The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 95973 sells for about $500,000, or $314 per square foot.
Prices are down 11.5% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 40 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,317 a month.
ZIP 95973 — Chico
The 95973 housing market is experiencing a cooling phase, characterized by a significant year-over-year decline in median sale prices and an increase in days on market. While sales volume has seen a slight uptick, the combination of rising inventory and price sensitivity suggests a shift toward a more buyer-friendly environment. Market participants remain cautious as regional wildfire risks and broader economic factors continue to influence local real estate dynamics.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and university-affiliated professionals seeking a balance of suburban amenities and access to regional outdoor recreation.
Median prices moved down 11.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 40 days on market with 4.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
19% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 99.8% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.8% · poverty 14.2% — a stable, low-distress profile.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 95973, Butte County CA
The region faces significant wildfire risk, which influences local property insurance availability and premium costs.
Chico serves as a regional hub for education and healthcare, with California State University, Chico, acting as a primary economic anchor.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (California) — Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act Special Parcel Tax Assessment: Levies an annual direct, non-ad valorem special tax directly on the parcel's secured property tax bill to fund designated community infrastructure (e.g., roads, sewer facilities, school facilities, emergency services) and repay municipal debt bonds. State (California) — California Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption: Reduces the taxable assessed value of the qualifying owner-occupied principal residence by $7,000 against the county assessment roll, generating a direct tax savings of approximately $70 annually (computed as $7,000 × 1% base rate). State (California) — California Proposition 13 Ad Valorem Real Property Tax: Establishes a base ad valorem tax rate capped at 1.0% of assessed value plus voter-approved local indebtedness and direct assessments (typically resulting in an effective tax rate of 1.1% to 1.25%).
Residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for commuting, with Highway 99 serving as the main arterial corridor connecting the area to regional employment centers.
The area features extensive access to Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country, offering numerous trails, swimming areas, and golf facilities.
The rental market is influenced by the university student population, maintaining consistent demand and moderate vacancy pressure.
The economy is anchored by California State University, Chico, and major healthcare providers, supported by a mix of retail and agricultural services.
Transportation is primarily highway-dependent, with limited public transit options outside of the immediate city center.
Development is focused on infill projects and residential expansion on the city's periphery, subject to local zoning and environmental review.
The Butte County Assessor maintains property valuations based on annual assessment rolls and state-mandated reappraisal triggers.
Parcels are subject to various special districts, including local school districts, the Chico Area Recreation and Park District, and regional flood control assessments.
Property insurance markets are tightening due to regional wildfire exposure, leading to increased premiums and limited carrier availability.
California operates as a non-judicial foreclosure state, with specific notice and cure periods defined by state law.
California requires comprehensive seller disclosures regarding the physical condition of the property and known hazards.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- FunLand / Cal Skate Chico4.310.5 mi
- Rare Air Trampoline Park4.59.8 mi
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.4.69.9 mi
- Silver Dollar Fairgrounds4.310.3 mi
- Cafe Coda4.79.6 mi
- Lucky Strike Chico4.27.5 mi
- Silver Dollar Speedway4.610.4 mi
- Cinemark Tinseltown Chico 14 and XD4.47.1 mi
- Upper Bidwell Park4.88.1 mi
- DeGarmo Park4.66 mi
- FunLand / Cal Skate Chico4.310.5 mi
- Caper Acres4.69 mi
- Honey Run Covered Bridge4.612.4 mi
- Chico Children's Museum4.59.3 mi
- Chico Air Museum4.84.1 mi
- National Yo-Yo Museum4.59.4 mi
- Gateway Science Museum4.49 mi
- Upper Bidwell Park4.88.1 mi
- Bidwell Park One-Mile4.68.9 mi
- DeGarmo Park4.66 mi
- Caper Acres4.69 mi
- Hooker Oak Park4.67.8 mi
- Bidwell Park Golf Course4.27.7 mi
- Canyon Oaks Country Club4.68.3 mi
- WinCo Foods4.49.8 mi
- Safeway4.28.8 mi
- Chico Marketplace3.99.7 mi
- Safeway4.27.2 mi
- Safeway49.1 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
One of the largest municipal parks in the United States, featuring extensive hiking, biking, and swimming areas.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.