Chicago Heights, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
26,736
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,798/yr
-4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,613
-1.7% year-over-year change

Chicago Heights population

How many people live in Chicago Heights

Chicago Heights is home to 26,736 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Chicago Heights locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
26,736
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
12,910
Female
51.7%
13,826
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,910 48.3% -0.8%
Female 13,826 51.7% -0.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Chicago Heights is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.2% are children under 15, then 15.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.6% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.2%
15 to 24
15.6%
25 to 44
24.6%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
14.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,931 22.2% 2.5%
15 to 24 4,169 15.6% -5.5%
25 to 44 6,569 24.6% 2.3%
45 to 64 6,247 23.4% -8.3%
Over 65 3,820 14.3% 8.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Chicago Heights, 83.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 25.5% of locals are Caucasian, 41.3% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.6%
Non-citizens
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 22,417 83.8% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,303 8.6% 9.8%
Non-citizens 2,016 7.5% -21.2%
Racial breakdown
White
25.5%
Black or African American
41.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.8%
Other
17%
Value Percent
White 6,822 25.5%
Black or African American 11,053 41.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 538 2%
Asian 87 0.3%
Two or more races 3,678 13.8%
Other 4,558 17%

Households in Chicago Heights

A peek inside Chicago Heights households

Chicago Heights has 9,224 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64% are families, while the remaining 36% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,224
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,324
Family households
5,900
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,324 36% 8.1%
Family households 5,900 64% -3.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Chicago Heights

The housing landscape of Chicago Heights

Chicago Heights's housing consists of 10,613 units, with 69.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,613
-1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,358 69.3%
1 unit, attached 302 2.8%
2 units 1,174 11.1%
3 or 4 units 582 5.5%
5 to 9 units 221 2.1%
10 to 19 units 311 2.9%
20 to 49 units 82 0.8%
50 or more units 555 5.2%
Mobile home 14 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 14 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chicago Heights

In Chicago Heights, the median construction year is 1959. About 15.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,690 15.9% 0.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,229 11.6% 10.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,758 26% -12.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,137 20.1% 2.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,349 12.7% 6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 573 5.4% 23.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 139 1.3% -31.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 283 2.7% -29.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 455 4.3% 4.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Chicago Heights occupancy rates

Out of the 9,224 occupied housing units in Chicago Heights, 63.4% are owner-occupied, while 36.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,224
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,378
Owner occupied
5,846
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,378 36.6% -0.4%
Owner occupied 5,846 63.4% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
13.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Chicago Heights housing costs

Housing costs in Chicago Heights come to a median of $1,094 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,038.

Median housing costs per month
$1,094/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Chicago Heights
$1,038/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Chicago Heights

Chicago Heights education at a glance

About 43.7% of the population in Chicago Heights went to high school, while 25.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 12.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,062 5.5% -14.2%
High school diploma 8,510 43.7% -0.5%
College diploma 4,932 25.3% -4.7%
Associate degree 1,464 7.5% 9.6%
Bachelor's degree 2,451 12.6% -0.7%
Graduate degree 1,049 5.4% 0.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Chicago Heights

How much people earn in Chicago Heights

The average annual household income in Chicago Heights was $75,717 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,798, reflecting a -4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chicago Heights
$75,717/year
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chicago Heights
$54,798/year
-4.7% year-over-year change

Chicago Heights income by age

In Chicago Heights, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,167. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,219 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $56,394, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,250 in earnings. Overall, 73.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $56,394 2.3%
25 - 44 $61,167 6.0%
45 - 64 $69,219 -1.8%
Over 65 $34,250 -5.5%
Above poverty level
19,047
Below poverty level
6,986
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,047 73.2% -3.5%
Below poverty level 6,986 26.8% 8.7%

Average renter income in Chicago Heights

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chicago Heights, their median household income was $35,500 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,500
Rent-to-income ratio
35.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Chicago Heights

Workforce and job types in Chicago Heights

The job market in Chicago Heights is powered by 10,527 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.7% run their own businesses, 70.6% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,527
-2.2% year-over-year change
White collar
6,859
Blue collar
3,668
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,859 65.2% -1.6%
Blue collar 3,668 34.8% -3.5%
Employer type
Self employees
5.7%
Private companies
70.6%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
10.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 600 5.7% -9.6%
Private companies 7,434 70.6% -0.2%
Governmental workers 1,364 13% -13.6%
Not for profit companies 1,129 10.7% 4.8%
Unemployment rate
14.6%
14.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chicago Heights stands at 14.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Chicago Heights

How people get around in Chicago Heights

In Chicago Heights, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
-5.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,492 83.8% -3.7%
Taxicab 104 1% 70.5%
Bus or trolleybus 204 2% -6.0%
Subway or elevated 176 1.7% N/A
Railroad 97 1% -38.6%
Bicycle 40 0.4% N/A
Walk 47 0.5% 80.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Chicago Heights by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60411 52,175 18,348 $62,073 $78,751

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FAQs about Chicago Heights demographics 

What is the total population of Chicago Heights?

Chicago Heights has a total population of 26,736 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chicago Heights?

The gender ratio in Chicago Heights is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (12,910 residents)
  • 51.7% females (13,826 residents)

What is the median age in Chicago Heights?

The median age in Chicago Heights is 35.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chicago Heights?

The age distribution in Chicago Heights is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.2% (5,931 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.6% (4,169 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.6% (6,569 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (6,247 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.3% (3,820 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chicago Heights?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chicago Heights is as follows:
  • White: 25.5% (6,822 residents)
  • Black or African American: 41.3% (11,053 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2% (538 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (87 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.8% (3,678 residents)
  • Other: 17% (4,558 residents)

What percentage of the population in Chicago Heights are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.8% of the population in Chicago Heights.

How many housing units are there in Chicago Heights?

There are 10,613 housing units in Chicago Heights, reflecting a -1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Chicago Heights and what is the average household size?

Chicago Heights has a total of 9,224 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chicago Heights?

Chicago Heights has a median household income of $54,798, representing a -4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Chicago Heights?

The employment rate is 85.4% in Chicago Heights, with a workforce of 10,527 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.2% (6,859 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.8% (3,668 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.7% (600 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.6% (7,434 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (1,364 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.7% (1,129 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025