income, and moderate income as follows:
| Income Category |
4-person household | 3-person household | 2-person household | 1-person household |
| Very Low Income |
$41,250 | $37,150 | $33,000 | $28,900 |
| Low Income | $65,950 | $59,400 | $52,800 | $46,200 |
| Moderate Income |
$100,550 | $90,500 | $80,450 | $70,400 |
As shown in the table, if a four-person household earns the median household income in Eureka of $46,926, that household qualifies as low-income. A one-person household earning $46,926 qualifies as moderate income. For context, the minimum wage in California will increase to $16.00 per hour in January 2024. A person working full time (2,080 hours per year) and earning minimum wage will bring home $33,280 in 2024.
Eureka's housing plan must accomodate our working class families. Imposing expensive restrictions on housing development means that the income categories of the majority of Eureka won't be expanded. This will raise prices across the city as housing shortages drive costs up.