Real Estate Investing in Chico, California (95926)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 95926 (Chico, CA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 9.6% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.8% CAGR).
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Chico, CA (95926)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 95926 Chico
On balance, ZIP 95926 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $436K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 95926 stands at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
In the broader CA picture, 95926 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Resident income in 95926 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
The right play in 95926 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Chico:
Property Strategy for 95926
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $225,740 | $1,310 | 4.2% | +0.0% | $225,740 |
| 2BR | $320,340 | $1,670 | 3.8% | +2.0% | $160,170 |
| 3BR | $431,811 | $2,320 | 3.9% | +2.6% | $143,937 |
| 4BR | $529,059 | $2,800 | 3.8% | +2.8% | $132,265 |
| 5BR | $607,357 | — | — | +3.1% | $121,471 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 95926 Compare?
| Metric | 95926 | Chico | Chico, CA | California |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $436,099 | $199,938 | N/A | $761,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 0.8% | 0.8% | N/A | 5.7% |
| Avg Rent | $1,488 | $1,561 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.7% | 2.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 95926 (Chico, CA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 95926 (Chico, CA)?
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Property managers serving Butte County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Blue Oak Property Management is a full-service residential property management company with deep roots in the Chico community, offering high-end and personalized service. summary from their website
Entwood Property Management is located at 2525 Ceanothus Ave, Chico, CA. summary from their website
IPM Property Management offers multi-family and commercial property management services in Chico and Butte County, CA. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $436,099 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,488 |
| Price-to-Rent | 24.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.1% |
| Cap Rate | 2.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 3.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +0.8% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -5.1% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.6% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.7%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 95926
Population: 42,143
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 95926
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 8,574 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homes affordable in Chico, CA?
Median home price in Chico, CA is near $436K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been consistent and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
How much do tenants pay in Chico, CA?
Chico, CA rentals go for roughly $1,488/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $436K acquisition costs.
How qualified is the tenant pool in Chico, CA?
The renter base in Chico, CA is reasonable for the $1,488/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields predictable tenants.
Is Chico, CA good for landlords?
CA ranks as a tenant-protective state for landlord-tenant law. Chico generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
Which investment style suits Chico, CA?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Chico, CA. The numbers - $436K homes against $1,488/mo rents - support that play.
You know 95926 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 95926 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 95926 ranks in Chico, CA
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