Median Income
$73,333
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$249,500
11% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
999/100K
163% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
50.0%
48% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.1%
9% lower than US avg
Unemployment
9.4%
161% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Richvale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population298
Median Age59.0 yrs
Density320/mi²
Male / Female69% / 31%
Largest GroupWhite 72%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$73,333
Per Capita$23,282
Unemployment9.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$12,901M
Housing
A+
Home Value$249,500
Ownership81.5%
Zillow$319,790
Housing Units83
Rent Burden34.1%
Crime
F
Violent999/100K
Property1,293/100K
Health
Obesity29.1%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking13.6%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain25.7 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation104 ft (32 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+50.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+17.9%
School Score4.47
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 47%
Broadband83.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Richvale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Richvale receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Richvale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Richvale is $73,333, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 9.4%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Richvale is $249,500, 11% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 999 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,293 per 100,000, 34% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 50.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Richvale enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Richvale has a population of 298 with a density of 320 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 59.0 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 30.9% female and 69.1% male. The city is predominantly White (71.8%), with 12.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 37.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.0yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Richvale is $73,333, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,282 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,106, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,029 business establishments, including 457 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 67.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,333 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,282 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,106 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,950 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.4% |
| 161% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,029 |
| County GDP | $12,901M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 457 |
| Healthcare | 632 |
| Retail | 676 |
| Manufacturing | 166 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,175 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 67.6% |
The median home value in Richvale is $249,500, 11% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,790, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 83 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,175 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $249,500 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $319,790 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.5% |
| Housing Units | 83 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,175 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.07% |
In Richvale, 29.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,707. The dentist ratio is 1:1,234. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Richvale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.1% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,707 |
| Dentists | 1:1,234 |
| Mental Health | 1:113 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.4% |
| Dental Visits | 57.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,316/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 632 |
Richvale has a violent crime rate of 999 per 100,000 residents, 163% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,293 per 100,000, 34% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 31 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 364 federally declared disasters. Overall, Richvale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Richvale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 999.4/100K |
| 163% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,293.4/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 364 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Richvale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 326 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 104 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (9°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.2°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 104 ft (32 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 320/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4937°N, 121.7508°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Butte County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chico Regional (CIC) 23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.7"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0444 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.4 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.24 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,476 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 27, 2025.
| May 24, 2013 |
2 km NNE of Canyondam, California |
M5.7 |
98 km |
| May 11, 2023 |
Lake Almanor Earthquake |
M5.5 |
96 km |
| Aug 10, 2001 |
3 km N of Blairsden, California |
M5.2 |
103 km |
| May 12, 2023 |
4km NW of Canyondam, CA |
M5.2 |
96 km |
| Nov 26, 1998 |
7km NW of Redding, CA |
M5.1 |
138 km |
| Aug 10, 2016 |
20 km NNE of Upper Lake, California |
M5.1 |
92 km |
| Sep 3, 2000 |
5 km WSW of Yountville, California |
M4.9 |
137 km |
| May 24, 2013 |
1km NNW of Canyondam, CA |
M4.9 |
96 km |
| Sep 4, 1995 |
13 km SW of Middletown, California |
M4.8 |
124 km |
| Oct 30, 1998 |
4 km N of Tahoe Vista, California |
M4.8 |
148 km |
| Apr 18, 2007 |
15 km N of Potter Valley, California |
M4.8 |
117 km |
| Jun 26, 2005 |
8 km NNW of Tahoe Vista, California |
M4.8 |
144 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
7 km W of Cobb, California |
M4.7 |
119 km |
| Jan 19, 2008 |
31 km NW of Rancho Tehama Reserve, California |
M4.7 |
111 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
19km NW of Truckee, CA |
M4.7 |
123 km |
| Jan 2, 2025 |
4 km NW of Cobb, CA |
M4.7 |
113 km |
| Nov 26, 1998 |
5km NNW of Redding, CA |
M4.6 |
137 km |
| Jan 11, 2000 |
6 km N of Geyserville, California |
M4.6 |
129 km |
| Feb 18, 2004 |
4 km WNW of Cobb, California |
M4.6 |
114 km |
| Jan 12, 2014 |
8 km W of Cobb, California |
M4.5 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
66 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1994 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 1986 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 1978 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1953 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 2023 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 2012 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 2012 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 2012 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 2005 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1993 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1993 |
EF1 |
9 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Clear Lake (105 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Clear Lake |
Volcanic field |
1,439 m (4,721 ft) |
Unknown |
105 km |
| Lassen Volcanic Center |
Stratovolcano |
3,187 m (10,456 ft) |
1917 |
113 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RANCH (427,048 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
RANCH |
427,048 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
NORTH COMPLEX |
316,556 |
59 km |
| 2018 |
CAMP |
153,687 |
32 km |
| 1990 |
CAMPBELL |
128,266 |
61 km |
| 2015 |
ROCKY |
96,125 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY |
92,450 |
97 km |
| 1996 |
FORK |
83,209 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
CHIPS |
79,978 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
GUN 2 |
61,203 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
BTU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (LONG BRANCH-JACK) |
52,091 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
STORRIE |
49,588 |
71 km |
| 1994 |
BARKLEY |
44,256 |
70 km |
| 2004 |
RUMSEY |
39,335 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
SIXTEEN |
37,162 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
49R |
36,673 |
54 km |
| 1999 |
MHRD COMPLEX (BUCKS) |
34,459 |
57 km |
| 2012 |
MILL |
29,924 |
78 km |
| 2008 |
CANYON COMPLEX (SCOTCH) |
26,418 |
54 km |
| 2001 |
TROUGH |
25,270 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
HUMBOLDT |
23,769 |
24 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
Richvale has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 46°F in December to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.6 inches, with January being the wettest month (4.5") and July the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Richvale. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,533 |
| Toddler | $937 |
| Preschool | $775 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,260 |
| Toddler | $1,049 |
| Preschool | $974 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Richvale
What is the population of Richvale?
Richvale has a population of 298 residents and is located in California. The population density is 320 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 30.9% female and 69.1% male.
Is Richvale expensive to live in?
Richvale is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $73,333, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $249,500 (11% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Richvale safe?
Public safety is a concern in Richvale, with a violent crime rate of 999 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,293 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Richvale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Richvale?
Richvale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Richvale?
The job market in Richvale faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,106. There are 9,029 business establishments in the area, including 457 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Richvale?
The median home value in Richvale is $249,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,790. The homeownership rate is 81.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,175.
How are the schools in Richvale?
Schools in Richvale have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 50.0% of adults in Richvale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 17.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Richvale?
The obesity rate in Richvale is 29.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,707.
What are the demographics of Richvale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Richvale is 71.8% White, 12.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 37.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.