Where is Chico, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 11, 2026

Where is Chico, California Located in the United States? - Chico is a city located in the Butte County in California, United States. Chico lies between 39.7285 Degrees North latitudes and -121.8375 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Chico, Butte, California

Where is Chico Located in Butte, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Chico in Butte County, in the U.S. state of California.

Chico Map, California, USA

About Chico Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Chico, Butte County, California

Chico is located in Butte County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the northern part of the state in the state of the United States within the Sacramento Valley region. The city was incorporated in 1872 and was named after Rancho Arroyo Chico, and it developed as an agricultural and educational center serving Northern California.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Chico is 101,475 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,000 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Chico covers a total area of approximately 33.4 square miles (about 86.5 square kilometers), including about 33.1 square miles (85.7 square kilometers) of land and 0.3 square miles (0.8 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Chico is situated north of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada foothills, positioned within the fertile Sacramento Valley. The city features flat agricultural lands to the west and wooded foothills to the east, creating diverse natural landscapes. State Route 99 and State Route 32 provide major transportation routes connecting Chico to surrounding communities and regional centers.

Top Attractions

Chico offers parks, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities that reflect its scenic setting. Popular destinations include Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, the Chico Air Museum, and the historic downtown district. The city is also home to California State University, Chico, contributing to higher education and economic activity in the region.

Transportation

Chico is served by State Route 99 and State Route 32, offering highway access to Sacramento and other parts of Northern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services and Amtrak connections available in nearby communities. The nearest airport is Chico Regional Airport, which provides limited regional flight services.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Chico City Website.

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Chico City Facts

CityChico
StateCalifornia
CountyButte County
CountryUnited States
RegionNorthern California - Sacramento Valley
IncorporatedJanuary 8, 1872
Founded1860
Total AreaApproximately 33.1 sq mi (85.7 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 33.0 sq mi (85.5 km2)
Water AreaApproximately 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km2)
ElevationApproximately 238 ft (73 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 101,000+
Population (2020 Census)101,475
Population DensityApproximately 3,100 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes95926, 95927, 95928, 95929, 95973
Area Code530
Major HighwaysState Route 99, State Route 32
Public TransitButte Regional Transit
Major AttractionsBidwell Park, California State University Chico, National Yo-Yo Museum
Official Websitehttps://chico.ca.us/

Distance from Chico City, CA to Nearby Cities in California

  • Oroville, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Paradise, CA – 14 miles (23 km)
  • Gridley, CA – 17 miles (27 km)
  • Yuba City, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Marysville, CA – 44 miles (71 km)
  • Willows, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Red Bluff, CA – 31 miles (50 km)
  • Corning, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Sacramento, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Redding, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Roseville, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Rocklin, CA – 88 miles (142 km)
  • Auburn, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Davis, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Woodland, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Stockton, CA – 140 miles (225 km)
  • Modesto, CA – 160 miles (257 km)
  • Santa Rosa, CA – 150 miles (241 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 170 miles (274 km)
  • Oakland, CA – 165 miles (266 km)

Chico, California Climate and Weather Overview

MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Avg Rainfall (in)
January55395.9
April74481.8
July96630.1
October82541.1
Annual765027.3
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate Classification (Köppen)Hot-Summer Mediterranean (Csa)
Annual RainfallAbout 27.3 in
Annual Sunshine DaysAbout 249 days
Hurricane/Tornado RiskNo hurricane risk and very low tornado risk
SnowfallRare

Driving Distances from Chico, California

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
DurhamCalifornia710 min
ParadiseCalifornia1320 min
BiggsCalifornia1720 min
GridleyCalifornia1925 min
OrovilleCalifornia2330 min
CorningCalifornia2530 min
Red BluffCalifornia3240 min
Yuba CityCalifornia4855 min
MarysvilleCalifornia501 hr
SacramentoCalifornia901 hr 35 min

Transportation and Connectivity in Chico, California

TransportationDetails
Airport NameChico Regional Airport
IATA CodeCIC
Major AirportSacramento International Airport
Major HighwaysState Route 99, State Route 32, State Route 149 (nearby)
Train ServiceAmtrak Coast Starlight and Amtrak Thruway Bus
Local Bus/Transit ServiceButte Regional Transit (B-Line)
  • State Route 99 is the primary highway connecting Chico with Sacramento, Red Bluff, and other communities in the Sacramento Valley.
  • Chico Regional Airport supports general aviation, while Sacramento International Airport provides extensive commercial flight service about 90 miles south.
  • Amtrak's Coast Starlight stops in Chico, offering passenger rail service between the Pacific Northwest and Southern California.
  • B-Line regional transit operates bus routes throughout Chico and neighboring communities in Butte County.
  • Chico is known for Bidwell Park, California State University, Chico, its vibrant downtown, agricultural heritage, and access to outdoor recreation.

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Chico, California

Landmark NameType
Bidwell ParkMunicipal Park
California State University, ChicoUniversity Campus
Bidwell Mansion State Historic ParkState Historic Park
Gateway Science MuseumScience Museum
National Yo-Yo MuseumSpecialty Museum
Chico Air MuseumAviation Museum
Upper Bidwell ParkNature Recreation Area
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.Brewery and Visitor Center
Chico Certified Farmers MarketFarmers Market
Honey Run Covered BridgeHistoric Landmark

Colleges and Universities in and near Chico, California

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
California State University, ChicoPublicUniversityBusiness, engineering, agriculture, education, and environmental sciences
Butte CollegePublicCommunity CollegeTransfer programs, workforce training, and technical education
California Northern School of LawPrivateLaw SchoolLegal education and evening law programs
Yuba CollegePublicCommunity CollegeLiberal arts, nursing, and career education
Shasta CollegePublicCommunity CollegeCareer education, agriculture, and university transfer programs

Waterbodies in Chico, California

Sacramento River, Big Chico Creek, Little Chico Creek, Butte Creek, Sycamore Pool, Black Butte Lake, Oroville Lake, Thermalito Afterbay

Golf Courses in and near Chico, California

Bidwell Park Golf Course, Butte Creek Country Club, Canyon Oaks Country Club, Table Mountain Golf Course, Sevillano Links, Oroville Golf Club, Peach Tree Golf & Country Club, Wilcox Oaks Golf Club

Chico, California - Key Historical Facts

  • Chico was founded in 1860 by General John Bidwell, a pioneer, rancher, and prominent figure in early California history.
  • The city developed as an agricultural center supported by fertile Sacramento Valley farmland, producing almonds, walnuts, rice, and other crops.
  • The arrival of the railroad in the late nineteenth century encouraged commercial growth and strengthened Chico's role as a regional trade center.
  • California State University, Chico, established in 1887, has played a major role in the city's educational, cultural, and economic development.
  • Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, has long been a defining feature of the community and a popular recreation destination.
  • Today, Chico is recognized for its university atmosphere, thriving downtown, outdoor recreation, agricultural economy, and strong commitment to arts, culture, and sustainability.

References

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