Town in Wise County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro

Living in Chico, TX

D+

534th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 28 of 100
137th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Chico earns a grade of D+ on our index, 534th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on education levels and health.

  • Fast-growing
  • Education levels scores low (15 of 100)
  • Health scores low (17 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Chico isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinChico
Where Chico is in Texas.
Population
1,116+17.9% since 2020
Median rent
$1,3176% lower than Texas
Median home value
$170,30040% lower than Texas
Household income
$75,739Median
Average commute
26 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in Chico

Chico sits about 69 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 1,116 people lived here in 2025, up 17.9% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out.

The median age is 32.2, 43% of households have children, 67% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $75,739 a year (about the same as the Texas median).

Pros of living in Chico

  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.2 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 18% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Chico

  • Higher unemployment. 15% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.

Who Chico suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 0% of rated schools earn an A or B. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is about the same as the Texas median, with 4 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 40% for young professionals.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 88% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,317 is 6% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 47% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,317 is 6% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 59% for people on a budget.

Chico report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Chico with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade B-

    Median rent $1,317, homes cost 2.2x income.

    63 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C-

    Median household income $75,739, 15% unemployed.

    33 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade D+

    3 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.

    32 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: no grade

    No full year of crime data from local police.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: no grade

    1 grocery store, 4 restaurants, 2 parks mapped in town.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade C

    Average commute 26 min, 8.0% work from home.

    47 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D-

    14% have a bachelor’s degree.

    15 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D

    16% of adults uninsured.

    17 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D+

    67% of homes owner-occupied.

    25 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade C-

    88% of homes have broadband.

    39 of 100 vs US towns

Where Chico stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Home value to income: 2.2x38% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 37%15 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 67%4 points higher than Texas (63%)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 14%20 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Unemployment rate: 15%9 points higher than Texas (5.3%)
  • Vacant homes: 14%4 points higher than Texas (9.4%)

Cost of living in Chico

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Chico is $1,317 a month, 6% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $53,000 a year. Right now 37% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $892 for a one-bedroom, $1,164 for a two-bedroom and $1,612 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $170,300, 40% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $932 before tax, or $1,092 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Chico pays $1,922 a year, 55% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in ChicoStudio$8861 bedroom$8922 bedrooms$1,1643 bedrooms$1,6124 bedrooms$1,916
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Wise County, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent6% lower than Texas$1,317$1,403$1,413
Median home value40% lower than Texas$170,300$283,800$332,700
Home value to income38% lower than Texas2.2x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent15 points lower than Texas37%52%51%
Median property tax per year55% lower than Texas$1,922$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them4 points higher than Texas67%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197519921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,092
Mortgage payment
$932
Property tax
$160
Median rent, for comparison
$1,317

Based on a $170,300 home in Chico, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Schools in Chico

Chico has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 0% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Chico ISD.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
32
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
77
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • CChico High SchoolHigh, Chico ISD78 of 100
  • CChico MiddleMiddle, Chico ISD78 of 100
  • CChico ElementaryElementary, Chico ISD74 of 100

Daily life in Chico

Everyday places mapped inside Chico, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Chico Public Library.

The average one-way commute is 26 minutes, about the same as the Texas average. 8% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown Dallas is about 69 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Chico work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $75,739, income per person is $26,154, unemployment is 15% and 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
1
Pharmacies
0
Restaurants
4
Cafes
1
Bars
0
Parks
2
Gyms
0
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
0
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income3% lower than Texas$75,739$78,476$80,734
Income per person36% lower than Texas$26,154$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate9 points higher than Texas15%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line3 points lower than Texas11%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher20 points lower than Texas14%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher3 points lower than Texas83%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance4 points lower than Texas16%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet3 points lower than Texas88%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commuteAbout the same as Texas26 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home6 points lower than Texas8.0%14%15%
Workers who work from home8.0%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk2.6%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Chico

Under 1828%
18 to 3424%
35 to 6435%
65 and over12%

Median age 32.2 years. 43% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White77%
Hispanic or Latino17%
Black3.2%
Asian0.5%
Other or more than one race2.4%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Chico

Chico has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 31°F. There are about 101 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 33 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Chico30°50°70°90°56J60F68M76A83M91J96J96A88S78O66N58DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Bridgeport, 7 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Chico

    Nearby, Alvord gets a B-, Bridgeport gets a C+ and Runaway Bay gets a C. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. B-AlvordTown, 1,294 people7 mi
    2. C+BridgeportTown, 6,331 people8 mi
    3. CRunaway BayTown, 1,717 people10 mi
    4. C+DecaturTown, 7,426 people13 mi
    5. FBowieTown, 5,770 people18 mi
    6. D+BoydTown, 1,351 people20 mi

    Chico in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

    How it ranks among 181 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Flower Mound78,389 people26 mito downtown
    2. 2A+Trophy Club13,733 people29 mito downtown
    3. 3A+University Park25,155 people4 mito downtown
    4. 134D+Pantego2,337 people23 mito downtown
    5. 135D+Farmersville4,018 people35 mito downtown
    6. 136D+Kaufman8,538 people30 mito downtown
    7. 137D+Chico1,512 people69 mito downtown
    8. 138D+Cedar Hill48,879 people18 mito downtown
    9. 139D+Carter1,738 people57 mito downtown
    10. 140D+Western Lake1,165 people62 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in Chico: common questions

    Is Chico, TX a good place to live?

    Chico earns a grade of D+ on our index, 534th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on education levels and health.

    How much does it cost to live in Chico?

    Median rent in Chico is $1,317 a month, 6% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $170,300, 40% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.2x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,092, including property tax.

    Are the schools good in Chico?

    We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Chico. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 32 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

    What is the weather like in Chico?

    Summers in Chico peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 31°F. Expect around 101 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 33 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Chico?

    The average one-way commute is 26 min, about the same as the Texas average. About 8.0% of workers work from home. It is about 69 miles from downtown Dallas.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.