The City of Chico experiences steady growth of approximately 2% annually. It is a medium size city of approximately 107,000 in the urban area, comprising approximately 50% of Butte County's urban population.
Demographic Overview (2011)
Current local population
86,900 (City limits) / 100,000 (Urban area)
Current regional population
221,388 (Butte County)
Average Household size
2.42
Median Age
28
Owner-Occupied Homes
11,596 (43.5%)
Total Housing units
28,056
Source: Claritas 2011 data, California Department of Finance 2011 data (www.dof.ca.gov), U.S. Census Bureau 2010 data (www.census.gov) (June 2011)
Historic and Projected Population Estimates
2000
2011
2013 (projected)
59,954
86,900 (City limits)
96,945
Growth Rate
13.3%* (2000-2011)
2.3% (2008-2013)
Source: Claritas 2011 data, California Department of Finance, Table E-1 City / County Population Estimates, 2011 data (www.dof.ca.gov) (June 2011); City of Chico projection for 2013 and growth rate. * Includes annexations
Racial and Ethnic Composition of Population
% Distribution of Population
Race / Ethnic Origin
Total
Local
State
U.S.
American Indian or Alaska Native
1,321
1.52%
1.04%
0.95%
Asian
4,328
4.98%
12.45%
4.50%
Black or African American
2,007
2.31%
8.13%
12.45%
Hispanic or Latino
13,591
15.64%
37.49%
16.09%
Multi-race / Other
10,802
12.43%
24.81%
9.95%
Pacific Islander
209
0.24%
0.37%
0.17%
White
68,234
78.52%
55.20%
71.99%
Source: Claritas 2011 data (June 2011). Note: Depending on the factor, Claritas uses either Census projections or real data; this may result in some variation among population totals in different tables (e.g., race/ethnicity, age, etc.); City of Chico for base population.
Income Level
Local
State
U.S.
Per Capita
$21,030
$26,067
$28,728
Median Household
$37,318
$59,553
$49,726
Average Household
$52,458
$70,806
$67,529
Source: Claritas 2011 data (June 2011)
Household Income Distribution
% Distribution of Population
Annual Income
Total
Local
State
U.S.
Under $35,000
9,331
34.88%
20.36%
23.69%
$35,000-$50,000
7,173
26.89%
23.32%
26.60%
$50,001 to $75,000
4,588
17.20%
18.48%
19.49%
$75,001-$100,000
2,402
9.01%
12.78%
11.91%
Over $100,000
3,180
11.91%
25.06%
18.31%
Source: Claritas 2011 data (June 2011)
Age Distribution of Population
% Distribution of Population
Age Group
Total
Local
State
U.S.
Under 18 years
13,496
15.53%
25,58%
24.34%
19-24 years
22,299
25.66%
9.93%
9.73%
25-34 years
10,072
11.59%
14.37%
13.34%
35-54 years
19,692
22.66%
14.52%
27.58%
55-74 years
12,627
14.53%
16.70%
18.88%
75 years or older
4,380
5.04%
5.30%
6.14%
Source: Claritas 2011 data (June 2011), Chico of Chico for base population
Median Age of Population
Local
State
U.S.
29.37
35.09
39.56
Source: Claritas 2011 data (June 2011)
Educational Attainment of Population over 25 years of Age
% Distribution of Population
Years of School Completed
Total
Local
State
U.S.
Less than High School
4,200
10.05%
19.46%
15.09%
High School
7,764
16.60%
21.45%
28.92%
Some College
13,054
27.91%
21.64%
20.79%
Associate's Degree
4,962
10.61%
7.60%
7.47%
Bachelor's Degree
10,884
23.27%
19.12%
17.52%
Graduate or Doctorate Degree
5,402
11.55%
10.76%
10.20%
Source: Claritas 2011 data (June 2011), City of Chico for base population
Labor
Chico pulls its labor force from a 50-mile radius comprising Butte, Glenn, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba counties. Lower wage rates are one factor contributing to Chico’s status as a low-cost place to do business in California. The commute time is nearly half that of California as a whole.
Monthly labor force updates for the Chico MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) - Butte County are available at the California Economic Development Department, Labor Market Information Division.
Labor Force and Unemployment
2nd Quarter 2011
Total Labor Force
Number Unemployed
Unemployment Rate
- City of Chico
34,200
4,200
12.9%
- County of Butte
104,900
13,900
13.2%
- 5-County Workforce Area*
210,750
33,850
17.1%
2010 Average Annual
- City of Chico
34,100
4,400
13.0%
- County of Butte
104,600
14,600
13.9%
- 5-County Workforce Area*
212,650
34,340
17.0%
2009 Average Annual
- City of Chico
33,900
4,400
11.7%
- County of Butte
193,800
13,100
12.6%
- 5-County Workforce Area*
212,160
30,460
15.0%
Source: California Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information Division (www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov) (June 2011) *5-County Workforce Area include Butte, Glenn, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties
Commute Patterns
Distribution of Workers
Commute Time
Number of Workers
Local
State
U.S.
Less than 15 minutes
18,085
60.9%
25.2%
28.3%
15 to 29 minutes
7,103
23.9%
35.9%
35.8%
30 to 44 minutes
2,458
8.6%
21.2%
20.8%
45 to 59 minutes
624
2.1%
7.9%
7.3%
60 or more minutes
1,335
4.5%
9.8%
7.8%
Estimated Average Travel Time to Work
17.7 Minutes
28.4 Minutes
26.7 Minutes
Source: Claritas 2011 data (June 2011)
Employment Taxes & Mandated Benefits
Tax / Benefit
Rate / Basis
Administering Agency
Disability Insurance
1.2% of wages up to $86,698 (employee paid via withholding)
Employees covered by Disability Insurance (see above) are eligible for up to six weeks of paid family leave to care for a seriously ill child, spouse, parent or domestic partner, or to bond with a new minor child. Disability insurance is paid by employees.
Source: California Employment Development Department, 2011 California Employer's Guide (DE-44) (www.edd.ca.gov/employer.asp) (June 2011)
Wages by Selected Occupations
Management, Business, & Financial
SOC Code*
Starting Wage
Experienced
Accountant & Auditor
13-2011
$21.49
$33.30
Computer & Info Systems Manager
11-3021
$38.16
$58.07
Human Resource Manager
11-3121
$31.34
$43.80
H.R. & Labor Relations Specialist
13-1078
$16.34
$30.52
Industrial Productions Manager
11-3051
$31.89
$56.88
Purchasing Agent (ex wholesale, retail & farm)
13-1023
$18.98
$31.30
Sales Manager
11-2022
$31.89
$49.58
Office Administration & Support
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
Supervisors of Office Worker
43-1011
$19.27
$27.55
Bookkeeping, Accounting Clerk
43-3031
$12.74
$19.13
Payroll & Timekeeping Clerk
43-3051
$15.58
$21.90
Customer Service Rep
43-4051
$13.38
$18.34
Data Entry Keyer
43-9021
$8.06
$13.34
Info & Records Clerk
43-4199
$13.05
$18.34
Shipping, Receiving, Traffic Clerk
43-5071
$11.87
$18.44
Executive Secretary & Admin Assistant
43-6011
$14.26
$21.81
Secretary (ex legal, medical & executive)
43-6014
$12.06
$18.10
Computer & IT
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
Computer Programmer
15-1131
$20.55
$46.20
Network & Computer Systems Administrator
15-1071
$23.75
$42.14
Architecture & Engineering
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
Architectural & Civil Drafter
17-3011
$20.14
$31.25
Civil Engineer
17-2051
$30.78
$47.13
Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technician
17-3023
$25.25
$40.98
Mechanical Engineer
17-2141
$29.90
$48.08
Construction & Maintenance
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
Supervisor of Trades Workers
47-1011
$25.81
$37.18
Carpenter
47-2031
$13.47
$24.49
Construction Laborer
47-2061
$12.23
$18.31
Equipment Operator
47-2073
$20.59
$33.36
Electrician
47-2111
$19.40
$33.81
Painter
47-2141
$14.42
$19.11
Industrial Equipment Electronic Repair2
49-2094
$24.79
$43.11
Aircraft Mechanic & Service Technician
49-3011
$14.12
$23.14
Auto Service Mechanic & Technician
49-3023
$13.95
$23.60
Industrial Machinery Mechanic3
49-9041
$19.30
$29.50
Maintenance & Repair Worker
49-9071
$12.19
$20.01
Machinery Maintenance
49-9043
$14.89
$24.60
Millwright2
49-9044
$17.51
$24.63
Production & Transportation
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
Production Supervisor
51-1011
$18.82
$27.45
Assembler & Fabricator
51-2099
$10.34
$15.20
Computer Controlled Machine Tool Operator
51-4011
$12.50
$15.37
Machinist
51-4041
$16.32
$24.03
Welder, Cutter, Solderer, Brazer
51-4121
$13.39
$18.76
Quality Inspector
51-9061
$11.29
$25.06
Truck Driver, Heavy
53-3032
$13.69
$22.34
Truck Driver, Light
53-3033
$10.30
$25.53
Conveyor Operator
53-7011
$13.38
$19.89
Industrial Truck & Tractor Operator
53-7051
$13.56
$20.69
Material Movers
53-7199
$ 9.75
$13.25
Life & Physical Science
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
Agricultural & Food Science Technician1
19-4011
$10.20
$17.29
Environmental Science Technician
19-4091
$16.58
$26.43
Healthcare Practitioners & Technical
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
Registered Nurse
29-1111
$35.01
$50.13
LPN and LVN
29-2061
$21.06
$27.18
Physical Therapist
29-1123
$30.65
$51.44
Physical Therapist Assistant3
31-2021
$27.50
$33.49
Medical & Clinical Lab Technician
29-2012
$13.53
$19.86
Medical Records Technician
29-2071
$12.53
$18.72
Sales, Marketing, Design & Related
SOC Code
Starting Wage
Experienced
Commercial & Industrial Designer
27-1021
$26.01
$38.03
Graphic Designer
27-1024
$12.94
$20.04
Retail Sales Person
41-2031
$8.74
$11.29
Sales Rep (mfg, technical, scientific)
41-4011
$32.56
$49.97
Sales Rep (services, all other)
41-3099
$17.26
$26.02
Source: State of California Employment Development Department, Employment and Wages Occupations, 1st Quarter 2011 data for Butte County/MSA, (1) 1st Quarter 2011 data for Sacramento County/MSA, (2) 1st Quarter 2011 data for Yuba-Sutter Counties/MSA, (3) 1st Quarter 2011 data for Shasta County/MSA (www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov) (June 2011). * Standard Occupational Code
Education and Training
Chico State attracts business and revenue as well as diversity to the community. The university's computer science, manufacturing, construction management, and business management graduates are recruited by large corporations from throughout the country. Many of those graduates would choose to remain in Chico given the right job opportunities.
Butte College has strong ties with the business community through its training programs, ranging from traditional classroom courses to customized in-house training. The community college provides low-cost career and technical education programs for local residents in allied health, business and information technology, engineering and industrial technology, agriculture, and highly regarded welding program.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics 2009-2010 data (www.nces.ed.gov) (July 2011)
Vocational Training
Provider
Location
Distance
Programs
Butte Community Employment Center
Chico
2.5 miles
Direct job referral, full gamut assessment, access to job seeking skills workshops, classroom and customized training and on the job training
Butte County ROP
Oroville
20 miles
Job Skills and job skills upgrading, career guidance, on-the-job experience, certificate of proficiency, preparation of state/national board certifications
Butte College - The Training Place
Chico
3 miles
Low-cost workshops, customized training, online training, at Butte College or on-site; employee and management training; also instructional design services
University of Phoenix
Chico
0.3 miles
Associate, Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees:
- Arts and Sciences - Business Managements - Criminal Justice and Security - Education - Human Services - Nursing and Health Care - Psychology - Technology
Chico offers a range of business opportunities in industry, retail, and tourism.
Export businesses compete successfully in global markets. Many of these ventures have grown out of a connection with California State University, Chico.
Major retail center in the North State with national retailers serving the region and downtown businesses creating a vibrant commercial center.
Tourism destination around education, outdoor recreation, agriculture, wildlife and natural resources, and arts and culture.
Employment by Sector
Industry Sector
Number of Establishments
Number Employed
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing
187
759
Natural Resources and Mining
3
18
Construction
473
2,270
Manufacturing
226
2,528
Wholesale
234
2,264
Retail
1,198
12,507
Transportation, Communications, Utilities
193
2,402
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate
598
3,997
Business and Professional Services
880
4,957
Education and Health Care Services
842
22,879
Total All Private Sector1
5,409
44,089
Total Government and Nonprofit
611
12,531
TOTAL ALL INDUSTRIES
6,020
56,440
Source: Claritas 2010 data (June 2011), (1) Includes Non-classified Establishments
High performance electrical and electronic cable assemblies, custom cable assemblies, connectors, custom connectors, and related interconnection products
Machinery that creates care and health management software that enables highly efficient collaboration among members, providers and health plans, tools and supplies (doors)
Markets and manufactures solid surface and natural stone products for residential commercial marketplace (high-end kitchen and bath products to component parts)
Develops, designs and manufactures thermal management and control systems in a wide spectrum of applications based on R&D of next generation micro parts
Produces custom die-casted products, with mold-making and mold repair capabilities. Expanded to include plastic injection molding, full assmbly capabilities, and podwer coating services
208
Source: City of Chico, February 2009, Number of employees from business licenses; product/service from each respective website (August 2011)
Transportation
Chico is located 20 miles from Interstate 5 and just 90 minutes from Sacramento. The Chico Municipal Airport offers flights out for commercial and private aviation. For the commuter, daily commercial flights to San Francisco International Airport are available.
Sources: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Airport Master Records as posted on www.gcr1.com, (1) Distance per mile Rand McNally (www.randmcnally.com) (June 2011)
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Economic Development Rate Incentive
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