California · Metropolitan Area
Chico is a large city in California with a population of 102,032. Residents earn $67,929 per year, which is 10% below the national average.
Based on current data, Chico receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Chico has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Chico is $67,929, 10% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Chico is $455,300, making it a premium housing market at 62% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,442 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 6.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
The violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,628 per 100,000, 85% above the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Chico enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 86°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.2 inches, including 7.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 83.0% |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 17.0% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $67,929 |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $38,201 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,106 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,950 |
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 12.6% |
| 2% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 9,029 |
| County GDP | $12,901M |
| Restaurants | 457 |
| Healthcare | 632 |
| Retail | 676 |
| Manufacturing | 166 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,175 |
| 48% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.14% |
| Commute Time | 17.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 12.2% |
| Census Median | $455,300 |
| 62% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $461,353 |
| Median List Price | $445,000 |
| Median List Price | $445,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $287 |
| Homes Sold | 51 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 27.1% |
| Inventory | 140 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,442 |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,625 |
| Rent Burden | 36.8% |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 44.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,175 |
| 48% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.14% |
| Obesity | 30.2% |
| 6% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 71.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,316/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 632 |
| Total Violent | 383.9/100K |
| 1% above US avg | |
| Murder | 1.1/100K |
| 82% below US avg | |
| Rape | 59.9/100K |
| Robbery | 112.9/100K |
| Assault | 210.0/100K |
| Total Property | 3,628.0/100K |
| 85% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 545.4/100K |
| Theft | 2,693.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 389.6/100K |
| Arson | 79.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| FEMA Disasters | 364 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 62.5°F |
| 16% above US avg | |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 86°F (30°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 41.2 inches |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 7.7 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 236 ft (72 m) |
| Area | 34.4 sq mi (89.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,969/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7590°N, 121.8177°W |
| County FIPS | 06007 |
Winner: Republican by 3.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 41.3% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.2% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 2,969/sq mi |
| Total Area | 34.4 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 93.0% |
| EV Charging Stations | 49 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 54 |
| Public Libraries | 7 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 632 |
| Restaurants | 457 |
| Retail Stores | 676 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 364 |
| Avg Commute | 17.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 12.2% |