Chico Housing Market Report – May 2026
Here's a look at how the Chico, CA real estate market performed in May 2026, based on actual sold data from the MLS.
Market Snapshot
- Homes Sold: 116
- Median Sale Price: $477,000
- Average Sale Price: $536,173
- Average Price Per Sq Ft: $305
- Average Days on Market: 86
- Sale-to-List Price Ratio: 99.1%
Month-Over-Month Trends
Compared to April, the median sale price in Chico moved 1.2% up (from $471,500 to $477,000). The number of homes sold was 11.5% up compared to the prior month (104 vs. 116). Average days on market shifted 11.7% up (77 days to 86 days).
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Compared to May 2025, the median sale price is 3.4% down (from $494,000 to $477,000). Sales volume is 1.8% up year-over-year.
What This Means
Chico's housing market is showing mixed signals as we head into summer. Sales volume jumped to 116 homes this month, but given recent data collection improvements, this likely reflects more complete reporting rather than a genuine market surge. What's more telling is that median prices are actually down 3.4% year-over-year, sitting at $477,000—suggesting the market has cooled compared to May 2025. However, the month-over-month uptick of 1.2% hints at seasonal spring momentum that typically peaks around this time.
The real concern is lingering time. Homes are now sitting on the market for 86 days on average, up from 77 days last month and significantly longer than the typical 60-day sweet spot. This slowdown, combined with active listings hovering near 400 units, indicates sellers still outnumber eager buyers. The sale-to-list ratio of 99.1% is solid, but it masks the fact that homes are taking longer to find their buyers. Rising interest rates and California's broader affordability crisis are likely keeping the brakes on demand, even as Chico remains more accessible than coastal markets.
Chico Sales by Zip Code
| Zip Code | Homes Sold | Median Price | Avg $/SqFt | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95973 | 44 | $495,000 | $282 | 97 |
| 95928 | 41 | $495,000 | $345 | 65 |
| 95926 | 31 | $459,000 | $286 | 99 |
Sales by Property Type
| Property Type | Homes Sold | Median Price | Avg $/SqFt |
|---|---|---|---|
| SINGLE_FAMILY | 95 | $495,000 | $324 |
| MOBILE | 7 | $51,000 | $71 |
| CONDOS | 5 | $320,000 | $231 |
| MULTI_FAMILY | 5 | $1,200,000 | $421 |
| LAND | 4 | $286,000 | N/A |
Sales by Price Range
| Price Range | Homes Sold |
|---|---|
| Under $100K | 6 |
| $100K - $199K | 2 |
| $200K - $299K | 7 |
| $300K - $399K | 24 |
| $400K - $499K | 29 |
| $500K - $749K | 35 |
| $750K+ | 13 |
Current Active Listings
As of this report, there are 402 active listings in Chico with a median asking price of $452,450 and an average of 130 days on market.
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