[6] As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 4,871 people, 1,754 households, and 1,169 families residing in the city.

Reagan graduated in 1932 with a degree in economics and sociology and, throughout his life, remained very close to the college.

Reagan returned to the town at least twelve times, including twice as President of the United States.

In 1947, serving as the grand marshal for Eureka's annual pumpkin festival parade, the largest recorded parade crowds in the history of Eureka gathered along the streets to welcome back the Hollywood actor to his college hometown.

In 1967, as newly elected Governor of California and widely rumored prospective presidential candidate, Ronald Reagan returned to Eureka to dedicate the Melick Library at his alma mater, drawing more than 5,000 spectators.

Eureka had styled itself the "pumpkin capital of the world" until its pumpkin-processing plant moved to nearby Morton, Illinois.

The Reagan Museum and Peace Garden at Eureka College is a top tourist attraction in the community, especially after the 2010-2011 renovation of the Museum and of the Reagan special collection section at Melick Library at Eureka College.

[14] Visitors may enjoy its picnic grounds and occasionally fishing, but big catches are rare.