Is Myrtletown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Myrtletown
Myrtletown, California, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and proximity to natural beauty, making it an appealing location for many. This community, nestled within Humboldt County, provides a distinct living experience that balances a quieter pace of life with access to the amenities and opportunities of the larger Eureka area.
Understanding the nuances of Myrtletown involves looking at its safety, cost of living, job market, and overall community feel. This detailed overview aims to provide a comprehensive picture for those considering a move to this Northern California locale.
Is it Safe to Live in Myrtletown?
Crime Rates
Myrtletown’s safety profile presents a mixed picture, with varying statistics for different crime types. The violent crime rate in Myrtletown is reported at 7.468 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is considered much higher than the average U.S. city, placing Myrtletown in the 8th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 8% of U.S. cities (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Conversely, some sources suggest a more favorable safety grade for Myrtletown. One report indicates that Myrtletown in Bayside, CA, has an overall crime index of 85, which is 15% below the national average, earning it a safety grade of A (according to DoorProfit). This report also states that Myrtletown is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Bayside, which appears to contradict the A grade. Property crime in Myrtletown is reported at 15.62 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is slightly higher than the average U.S. city, with Myrtletown ranking in the 36th percentile for safety in this category (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Neighborhood Safety Variations
Within Myrtletown, perceptions and realities of safety can vary by neighborhood. Residents often consider the southeast part of the community to be the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org). When examining the likelihood of being a victim of violent crime, the chance ranges from 1 in 130 in the southwest neighborhoods to 1 in 177 in the southeast (according to CrimeGrade.org).
For property crime, the risk also differs by area, with the south part of the city generally considered the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org). The southwest areas experience the most property crime incidents annually, while the west part of the city sees the fewest (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Home Prices and Rental Costs
The housing market in Myrtletown shows a trend of increasing prices. In March 2026, Myrtletown home prices were up 1.2% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $435,000 (according to Redfin). The median listing price for homes in Myrtletown is currently around $410,000 (according to Realtor.com). Homes in Myrtletown typically sell after about 72 days on the market (according to Redfin).
For renters, the average cost of rent in Myrtletown is approximately $1,295 per month (according to BestNeighborhood.org). This figure places Myrtletown’s rent in the 47th percentile compared to the California state average rent of $1,958 per month (according to BestNeighborhood.org). Households in Myrtletown have a median income of $60,457 annually (according to Point2Homes), meaning the average renter spends about 19% of their earnings on housing.
Overall Cost of Living
Myrtletown’s cost of living is slightly lower than the California state average but higher than the national average. The overall cost of living index in Myrtletown is 134, which is 34% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This is attributed to several factors, including housing, which is 72% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
When comparing expenses, groceries in Myrtletown are 10% higher than the national average, and utilities are 20% higher (according to AreaVibes). Transportation costs are also elevated, being 15% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, California’s state income tax is lower than the national average, and general sales tax is higher (according to AreaVibes).
Job Market and Economy
Employment and Unemployment
The unemployment rate in Myrtletown CDP has shown a downward trend. Between 2017 and 2023, the unemployment rate decreased from 9.0% to 6.9%, representing a 23.3% change (according to CensusDepth). As of June 2025, the national unemployment rate was 4.1% (according to SoFi).
While specific local employer data for Myrtletown is not readily available, the broader Eureka area and Humboldt County offer insights into the regional job market. Major employers in the vicinity are often in sectors like healthcare, education, and government services. The City of Eureka’s average annual salary was approximately $66,197 as of May 2026 (according to Salary.com), with typical salary ranges between $58,096 and $75,332 (according to Salary.com).
Major Employers and Industries
Humboldt County, which includes Myrtletown, has a diverse economic base. Key industries often include healthcare, education, and public administration. The College of the Redwoods is a significant educational institution in the Eureka area (according to Zippia). Healthcare services are also a major employer within Humboldt County, providing a range of medical and support roles.
For a broader perspective, major employers in nearby Eureka include the City of Eureka itself, along with institutions like St. Joseph Hospital and the Eureka City Schools district. Companies like Lithia Motors and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are also noted as significant employers in the Eureka region (according to Zippia).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Seasons
Myrtletown experiences a cool, coastal climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are generally cool, dry, and mostly clear, with temperatures typically in the 50s Fahrenheit. The warmest month is August, with average daily highs around 63°F and lows of 52°F (according to IDcide). The cool season, lasting about 4.1 months, sees average daily high temperatures below 57°F.
Winters are characterized by cooler, wetter, and mostly cloudy conditions. Temperatures during winter tend to be in the 40s Fahrenheit. The coldest month is December, with an average low of 42°F and a high of 55°F (according to IDcide). Over the course of the year, temperatures typically range from 41°F to 65°F and rarely dip below 32°F or exceed 72°F (according to IDcide).
Rainfall and Weather Patterns
The region experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall. The rainy period typically spans from September through June, with December being the wettest month, averaging about 9.0 inches of rain (according to IDcide). The annual average precipitation in Myrtletown is approximately 9.99 inches (according to IDcide).
The dry season lasts for about 2.6 months, from late June to early September. August, for instance, sees an average rainfall of only 0.1 inches (according to IDcide). The weather can also be influenced by coastal fog, particularly during the early morning hours, with patchy fog common before 8 am on some days (according to National Weather Service).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings and Quality
Public schools serving Myrtletown are part of the Eureka City Schools district, which receives a B-minus overall rating from Niche. Within this district, Lafayette Elementary School has a C+ rating, with 31% of students proficient in math and 34% in reading (according to Niche). Washington Elementary School also has a B-minus rating (according to Niche).
Northcoast Preparatory & Performing Arts Academy, a public school serving grades 6-12, has a rating of 3.86 out of 5 (according to Niche). Eureka Senior High School holds a B rating (according to Niche). Overall, Niche ranks places with the best public schools in California, and Myrtletown falls within areas where public schools are considered above average (according to Niche).
Population and Demographics
Myrtletown has a population of approximately 5,322 residents, with a projected population of 5,109 in 2026 (according to Point2Homes). The population has seen a slight decrease of -0.66% since 2020 (according to Point2Homes). The median age in Myrtletown is 41.6 years (according to Point2Homes).
The racial composition of Myrtletown is predominantly White, making up about 79.84% of the population (according to Point2Homes). Other racial groups include Asian (5.98%), and smaller percentages for Native American, Black or African American, and multiracial populations (according to Point2Homes). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 10.71% of the population (according to Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Myrtletown
Advantages of Myrtletown
Myrtletown offers a generally lower cost of living compared to the California average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability in the state. The community provides a sparse suburban feel, which appeals to residents who prefer a quieter lifestyle (according to Niche). Its proximity to natural attractions, including the coast and redwood forests, offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The area also boasts a generally mild climate with cool summers and mild winters, making it pleasant for much of the year (according to IDcide). For families, the public schools in Myrtletown are rated as above average (according to Niche), suggesting a commitment to education within the community.
Disadvantages of Myrtletown
One significant consideration is the higher-than-national-average crime rates, particularly for violent crime, which is much higher than the average U.S. city (according to CrimeGrade.org). Housing costs, while lower than the California average, are still considerably higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
The job market may present challenges, with an unemployment rate that, while decreasing, can still be a factor for job seekers. Additionally, the median household income is lower than the national average, which can impact purchasing power and overall quality of life (according to Point2Homes).