Chico 66 Good
Chico Livability #310 ranked city in Washington#11,304 ranked city in the USARanks better than 61% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Chico

PROS
  • 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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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.

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What's it like Living in Chico?

Chico is a small-sized city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 3,184 inhabitants. 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. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Chico your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 27 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Chico, Washington could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Chico and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.

The livability score in Chico is 66/100 and the city is ranked in the 65th percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we know that Chico ranks very well for crime (A+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Chico, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).

The unemployment rate in Chico has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.96%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Chico excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Chico real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Chico. The median home price for Chico homes is $462,400, which is 71.7% 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 4.2, which is 2.3% lower than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Chico

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How Do You Rate The Livability In 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).