Chico, CA—95926
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Chico, CA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Chico, CA is $428,000, with a year-over-year change of 0.6%. This indicates that home prices in Chico, CA are flat. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is -2.2%, suggesting a decrease housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $428,000 | 0.6% |
| Single Family | $436,000 | 0.9% |
| Condos | $228,000 | -3.0% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $226,000 | -0.4% |
2 Bed | $320,000 | 0.6% |
3 Bed | $432,000 | 0.7% |
4 Bed | $529,000 | 1.1% |
| 5 Bed | $607,000 | 2.0% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Chico, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Chico, CA is $1,610, with a year-over-year rent change of -2.4%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Chico, CA is studios: $941, 1-bedrooms: $1,140, 2-bedrooms: $1,410, 3-bedrooms: $1,880, 4-bedrooms: $1,820. The most common rental property sizes in Chico, CA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 41.8% and 23.7% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,550 | $1,610 |
| Studio Rent | $925 | $941 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,150 | $1,140 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,400 | $1,410 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,750 | $1,880 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,700 | $1,820 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Chico, CA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Chico, CA is 72. This is a increase of 27.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 28.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $440,000 | -7.0% |
Listing Count | 85 | 38.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.2% | 38.0% |
Days on Market | 72 | 27.0% |
Demographics — Chico, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Chico, CA has a population of 42,100, which has increased by 8.0% over the past 5 years. Chico, CA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 18.3% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 44.7% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 13.3% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 42,100 | 8.0% |
% Under 18 | 18.3% | 6.4% |
% Seniors | 14.2% | 4.4% |
% WFH | 13.3% | 150.9% |
% w/ College Degree | 44.7% | 19.8% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Chico, CA is a predominantly white area, with 65.1% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 10.2% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Chico, CA is hispanic, making up 20.2% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 7.0% of the population in Chico, CA, and this percentage has increased by 4.5% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 65.1% | -10.2% |
% Black | 2.9% | 38.1% |
% Hispanic | 20.2% | 25.5% |
% Asian | 5.7% | 23.9% |
% Foreign Born | 7.0% | 4.5% |
Mortgage and Risk — Chico, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 347 mortgage originations in Chico, CA, of which 88.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 56.0%, with 21.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Chico, CA. Investor activity is low, as 3.0% of loans were by investors. 10.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 347 |
% Conventional Loans | 88.0% |
% Government Loans | 12.0% |
% Investor Loans | 3.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 10.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Chico, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Chico, CA under the Section 8 program is 9.1%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Chico, CA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 1-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 852 |
Total Units Section 8 | 843 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 9.1% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 96.6% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$40 | $1,150 | $1,110 |
| 2 Bedroom | $40 | $1,400 | $1,440 |
| 3 Bedroom | $270 | $1,750 | $2,020 |
| 4 Bedroom | $720 | $1,700 | $2,420 |
Affordability — Chico, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 7 |
| Median Home Price | $428,000 |
| Median Household Income | $62,300 |