Median Income
$58,125
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$160,300
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.3%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,130
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.5%
275% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Chico Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,174
Median Age30.7 yrs
Density772/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$58,125
Per Capita$21,311
Unemployment13.5%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$4,250M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$160,300
Rent$1,130
Ownership62.5%
Zillow$367,195
Housing Units418
Rent Burden28.6%
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured23.7%
Smoking16.6%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Elevation921 ft (281 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.3%
High School+80.4%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 15%
Commute24 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Chico a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chico receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Chico offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chico is $58,125, 23% below the national average of $75,149. At 13.5%, unemployment is notably high. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chico is $160,300, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,130 per month. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
10.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Chico enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches.
Chico has a population of 1,174 with a density of 772 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 30.7 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The city is predominantly White (87.1%), with 12.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.7% of residents, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 24.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,174
Total Population
2023 Census
30.7yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.7%
21% above US avg
Spanish
9.8%
27% below US avg
The median household income in Chico is $58,125, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,311 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,142, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,654 business establishments, including 119 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 9.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,125 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,311 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,142 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,340 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.5% |
| 275% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,654 |
| County GDP | $4,250M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 119 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 182 |
| Manufacturing | 77 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,757 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
The median home value in Chico is $160,300, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $367,195, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $232,000 with homes selling in an average of 81 days. Homes sell for 106.2% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,130 (3% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 418 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $6,757 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,300 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $367,195 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $232,000 |
| Median List Price | $232,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $232,000 |
| Median List Price | $232,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $124 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 81 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 106.2% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,130 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.5% |
| Housing Units | 418 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,757 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.22% |
In Chico, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 23.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,656. The dentist ratio is 1:4,681. 38.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chico vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 44.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.3% |
| Uninsured | 23.7% |
| 176% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,656 |
| Dentists | 1:4,681 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,370 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 50.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,574/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Chico enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. The area receives 1.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 921 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (6°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 64.1°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 921 ft (281 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 772/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.2961°N, 97.7986°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wise County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mineral Wells Regional (MWL)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.62"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
180 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 7, 2024.
| May 7, 2015 |
5 km N of Venus, Texas |
M4.0 |
112 km |
| Nov 28, 2013 |
6 km SSW of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
45 km |
| Dec 9, 2013 |
8 km S of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
45 km |
| Sep 25, 2023 |
9 km WNW of Velma, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Dec 8, 2013 |
0 km NNE of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.6 |
47 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
1 km NNW of Azle, Texas |
M3.6 |
49 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
6 km NE of Irving, Texas |
M3.6 |
98 km |
| Apr 28, 2013 |
4 km NNW of Oakland, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| Mar 4, 2013 |
5 km S of Tishomingo, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Jun 8, 2004 |
6 km N of Lone Grove, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| Jan 6, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Irving, Texas |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
3 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Sep 23, 2013 |
4 km WNW of Marietta, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
93 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
3 km WNW of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.4 |
45 km |
| May 19, 2018 |
8 km NW of Venus, Texas |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Sep 30, 2012 |
4 km NW of Irving, Texas |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| Jan 18, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Godley, Texas |
M3.3 |
107 km |
| May 18, 2015 |
5 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| May 31, 2002 |
15 km S of Cornish, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
83 km |
| Jun 15, 2012 |
5 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.3 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
711 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 86 fatalities, 2,498 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1964 |
EF5 |
93 km |
7 |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| May 15, 2013 |
EF4 |
98 km |
6 |
| Feb 10, 2009 |
EF4 |
72 km |
8 |
| Apr 25, 1990 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1979 |
EF4 |
98 km |
42 |
| May 18, 1951 |
EF4 |
89 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
26 km |
7 |
| Mar 21, 2022 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2002 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2000 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2000 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2000 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| May 7, 1995 |
EF3 |
35 km |
2 |
| May 7, 1995 |
EF3 |
66 km |
3 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PK COMPLEX (128,548 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
PK COMPLEX |
128,548 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
MONTAGUE COUNTY COMPLEX |
25,907 |
42 km |
| 2009 |
APRIL 9TH COMPLEX 1 |
22,099 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
TWO MILE HILL COMPLEX |
20,991 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
BRUSHY MOUNTAIN |
18,412 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
RINGGOLD |
16,382 |
58 km |
| 2008 |
ARCHER CO |
13,969 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
APRIL 9TH COMPLEX 2 |
13,805 |
39 km |
| 1996 |
HENRIETTA FIRE |
13,629 |
48 km |
| 1996 |
POOLVILLE FIRE |
12,128 |
33 km |
| 2022 |
DEMPSEY |
11,576 |
67 km |
| 2022 |
BIG L |
9,653 |
100 km |
| 2023 |
CAMPBELL |
7,888 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
CHERRY HOMES |
7,398 |
24 km |
| 2011 |
ENMIN FIRE |
6,618 |
45 km |
| 2009 |
MONTAGUE COUNTY COMPLEX |
6,505 |
42 km |
| 2022 |
WEST BEND |
6,192 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
ARROWHEAD |
6,156 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
MCDONALD II |
5,932 |
49 km |
| 2011 |
101 RANCH |
5,861 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Chico has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 44°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and July the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Chico. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146-$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194-$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97-$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777-$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73-$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146-$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24-$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49-$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388-$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97-$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58-$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49-$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146-$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884-$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388-$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341-$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486-$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855-$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942-$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777-$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194-$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971-$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73-$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49-$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91-$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43-$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43-$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91-$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88-$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58-$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78-$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49-$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73-$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165-$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29-$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15-$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583-$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486-$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194-$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24-$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388-$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855-$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49-$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97-$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $827 |
| Toddler | $762 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $723 |
| Toddler | $684 |
| Preschool | $675 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chico
What is the population of Chico?
Chico has a population of 1,174 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 772 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
Is Chico expensive to live in?
Chico has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $58,125, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $160,300 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,130 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Chico?
Chico enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches, with 1.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Chico?
The job market in Chico faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,142. There are 1,654 business establishments in the area, including 119 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 9.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chico?
The median home value in Chico is $160,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $367,195. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $232,000, with homes typically selling within 81 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,130. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,757.
How are the schools in Chico?
Schools in Chico score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.3% of adults in Chico hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.4% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chico?
The obesity rate in Chico is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 23.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 38.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,656.
What is transportation like in Chico?
The average commute in Chico is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chico?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chico is 87.1% White, 12.9% Hispanic or Latino. 94.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 24.2% of residents have a disability. 76.3% have health insurance coverage.