Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chico, CA
Considering a move to Chico, CA? With a lively population of 103,301, Chico offers affordable median home prices around $430,000 and average rents of $1,450. Residents enjoy short commutes (about 17 minutes), abundant sunshine (74% sunny days), and access to higher education at CSU Chico. While property crime rates are higher than average, Chico is known for its youthful energy, outdoor lifestyle, and strong community spirit. Explore the city's cost of living, housing, schools, and more to see if Chico is the right fit for you.
Demographics - Chico, CA
Chico is home to just over 103,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 28.5 and a diverse community where nearly 15% speak a language other than English. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a population density of about 2,800 per square mile, offering a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
Population:
103,301
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
28.5
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70.3%
Black:
2.2%
Asian:
6.0%
Others:
21.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chico, CA?
Chico's cost of living index is moderately above the national average at 117.8, mainly due to housing costs, with median home prices at $430,000 and average rents at $1,450. Utilities and groceries are also slightly higher than average, but overall expenses remain manageable compared to other California cities.
Median House Value:
$430,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
117.8
Grocery:
110.1
Housing:
126.5
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
110.8
Health Care:
103.2
Miscellaneous:
101.3
Crime
Is Chico, CA a safe place to live?
Chico experiences higher property crime rates, with 2,593 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the chance of violent crime is about 1 in 272. It's important for newcomers to take standard safety precautions and stay informed about local crime trends.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
367
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,593
Crime Index:
2,960
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 272
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Chico, CA year-round?
Chico offers a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers reaching highs near 96°F and mild winters with lows around 38°F. Residents enjoy 74% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
96°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
Chico's neighborhoods feature a median household income of $60,700 and a poverty rate of 22.4%, reflecting both economic diversity and affordability. Commutes are short, averaging just under 17 minutes, and most residents have access to quality education, with over 88% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$60,700
Family Income:
$78,300
Per Capita Income:
$29,850
Income Male:
$33,500
Income Female:
$26,800
Poverty Rate:
22.4%
Non English Speakers:
14.8%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.2%
Bachelors or More:
35.4%
Education
How are the schools in Chico, CA?
Chico boasts a strong educational presence with public and private schools, including Chico High School and Notre Dame School, and is home to California State University, Chico. The city supports lifelong learning opportunities for families and students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Chico High School
Street:
901 Esplanade
Phone:
530-891-3026
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
Marsh Junior High School
Street:
2253 Humboldt Rd
Phone:
530-895-4110
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.5
Private Schools
Name:
Notre Dame School
Street:
435 Hazel St
Phone:
530-342-2502
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
California State University, Chico
City:
Chico
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
13,800
Name:
Butte College
City:
Oroville
State:
CA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Chico provides residents with reliable healthcare options, including Enloe Medical Center and several urgent care facilities, and approximately 91.5% of the population has health insurance coverage. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, access to medical care is generally convenient and comprehensive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Enloe Medical Center
Address:
1531 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926
Phone:
(530) 332-7300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Chico Immediate Care Medical Center
Address:
376 Vallombrosa Ave, Chico, CA 95926
Phone:
(530) 891-1676
Type:
Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
70.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chico, CA?
The Chico housing market is stable, with a median home price of $430,000 and a home appreciation rate of 3.7% over the past year. About 45% of residents own their homes, while rental vacancies remain moderate, offering choices for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$430,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Chico residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located at 107 Parmac Rd, providing essential services like licensing, registration, and more. The office is easily accessible and supports the needs of local drivers and new arrivals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
107 Parmac Rd, Chico, CA 95926
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.