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
8.7%
142% 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%
Economy
C+
Median Income$58,125
Per Capita$21,311
Unemployment8.7%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$4,250M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$160,300
Rent$1,130
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$345,908
Health
Obesity34.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain33.3 in/yr
Elevation921 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.3%
High School+80.4%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 15%
Commute24 min
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, 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 8.7%, 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 5.1/10.
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 33.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Chico has a population of 1,174 with a density of 772 people per square mile. The median age is 30.7 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (87.1%), with 2.8% Hispanic.
Population
30.7yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 90.2% |
| 15% 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. The unemployment rate is 8.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
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 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.7% |
| 142% 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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.7 min |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
The median home value in Chico is $160,300, 43% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,130 (3% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $345,908.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,300 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $345,908 |
| Median List Price | $232,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $232,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $124 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 106.2% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,130 |
| 3% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
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 32.1% national rate). 25.3% report depression. 28.0% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 72.3% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,574/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Crime Rates: Chico vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
Safety Score
Chico has an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation is 33.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 33.3 inches |
| 12% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 1.8 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
| County FIPS | 48497 |