Chico, WA
Population 3,016 · Washington
About Chico, WA
Chico is a small town located in Washington with a population of 3,016 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $124,700 per year, which is 66% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chico features a median home value of $620,300, which is 153% above the national median of $244,900. This places Chico in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,724, 48% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,121 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (974 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (136 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chico shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chico have an average one-way commute time of 23 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.3% of Chico residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 12.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chico Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Chico, WA
Compared to national averages, Chico has a median household income of $124,700 (66% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $620,300, which is 153% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,724 is 48% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Chico's income is 37% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 35% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Chico, WA?
Chico offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $124,700, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%, and a well-educated community where 48.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 1.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $620,300. However, Chico’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chico has a population of 3,016 with a median age of 48 years. Compare Chico with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Chico
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairchild AFB | 3,016 | $69,825 | $0 | Compare |
| Port Angeles East | 3,035 | $66,563 | $334,800 | Compare |
| Kalama | 2,996 | $103,438 | $428,000 | Compare |
| Arlington Heights | 2,990 | $118,529 | $688,000 | Compare |
| Everson | 2,989 | $82,750 | $434,900 | Compare |
| Port Ludlow | 2,979 | $92,245 | $590,500 | Compare |
| Canterwood | 2,964 | $128,676 | $853,500 | Compare |
| Desert Aire | 2,953 | $83,482 | $434,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chico With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chico
What is the population of Chico, WA?
The population of Chico, WA is 3,016 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Washington.
What is the median household income in Chico?
The median household income in Chico, WA is $124,700 per year, which is 66% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chico?
The median home value in Chico, WA is $620,300, which is 153% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chico?
The median monthly rent in Chico, WA is $1,724, which is 48% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chico?
The unemployment rate in Chico, WA is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chico, WA a good place to live?
Chico offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,016 and a median age of 48, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Chico, WA?
48.3% of residents in Chico aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chico?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chico, WA: median home value is $620,300 (153% above national), median rent is $1,724/month, and median household income is $124,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chico?
The poverty rate in Chico, WA is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chico, WA?
Chico's population is 2.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 5.2% two or more races. 12.5% of residents are foreign-born.