Chico

A vibrant town with a flourishing arts scene and gorgeous natural spaces
 

Welcome to Chico

 
Chico is a highly desirable neighborhood nestled between the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the coastal ranges. The gorgeous North California climate is temperate, making it ideal for outdoor recreation and entertainment year-round. There are plenty of outdoor parks in Chico, with areas for hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming. Chico is home to several craft breweries and taprooms, in addition to fun, upscale eateries. 

Downtown Chico is a highly walkable area with plenty of retail locations, fun eateries, art galleries, and a children’s playground. This town has a large university presence with a California State University location in Chico. With breathtaking parks, a vibrant downtown area, and a great foodie scene, Chico is a hidden treasure in North California. 
 

What to Love 

 
  • Friendly, welcoming neighbors
  • The bustling, walkable downtown area
  • A thriving art scene
  • Tree-lined streets provide ample shade
  • Lots of towering trees and green space 
  • Expansive parks and natural areas

Local Lifestyle

 
Life in Chico is vibrant and fun. Peaceful residential areas are near both a bustling downtown district and gorgeous natural spaces. Chico is conveniently located between the Sierra Nevada foothills and the coastal ranges, providing quick access to spots for camping and hunting. There are plenty of horse trails and access points for water and snow sports. This university town has a flourishing downtown area. The art scene in Chico is thriving, with several galleries, classes, and public art displays. The sprawling Bidwell Park spans from the town center all the way to the Sierra Nevada foothills. Locals can visit this park for everything from swimming to hiking to paragliding. The community and neighborhoods of Chico are very involved, with plenty of festivals and events throughout the year.
 

Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping

 
There is a heavy local foodie scene built on craft beer and upscale eateries in Chico. Craft brewery Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is open for tours and tasting. The expansive taproom serves specialty and seasonal craft beers in addition to its regular brews. Secret Trail Brewing Company is an artisan craft brewery located in the heart of Chico. This brewing center is welcoming and dog-friendly, with two large taprooms and patios. In addition to the delicious craft beers, there is a rotating schedule of food trucks and live music. The Pour House is a contemporary tavern specializing in small plates and entrees with a New American focus. This spacious eatery also serves delectable handcrafted cocktails. 5th Street Steakhouse is also highly recommended for a delicious steak dinner and their service is top notch. They feature U.S.D.A. Prime Cuts of Beef, Fresh Seafood, a full service bar , and an extensive wine list for a night out that can’t be beat!

Chico has several Asian-inspired and fusion eateries. Laidback Big Tuna Sushi Bistro serves fusion small plates and sushi in a vibrant, colorful dining room. Japanese Blossoms features Japanese cuisine like sushi rolls, teriyaki dishes, and sake. The Rawbar Restaurant and Sushi is a modern eatery serving sushi, poke, and handcrafted cocktails. 
 

Things to Do 

 
Chico is full of opportunities for residents to enjoy the gorgeous Northern California weather. Upper Bidwell Park spans through the town and up to the Sierra Nevada foothills. This expansive municipal park has an array of trails for hiking and mountain biking. There are also swimming holes, disc golf courses, and spots for paragliding. Sycamore Pool opens each summer at Bidwell Park. This concrete swimming pool is built around Big Chico Creek. The gorgeous Bidwell Mansion is a Chico landmark. This Italianate Victorian mansion is open for tours year-round. 

Meriam Park is a sprawling planned community within Chico that is made up of residential, shopping, dining, fitness, and event spaces. Coffee shops, juice bars, and retail locations are nestled around gorgeous green spaces here. Live music and other entertainment take place weekly at The Barn at Meriam Park. Several times a week, the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market offers fresh produce and handmade artisan goods at different locations around the community.
 

Schools

 

The Chico Unified School District serves the community of Chico. Other excellent schools of note in the area include:

 

 

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Overview for Chico, CA

103,898 people live in Chico, where the median age is 30.3 and the average individual income is $33,517. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

103,898

Total Population

30.3 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$33,517

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Chico, CA

Chico has 41,787 households, with an average household size of 2.4. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Chico do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 103,898 people call Chico home. The population density is 3,015.78 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

103,898

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

30.3

Median Age

49.03 / 50.97%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
41,787

Total Households

2.4

Average Household Size

$33,517

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Chico, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Chico. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Chico Oaks Adventist School
PRIVATE
K - 8th
No rating available
Butte County Community
PUBLIC
K - 12th
No rating available
Notre Dame School
PRIVATE
PreK - 8th
No rating available
PUBLIC
K - 12th
4/5
PUBLIC
K - 12th
No rating available
PUBLIC
K - 12th
2/5
Pivot Charter School North Valley II
PUBLIC
6th - 12th
2/5
Chico Junior High
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
3/5
Academy for Change
PUBLIC
7th - 12th
No rating available
Center for Alternative Learning
PUBLIC
6th - 12th
No rating available
Marsh (Harry M.) Junior High
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
4/5
Bidwell Junior High
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
3/5
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
4/5
Hooker Oak Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
3/5
Pleasant Valley High
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
4/5
Citrus Avenue Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
1/5
Marigold Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
3/5
Little Chico Creek Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
3/5
McManus (John A.) Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
1/5
Neal Dow Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
2/5
Emma Wilson Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
3/5
Achieve Charter High
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
No rating available
Wildflower Open Classroom
PUBLIC
K - 8th
4/5
Parkview Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
4/5
Chico Country Day
PUBLIC
K - 8th
4/5
Achieve Charter School of Paradise Inc.
PUBLIC
K - 8th
4/5
Achieve Charter School of Chico
PUBLIC
K - 8th
3/5
Chapman Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
1/5
Sierra View Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
5/5
Butte County Regional Occupational Program
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
No rating available
Inspire School of Arts and Sciences
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
5/5
Blue Oak Charter
PUBLIC
K - 8th
3/5
Fair View High (Continuation)
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
1/5
Rosedale Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
3/5
Shasta Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
4/5

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