Chico, California

Chico is a city located in Butte County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 59,954. Chico is home to California State University, Chico.

Chico was founded in 1860 by General John Bidwell, and became incorporated in 1872.

Geography

Chico is located at 39°44'24" North, 121°50'8" West (39.739983, -121.835460)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 71.9 km² (27.8 mi²). 71.8 km² (27.7 mi²) of it is land and 0.04% is water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 59,954 people, 23,476 households, and 11,644 families residing in the city. The population density is 834.5/km² (2,161.0/mi²). There are 24,386 housing units at an average density of 339.4/km² (879.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 82.36% White, 2.03% Black or African American, 1.30% Native American, 4.21% Asian, 0.19% Pacific Islander, 5.65% from other races, and 4.25% from two or more races. 12.26% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 23,476 households out of which 27.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.4% are married couples living together, 11.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 50.4% are non-families. 29.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.42 and the average family size is 3.03.

In the city the population is spread out with 21.1% under the age of 18, 27.0% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 15.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 26 years. For every 100 females there are 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $29,359, and the median income for a family is $43,077. Males have a median income of $35,548 versus $26,173 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,970. 26.6% of the population and 12.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 19.2% of those under the age of 18 and 8.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Government

Chico's city council consists of seven councilmembers. Each member serves 4 years. The mayor is chosen by the councilmembers and serve for two years. City council meeting are on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The councilmembers are:

• Scott Gruendl-mayor
• Maureen Kirk - vice mayor
• Steve Bertagna
• Dan Herbert
• Andy Holcombe
• Ann Schwab
• Larry Wahl

Rick Keene, California assembly-member was a former Chico city council member.

Points of interest

Chico is the site of Bidwell Park, the seventh-largest municipal park in the United States, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, the Chico University Arboretum, and home to the tallest building between Sacramento, CA and Portland, OR.

Sports

• Chico Outlaws (Baseball - Golden Baseball League)
• Chico Heat (old baseball team - Western Baseball League)