Living in Chico, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Chico · Census data 2020–2024
Chico has 102,188 residents with a median age of 31.1. The median household income is $66,977 (32% lower than the California median), the median home value is $468,100, the median rent is $1,488/month.
Chico at a glance
- Population
- 102,188
- Median age
- 31.1State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $66,977State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $468,100State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $1,488/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 43.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 42.2%
- Average commute
- 18 min
Is Chico a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 36% lower than the state median; an average commute of 18 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 32% lower than the California median; unemployment of 6.8%; a poverty rate of 22.7%.
The weather is best in March to May and October.
Cost of living in Chico
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Chico the median home value is $468,100, 41% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,488 per month, which is 38.3% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,281 a month in housing costs.
Chico median household income
The median household income in Chico is $66,977 and the income per person is $38,830. 22.7% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Chico: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 46,625
- Owner-occupied
- 43.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 56.6%
- Vacant
- 7.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1983
- Average household size
- 2.29
Chico demographics
- Population
- 102,188
- Median age
- 31.1
- Under 18
- 18.4%
- 65 and older
- 14.2%
- Households
- 42,943
- Foreign-born
- 8.5%
- Veterans
- 4.2%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Chico ›
Education in Chico
42.2% of adults 25 and older in Chico have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 15% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Chico
- Unemployment rate
- 6.8%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 18 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 13.5%
- Drive alone
- 68.6%
- Public transit
- 0.9%
- Walk to work
- 3.7%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.6%
Chico vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chico | 102,188 | $66,977 | $468,100 | $1,488 |
| Butte Creek Canyon | 713 | $105,819 | $695,300 | — |
| Nord | 190 | $69,199 | $369,400 | — |
| Durham | 5,340 | $95,417 | $700,100 | $1,105 |
| Hamilton City | 2,267 | $65,833 | $302,800 | $903 |
| Cohasset | 573 | $79,674 | $500,000 | — |
| Butte Valley | 1,087 | $97,934 | $462,100 | — |
| Paradise | 7,392 | $67,687 | $416,000 | $1,241 |
| Magalia | 7,389 | $56,920 | $280,600 | $1,478 |
More for people moving to Chico
Chico ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Chico: FAQ
What is the median household income in Chico, CA?
The median household income in Chico is $66,977, 32% lower than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Chico?
The median home value in Chico is $468,100, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Chico?
The median gross rent in Chico is $1,488 per month, about 38.3% of household income.
Is Chico, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 36% lower than the state median; an average commute of 18 minutes. Minuses: median household income 32% lower than the California median; unemployment of 6.8%; a poverty rate of 22.7%.
What is the median age in Chico?
The median age in Chico is 31.1 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Chico?
The average commute to work in Chico is 18 minutes; 13.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Chico?
The unemployment rate in Chico is 6.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Chico?
42.2% of adults in Chico have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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