California / Butte County

Moving to Chico, CA

Thinking of making a move to Chico, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Chico before you move.

Moving Help for Your Chico, CA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Chico move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chico, CA

Considering a move to Chico, CA? This welcoming community of 101,475 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $425,000 and average rents near $1,620. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (73% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Chico's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Chico, CA

Chico has a population of 101,475 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 30 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 70% White, 2% Black, and 9% Asian residents, and over 17% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
101,475
Density
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age
29.6
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
16.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
70.2%
Black
2.4%
Asian
8.6%
Others
18.8%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Chico, CA?

The cost of living in Chico is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 112.4. Median home values are around $425,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,620. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$425,000
Gross Rent
$1,620
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$790
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
112.4
Grocery
107.8
Housing
123.5
Utilities
122.1
Transportation
114.7
Health Care
108.9
Miscellaneous
105.6

Crime

Is Chico, CA a safe place to live?

Chico is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 420 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
420
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,950
Crime Index
3,370
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

What is the weather like in Chico, CA year-round?

Chico experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 96°F and cold winters dipping to 38°F. The area receives about 28 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 73% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
38°F
Max
56°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
96°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
73°F

Fall

Min
49°F
Max
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches
27.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
73%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $68,900 and a low poverty rate of 22.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 33% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$47,500
Household Income
$68,900
Family Income
$78,500
Per Capita Income
$28,900
Income Male
$41,500
Income Female
$36,200
Poverty Rate
22.8%
Non English Speakers
19.4%
Rent
$1,620
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Public Transport Usage
5.1%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.8%
Bachelors or More
32.6%

Education

How are the schools in Chico, CA?

Chico offers quality education options, with public schools like Chico High School and Chico Junior High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including California State University, Chico and Butte College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Chico High School
Street
901 Esplanade
Phone
530-891-3026
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
22.0
Name
Chico Junior High School
Street
280 W 18th St
Phone
530-891-3121
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
21.5

Private Schools

Name
Notre Dame School
Street
435 Hazel St
Phone
530-343-5350
Students
280

Colleges

Name
California State University, Chico
City
Chico
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
14,000
Name
Butte College
City
Oroville
State
CA
Distance
17 miles
Students
12,000

Healthcare

Chico residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Enloe Medical Center and Adventist Health Feather River nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable 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
Adventist Health Feather River
Address
5974 Pentz Rd, Paradise, CA 95969
Phone
(530) 876-2222
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Chico, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $425,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Chico offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$425,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,620
Owner Occupied Rate
52.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Chico handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Chico, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Chico, review the core fields on this page: population 101,475, median home value $425,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,620, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 73%.

Ready to Move to Chico, CA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes