Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chowchilla, CA
Considering a move to Chowchilla, CA? With a welcoming population of about 19,200 and median home prices around $295,000, Chowchilla offers affordable housing, sunny Central Valley weather, and a small-town feel. Residents enjoy reasonable rents, a 25-minute average commute, and access to nearby colleges. While the cost of living is close to California’s average, crime rates are moderate and local schools serve the community well. Discover more about Chowchilla’s lifestyle, cost, and amenities below to help plan your next move.
Demographics - Chowchilla, CA
Demographics - Chowchilla, CA
Chowchilla is home to about 19,200 residents, with a median age of 38 and a diverse population where nearly half identify as White and over 30% speak a language other than English. The city’s population density gives it a small-town vibe, and the gender ratio is slightly in favor of females. This diversity and community size make Chowchilla a welcoming place for a range of backgrounds.
Population:
19,200
Density:
1,790 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.1
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
31.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
46.5%
Black:
7.1%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
44.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chowchilla, CA?
Chowchilla’s cost of living is just above the national average but lower than many parts of California, with median home values around $295,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,150. Utility expenses and transportation costs are moderate, making the city an affordable option for families and retirees. Residents also benefit from reasonable grocery and healthcare costs compared to larger California cities.
Median House Value:
$295,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$535
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
101.2
Grocery:
99.0
Housing:
92.5
Utilities:
110.4
Transportation:
104.3
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Chowchilla, CA a safe place to live?
Chowchilla experiences moderate crime rates, with about 380 violent crimes and 1,950 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 263, which is typical for similar-sized Central Valley communities. Overall, the city maintains a watchful but welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,950
Crime Index:
2,330
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Chowchilla, CA year-round?
Chowchilla enjoys sunny Central Valley weather, with approximately 78% of days filled with sunshine each year. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below 37°F, while summers can get quite warm, reaching highs near 97°F. Annual rainfall is just over 11 inches, making for a generally dry and pleasant climate.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
97°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
Chowchilla’s residents have a median household income of $56,400, with about 18% living below the poverty line and an unemployment rate of 6.8%. Most adults have completed high school, though only a small percentage hold bachelor’s degrees. Commuters average a 25-minute drive, while public transportation usage is very limited.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$56,400
Family Income:
$64,800
Per Capita Income:
$20,900
Income Male:
$37,100
Income Female:
$28,700
Poverty Rate:
17.5%
Non English Speakers:
31.2%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.8%
Bachelors or More:
9.4%
Education
How are the schools in Chowchilla, CA?
Chowchilla is served by several public and private schools, including Chowchilla High School and Stephens Elementary, offering reasonable student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are readily accessible, with Madera Community College just 19 miles away and California State University, Fresno within commuting distance. The city provides a solid foundation for families and students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Chowchilla High School
Street:
805 Humboldt Ave
Phone:
559-665-1331
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Stephens Elementary
Street:
355 N 5th St
Phone:
559-665-8050
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Columba School
Street:
2525 3rd St
Phone:
559-665-2333
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Madera Community College
City:
Madera
State:
CA
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
California State University, Fresno
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
24,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chowchilla is anchored by Madera Community Hospital, which provides general and emergency services just a short drive away. Most residents have health insurance, and physician availability is in line with rural California standards. The city offers essential medical care and coverage for its community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Madera Community Hospital
Address:
1250 E Almond Ave, Madera, CA 93637
Phone:
(559) 675-5555
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chowchilla, CA?
Chowchilla’s housing market features a median home price of $295,000 and an owner-occupancy rate over 64%, reflecting a stable and affordable market for buyers. Rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,150, and home values have seen modest appreciation. The market experiences low foreclosure and vacancy rates, indicating healthy demand.
Median Home Price:
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Chowchilla residents are handled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the closest office located in nearby Merced. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other services both in-person and online. The DMV is easily reachable for all essential motor vehicle needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1313 W. 12th Street, Merced, CA 95341
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.