What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Palermo, CA, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Palermo is a city in Butte County, California, with an estimated population of 5,555. It anchors the Chico metro area. The median home value in Palermo is $254,006 as of 2026-04, up 3.3% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged -1.3% annual growth, and the market currently sits about 17% below its 5-year peak. The composite momentum score is 43 of 100 (Cooling). Buyers may find more room to negotiate; sellers should price realistically.
Prices have come off recent highs (-16.5% from peak). Buyers may have more room to negotiate; sellers should price realistically.
Reasons people move here
- Quiet strength: +3.3% over the trailing year — not a melt-up, but the market is bid.
- The data is the data: Palermo has at least 5 years of Zillow tracking, full Census identification, and is included in the 2-criteria momentum score on this page.
Things to know first
- 17% off recent peak — buyers are getting through-the-cycle pricing, not the peak.
- Long-run gains, recently flat: 5-year CAGR is -1.3% but 10-year is +4.3%. The last few years have not been kind.
- Thin housing market: small population means fewer transactions and slower resale. Liquidity risk on exit.
More about Palermo
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.