Chico, CA—95973
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 $496,000, with a year-over-year change of 1.0%. This indicates that home prices in Chico, CA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is -1.7%, suggesting a decrease housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $496,000 | 1.0% |
| Single Family | $500,000 | 1.2% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $333,000 | 1.2% |
3 Bed | $460,000 | 1.3% |
4 Bed | $638,000 | 1.6% |
| 5 Bed | $738,000 | 0.8% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Chico, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Chico, CA is $1,840, with a year-over-year rent change of -3.2%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Chico, CA is 1-bedrooms: $1,290, 2-bedrooms: $1,540, 3-bedrooms: $2,140, 4-bedrooms: $2,560. The most common rental property sizes in Chico, CA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 41.2% and 33.4% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,700 | $1,840 |
| Studio Rent | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,280 | $1,290 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,600 | $1,540 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,110 | $2,140 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,700 | $2,560 |
% 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 55. This is a decrease of -8.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market shorter than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 32.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $550,000 | -10.0% |
Listing Count | 106 | 16.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.4% | 16.0% |
Days on Market | 55 | -8.0% |
Demographics — Chico, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Chico, CA has a population of 38,000, which has increased by 7.1% over the past 5 years. Chico, CA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 21.6% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 40.8% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 11.9% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 38,000 | 7.1% |
% Under 18 | 21.6% | -7.3% |
% Seniors | 16.3% | 10.9% |
% WFH | 11.9% | 142.9% |
% w/ College Degree | 40.8% | 10.6% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Chico, CA is a predominantly white area, with 70.7% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 7.0% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Chico, CA is hispanic, making up 18.5% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 8.2% of the population in Chico, CA, and this percentage has increased by 1.2% 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 | 70.7% | -7.0% |
% Black | 0.6% | -62.5% |
% Hispanic | 18.5% | 12.1% |
% Asian | 4.9% | 75.0% |
% Foreign Born | 8.2% | 1.2% |
Mortgage and Risk — Chico, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 428 mortgage originations in Chico, CA, of which 86.0% 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 1.0% of loans were by investors. 11.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 428 |
% Conventional Loans | 86.0% |
% Government Loans | 14.0% |
% Investor Loans | 1.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 11.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Chico, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Chico, CA under the Section 8 program is 4.8%. 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. 3-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 and 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 252 |
Total Units Section 8 | 251 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 4.8% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 100.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$90 | $1,280 | $1,190 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$50 | $1,600 | $1,550 |
| 3 Bedroom | $60 | $2,110 | $2,170 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$100 | $2,700 | $2,600 |
Affordability — Chico, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 5.4 |
| Median Home Price | $496,000 |
| Median Household Income | $92,200 |