Crescent City is the county seat, and the only incorporated city of Del Norte County, California, USA. It is named after the crescent-shaped stretch of sandy beach south of the city. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 4,006, not including the 3,300 prisoners at Pelican Bay State Prison.
Although it comprises many unique features, Crescent City is probably most famous for its susceptibility to tsunamis. According to Humboldt State University, the city experienced tsunami conditions 17 times between the years 1943 and 1994. Although most of these effects were barely perceptible, the city was extensively damaged by a tsunami event in 1964, which originated from the Good Friday Earthquake in Alaska. There were 12 fatalities and approximately $15 million in damages in what was the only fatal tsunami ever recorded in the lower 48 states.
The city is deemed to be tsunami-ready today. Its preparedness was tested on June 14, 2005 when an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale hit 90 miles offshore. Reportedly, much of the city was evacuated in a matter of 20 minutes when a tsunami warning was issued, but no waves were reported.
On November 15, 2006, a magnitude 8.3 earthquake struck off the Kuril Islands in the western Pacific. A tsunami warning was issued but rescinded hours later. However, a surge from that quake did hit the harbor at Crescent City causing damage to three docks and several boats. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a county state of emergency. Upon that declaration, the area affected was eligible for federal emergency relief funding to repair the damage.[1]
Natural disastersThis coastal city is vulnerable to tsunamis. Waves from the 1960 Great Chilean Earthquake caused $15M worth of damage and flooded city streets.[2] Twelve residents were killed by the Good Friday Earthquake tsunami in 1964. The city was also damaged by the 2006 Kuril Islands tsunami.
Geography and climateCrescent City is located at 41°45'17' North, 124°12'4' West (41.754821, -124.201206),GR1 on a stretch of lowland between the coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean several miles wide and about twenty miles long in Northern California. Redwood forests can easily be found in any direction from the city. Flatlands extend for approximately 20 miles north from the city to the Oregon border, while the south is bordered by coastal cliffs. The city is 1.6 square miles in size with a population of 7,542 (including prison population) and a surrounding urban service area of approximately 15,000. County-wide the population is approximately 26,000 encompassing 1003 square miles. The annual rainfall averages 75 inches. Summer coastal temperatures average 60 – 70 °F, with warmer inland temperatures. Winter temperatures average 40 – 50 °F. [1]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.3 km² (2.1 mi²). 4.6 km² (1.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 13.59% water.
The mouth of Elk Creek, where it flows into the Pacific Ocean, is in Crescent City.
DemographicsAs of the 2003 Population Estimate from the Census Bureau, there are 7,319 people residing in the city. Census data from the year 2000 indicate that the population density is 868.9/km² (2,252.2/mi²). There are 1,754 housing units at an average density of 380.5/km² (986.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 78.33% White, 0.52% Black or African American, 6.09% Native American, 4.62% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 4.27% from other races, and 6.04% from two or more races. 11.01% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. Some recent ethinc diversity is a result of family members of Pelican Bay inmates relocating to the area, in order to be close to loved ones incarcerated in the prison system.
There are 1,578 households out of which 35.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.4% are married couples living together, 20.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.7% are non-families. 35.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.40 and the average family size is 3.12.
In the city the population is spread out with 30.1% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 85.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 82.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $20,133, and the median income for a family is $22,058. Males have a median income of $36,667 versus $19,922 for females. The per capita income for the city is $12,833. 34.6% of the population and 33.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 46.6% of those under the age of 18 and 4.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
TransportationHighway access is provided by U.S. Route 101 that runs directly through the city, extending to Brookings, OR to the north and Eureka to the south. U.S. Highway 199 begins just north of Crescent City and connects northeast to Grants Pass, OR. Local public transit is provided by Redwood Coast Transit, which provides access to Amtrak passenger train (via Amtrak bus) service and also Greyhound bus service. There is no rail service in Del Norte County. There is no heavy shipping port, but there is a public harbor for smaller commercial and pleasure watercraft.
There are very few scheduled passenger flights to Jack McNamara Field Airport; there are more flights available through the Arcata/Eureka Airport.
Attractions and facilities Crescent City proper
