Back of the Yards, Chicago, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
33,467
-3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,896/yr
8.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,947
-1.0% year-over-year change

Back of the Yards population

How many people live in Back of the Yards

Back of the Yards is home to 33,467 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51% of Back of the Yards locals are male, and 49% are female.

Total population
33,467
-3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51%
17,067
Female
49%
16,400
Value Percent YoY change
Male 17,067 51% -2.8%
Female 16,400 49% -4.2%
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 Back of the Yards is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.8% are children under 15, then 13.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.1% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.8%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 44
30.1%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,629 19.8% -5.9%
15 to 24 4,596 13.7% -8.2%
25 to 44 10,065 30.1% -1.9%
45 to 64 8,143 24.3% -2.9%
Over 65 4,034 12% 1.3%
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 Back of the Yards, 71% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 17% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 20% of locals are Caucasian, 22.9% are African American and 6.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 20.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
71%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.1%
Non-citizens
17%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,758 71% -4.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,038 12.1% -4.6%
Non-citizens 5,671 17% 0.9%
Racial breakdown
White
20%
Black or African American
22.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.1%
Asian
6.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
20.2%
Other
28.3%
Value Percent
White 6,710 20%
Black or African American 7,666 22.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 696 2.1%
Asian 2,150 6.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0%
Two or more races 6,774 20.2%
Other 9,466 28.3%

Households in Back of the Yards

A peek inside Back of the Yards households

Back of the Yards has 12,347 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 62.7% are families, while the remaining 37.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,347
-1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,601
Family households
7,746
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,601 37.3% -0.9%
Family households 7,746 62.7% -1.5%
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 Back of the Yards

The housing landscape of Back of the Yards

Back of the Yards's housing consists of 13,947 units, with 27.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.2% 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 1.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
13,947
-1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,858 27.7%
1 unit, attached 579 4.2%
2 units 4,113 29.5%
3 or 4 units 2,855 20.5%
5 to 9 units 1,130 8.1%
10 to 19 units 117 0.8%
20 to 49 units 177 1.3%
50 or more units 944 6.8%
Mobile home 173 1.2%
Homes built since 2020
11
37.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Back of the Yards

In Back of the Yards, the median construction year is 1938. About 51.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,158 51.3% 0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 776 5.6% -2.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,042 7.5% 6.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,047 7.5% -5.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 777 5.6% -12.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 362 2.6% -3.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 693 5% -17.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,385 9.9% 6.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 695 5% 4.2%
Built in 2020 or later 11 0.1% 37.5%
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.

Back of the Yards occupancy rates

Out of the 12,347 occupied housing units in Back of the Yards, 42.2% are owner-occupied, while 57.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,347
-1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,138
Owner occupied
5,209
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,138 57.8% -2.2%
Owner occupied 5,209 42.2% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
11.5%
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.

Back of the Yards housing costs

Housing costs in Back of the Yards come to a median of $1,139 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,099.

Median housing costs per month
$1,139/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 Back of the Yards
$1,099/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 Back of the Yards

Back of the Yards education at a glance

About 42.8% of the population in Back of the Yards went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 11.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,212 12.8% -4.9%
High school diploma 10,775 42.8% -5.5%
College diploma 4,783 19% -0.1%
Associate degree 1,667 6.6% 4.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,916 11.6% -5.7%
Graduate degree 1,841 7.3% 2.7%
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 Back of the Yards

How much people earn in Back of the Yards

The average annual household income in Back of the Yards was $77,374 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,896, reflecting a +8.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Back of the Yards
$77,374/year
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Back of the Yards
$58,896/year
8.8% year-over-year change

Back of the Yards income by age

In Back of the Yards, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,270. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,989 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,006, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,960 in earnings. Overall, 73.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,006 18.0%
25 - 44 $61,270 5.1%
45 - 64 $68,989 1.8%
Over 65 $34,960 19.8%
Above poverty level
24,319
Below poverty level
8,676
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 24,319 73.7% -4.7%
Below poverty level 8,676 26.3% 0.5%

Employment in Back of the Yards

Workforce and job types in Back of the Yards

69.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 68.2% are employed by private companies, and 14.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
10,378
Blue collar
4,568
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,378 69.4% -5.5%
Blue collar 4,568 30.6% 4.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
68.2%
Governmental workers
14.9%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,300 8.7% 3.5%
Private companies 10,198 68.2% -3.2%
Governmental workers 2,225 14.9% -2.9%
Not for profit companies 1,223 8.2% -4.0%

Transportation in Back of the Yards

How people get around in Back of the Yards

In Back of the Yards, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
-5.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,511 84.1% -0.4%
Taxicab 187 1.6% 5.1%
Bus or trolleybus 1,080 9.6% -18.4%
Railroad 48 0.4% 14.3%
Bicycle 81 0.7% -22.9%
Walk 401 3.6% -5.2%
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 Back of the Yards by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60609 62,028 22,884 $58,896 $77,374

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FAQs about Back of the Yards demographics 

What is the total population of Back of the Yards?

Back of the Yards has a total population of 33,467 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 -3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Back of the Yards?

The gender ratio in Back of the Yards is as follows:
  • 51% males (17,067 residents)
  • 49% females (16,400 residents)

What is the median age in Back of the Yards?

The median age in Back of the Yards is 36.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Back of the Yards?

The age distribution in Back of the Yards is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.8% (6,629 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.7% (4,596 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.1% (10,065 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (8,143 residents)
  • Over 65: 12% (4,034 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Back of the Yards?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Back of the Yards is as follows:
  • White: 20% (6,710 residents)
  • Black or African American: 22.9% (7,666 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.1% (696 residents)
  • Asian: 6.4% (2,150 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 20.2% (6,774 residents)
  • Other: 28.3% (9,466 residents)

What percentage of the population in Back of the Yards are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 71% of the population in Back of the Yards.

How many housing units are there in Back of the Yards?

There are 13,947 housing units in Back of the Yards, reflecting a -1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Back of the Yards and what is the average household size?

Back of the Yards has a total of 12,347 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Back of the Yards?

Back of the Yards has a median household income of $58,896, representing a +8.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Back of the Yards?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.4% (10,378 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.6% (4,568 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (1,300 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.2% (10,198 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.9% (2,225 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (1,223 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