×
Your
Chico
Retirement Outlook — in 90 seconds
Hosted by Michael McMillan, President of Annuities.net
Every figure mentioned is drawn from the same sourced public data shown below — and the video updates as the data does.
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98,683
+
Total Population
Stat icon
$
57,357
Median Income
Stat icon
$
349,300
Median Home
Stat icon
13
%
Age 65+
Retirement Suitability
How
Chico
ranks for retirees?
12
/ 100

A blended, sourced view of how this city ranks for retirees across tax, affordability, healthcare, and climate.

Tax
8
Affordability
11
Healthcare
5
Climate
38

Results

Chico

Suitability Breakdown

Retirement tax planning
01 - Taxes

Retirement Tax Treatment

Tax
8

California does not tax Social Security benefits, though retirees should plan for a state income tax on other income and a base sales tax rate of 7.25%.

State sales tax here runs about

7

%.

Source · Tax Foundation
8
7
Retirement tax planning
02 - Income

Annuity Rates Available Here

Affordability
11

Fixed annuity rates reach up to

7

% on 5-year terms, with most landing between

5

% and

5

%.

Source · Cannex
11
Retirement tax planning
03 - Healthcare

Hospital Access & Quality

Healthcare
5

The area has

3

Medicare-certified hospitals, averaging a

2

/5 CMS quality rating.

Source · CMS Hospital Compare
2
Retirement tax planning
04 - Climate

Weather & Comfort

Climate
38

A

Temperate

climate — summers peak near

92

°F, winters dip to about

36

°F, with roughly

″ of snow a year.

Source · NOAA Climate Normals
Temperate
Retirement tax planning
05 - Risk

Natural Disaster Risk

Risk
Relatively Moderate

FEMA's overall natural-disaster risk rating for this county on the National Risk Index.

Source · FEMA National Risk Index
Relatively Moderate

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does California tax Social Security retirement benefits?

California does not tax Social Security benefits, which can meaningfully stretch retirement income for Chico residents. However, the state does impose income tax on other retirement income sources, and the base sales tax rate is 7.25%. Retirees should factor both of these into their overall income planning to avoid surprises at tax time.

What are the hospitals like near Chico for retirees on Medicare?

The Chico area has three Medicare-certified hospitals. Their average CMS quality rating is 2.0 out of 5 stars, which is below the national midpoint. That rating suggests it is worth researching individual facilities and their specific service lines before making healthcare decisions tied to where you choose to retire.

How affordable is housing in Chico compared to the rest of California?

The median home value in Chico is $349,300, which is notably lower than many California metro areas. With a median household income of $57,357, the price-to-income ratio is still a stretch for many residents. Retirees on fixed incomes should weigh housing costs carefully alongside ongoing expenses like the state’s 7.25% base sales tax.

What natural disaster risks should retirees consider in the Chico area?

FEMA rates Butte County’s overall natural-disaster risk as Relatively Moderate on its National Risk Index. Summers in Chico reach average highs around 92°F and winters drop to lows near 36°F. Retirees should review homeowner and supplemental insurance options with these regional risk factors in mind when planning long-term housing decisions.

Can a fixed annuity help provide guaranteed income for retirement in California?

Chico retirees face California’s state income tax on most retirement income outside Social Security, which makes predictable, guaranteed income especially valuable for budgeting. A multi-year guaranteed annuity locks in a fixed interest rate for a set term, so you know exactly what growth to expect each year. That certainty helps cover essential expenses without guessing. Current rates change often, so check our current annuity rates page for today’s figures.

Check Current Rates