Chico, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
102,188
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,977/yr
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
46,625
2.6% year-over-year change

Chico population

How many people live in Chico

Chico is home to 102,188 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Chico locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
102,188
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
50,254
Female
50.8%
51,934
Value Percent YoY change
Male 50,254 49.2% 1.4%
Female 51,934 50.8% -1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Chico is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.3% are children under 15, then 24.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.1% of the population, while another 18.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
24.9%
25 to 44
27.1%
45 to 64
18.6%
Over 65
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 15,607 15.3% -0.9%
15 to 24 25,408 24.9% 0.8%
25 to 44 27,677 27.1% -0.6%
45 to 64 18,964 18.6% 0.8%
Over 65 14,532 14.2% 0.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Chico, 90.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.2% of locals are Caucasian, 2.3% are African American and 5.3% have Asian roots. Another 1.2% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.2%
Non-citizens
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 92,529 90.6% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,283 5.2% -5.1%
Non-citizens 4,376 4.3% 18.8%
Racial breakdown
White
69.2%
Black or African American
2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
5.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
14.5%
Other
7%
Value Percent
White 70,669 69.2%
Black or African American 2,370 2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,281 1.2%
Asian 5,436 5.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 397 0.4%
Two or more races 14,857 14.5%
Other 7,178 7%

Households in Chico

A peek inside Chico households

Chico has 42,943 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.7% are families, while the remaining 51.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
42,943
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
22,048
Family households
20,895
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 22,048 51.3% 6.8%
Family households 20,895 48.7% -1.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Chico

The housing landscape of Chico

Chico's housing consists of 46,625 units, with 49.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
46,625
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 23,168 49.7%
1 unit, attached 2,183 4.7%
2 units 2,145 4.6%
3 or 4 units 5,283 11.3%
5 to 9 units 4,192 9%
10 to 19 units 2,608 5.6%
20 to 49 units 1,634 3.5%
50 or more units 3,384 7.3%
Mobile home 1,963 4.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 65 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
943
64.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chico

In Chico, the median construction year is 1983. About 6.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,934 6.3% 1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,062 4.4% -3.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,279 9.2% -0.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,618 7.8% -5.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,863 16.9% 8.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7,592 16.3% -2.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,591 14.1% -1.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6,044 13% 5.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,699 10.1% 10.7%
Built in 2020 or later 943 2% 64.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Chico occupancy rates

Out of the 42,943 occupied housing units in Chico, 43.4% are owner-occupied, while 56.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
42,943
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
24,304
Owner occupied
18,639
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 24,304 56.6% 4.1%
Owner occupied 18,639 43.4% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
7.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Chico housing costs

Housing costs in Chico come to a median of $1,559 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,488.

Median housing costs per month
$1,559/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Chico
$1,488/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Chico

Chico education at a glance

About 21.8% of the population in Chico went to high school, while 31.1% pursued college studies. Another 10.5% earned an associate degree and 23.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,655 2% -13.8%
High school diploma 18,199 21.8% 1.9%
College diploma 25,917 31.1% -1.5%
Associate degree 8,722 10.5% -0.5%
Bachelor's degree 19,560 23.5% 2.3%
Graduate degree 9,296 11.2% 3.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Chico

How much people earn in Chico

The average annual household income in Chico was $92,330 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,977, reflecting a -1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chico
$92,330/year
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chico
$66,977/year
-1.4% year-over-year change

Chico income by age

In Chico, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,510. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,255 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $29,755, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,131 in earnings. Overall, 77.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $29,755 -1.5%
25 - 44 $81,510 -0.7%
45 - 64 $90,255 0.1%
Over 65 $62,131 0.6%
Above poverty level
76,095
Below poverty level
22,299
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 76,095 77.3% -0.5%
Below poverty level 22,299 22.7% 2.7%

Average renter income in Chico

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chico, their median household income was $43,564 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,564
Rent-to-income ratio
41%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Chico

Workforce and job types in Chico

The job market in Chico is powered by 52,812 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.4% run their own businesses, 59.3% are employed by private companies, and 19.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
52,812
0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
46,276
Blue collar
6,536
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 46,276 87.6% 1.2%
Blue collar 6,536 12.4% -4.4%
Employer type
Self employees
10.4%
Private companies
59.3%
Governmental workers
19.2%
Not for profit companies
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,513 10.4% -5.9%
Private companies 31,297 59.3% 0.5%
Governmental workers 10,121 19.2% 0.2%
Not for profit companies 5,881 11.1% 8.5%
Unemployment rate
6.8%
3.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chico stands at 6.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Chico

How people get around in Chico

Commuting methods vary: 78.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 40,295 78.4% -0.3%
Taxicab 82 0.2% 30.2%
Bus or trolleybus 424 0.8% 5.5%
Subway or elevated 9 0% N/A
Railroad 27 0% 17.4%
Motorcycle 82 0.2% -35.9%
Bicycle 958 1.9% -17.5%
Walk 1,876 3.6% 4.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Chico by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95926 40,567 17,099 $61,920 $87,094
95928 37,409 16,285 $64,949 $97,422
95973 39,031 15,323 $92,813 $115,382

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FAQs about Chico demographics 

What is the total population of Chico?

Chico has a total population of 102,188 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chico?

The gender ratio in Chico is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (50,254 residents)
  • 50.8% females (51,934 residents)

What is the median age in Chico?

The median age in Chico is 31.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chico?

The age distribution in Chico is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.3% (15,607 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 24.9% (25,408 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.1% (27,677 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.6% (18,964 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.2% (14,532 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chico?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chico is as follows:
  • White: 69.2% (70,669 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.3% (2,370 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (1,281 residents)
  • Asian: 5.3% (5,436 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (397 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.5% (14,857 residents)
  • Other: 7% (7,178 residents)

What percentage of the population in Chico are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.6% of the population in Chico.

How many housing units are there in Chico?

There are 46,625 housing units in Chico, reflecting a +2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Chico and what is the average household size?

Chico has a total of 42,943 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chico?

Chico has a median household income of $66,977, representing a -1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Chico?

The employment rate is 93.2% in Chico, with a workforce of 52,812 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.6% (46,276 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.4% (6,536 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.4% (5,513 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.3% (31,297 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.2% (10,121 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.1% (5,881 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025