Cost of Living in Willows, CA
Population 6,239 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Willows is a smaller California community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $78,179 and housing costs ($286,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Willows is about 25 miles southwest of Chico, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Chico's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Willows
The median home value in Willows is $286,200 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,149/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,179/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Willows has a cost of living index of 91 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% less expensive.
Willows has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Willows, CA?
Willows has a cost index of 91 (100 = national average). It is 9% below the national average.
What is average rent in Willows, CA?
The median gross rent in Willows is $1,149 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Willows?
The median home value in Willows is $286,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Willows?
The median household income in Willows is $78,179 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Willows, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Willows is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Willows, CA affordable?
Willows is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 91 (100 = US average).
Willows at a Glance
- Population
- 6,239
- Median Income
- $78,179
- Home Value
- $286,200
- Median Rent
- $1,149/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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