Chico 67 Good
Chico Livability #313 ranked city in Washington#11,147 ranked city in the USARanks better than 61% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Chico

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

What's it like Living in Chico?

Located in the state of Washington, Chico is a smaller city with a population of 3,305 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (74% White). Given that fact, Chico could be considered less diverse than other cities. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Chico, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 27 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Chico could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Washington if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Chico and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from commute, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.

Chico has a livability score of 66/100 and is ranked #310 in Washington and #11,304 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Chico has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+) and housing (A+). Chico does not rank well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Chico, the unemployment rate stands at 2.1%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Chico market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Chico is actually affordable. The median home price for Chico homes is $815,047, which is 65.7% higher than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Chico, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 7.4% lower than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Chico

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Compare Chico, WA Livability

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      Chico transportation information

      Statistic Chico Washington National
      Average one way commute27min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work69.8%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.6%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit7.6%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.7%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.9%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home9.3%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Chico, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.