Near West Side, Chicago, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,923
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$94,327/yr
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,062
4.2% year-over-year change

Near West Side population

How many people live in Near West Side

Near West Side is home to 17,923 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Near West Side locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
17,923
4.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
8,704
Female
51.4%
9,219
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,704 48.6% 2.9%
Female 9,219 51.4% 6.4%
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 Near West Side is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.7% are children under 15, then 14.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 43% of the population, while another 19.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
33
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.7%
15 to 24
14.8%
25 to 44
43%
45 to 64
19.1%
Over 65
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,628 14.7% 10.8%
15 to 24 2,652 14.8% 1.1%
25 to 44 7,701 43% 5.4%
45 to 64 3,426 19.1% 2.1%
Over 65 1,517 8.5% 3.0%
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 Near West Side, 84% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 36% of locals are Caucasian, 37.4% are African American and 11.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 6.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.2%
Non-citizens
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,053 84% 3.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,287 7.2% 5.2%
Non-citizens 1,582 8.8% 12.8%
Racial breakdown
White
36%
Black or African American
37.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
11.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
8%
Other
6.2%
Value Percent
White 6,455 36%
Black or African American 6,704 37.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 70 0.4%
Asian 2,135 11.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 18 0.1%
Two or more races 1,435 8%
Other 1,106 6.2%

Households in Near West Side

A peek inside Near West Side households

Near West Side has 8,282 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 40.8% are families, while the remaining 59.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,282
6.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,900
Family households
3,382
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,900 59.2% 7.7%
Family households 3,382 40.8% 3.6%
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 Near West Side

The housing landscape of Near West Side

Near West Side's housing consists of 9,062 units, with 7.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.8% 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
9,062
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 665 7.3%
1 unit, attached 612 6.8%
2 units 1,202 13.3%
3 or 4 units 1,446 16%
5 to 9 units 850 9.4%
10 to 19 units 369 4.1%
20 to 49 units 666 7.4%
50 or more units 3,241 35.8%
Mobile home 6 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
426
142.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Near West Side

In Near West Side, the median construction year is 1988. About 28.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,557 28.2% 3.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 279 3.1% 12.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 237 2.6% 10.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 514 5.7% 11.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 425 4.7% -22.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 590 6.5% -18.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 633 7% -3.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,056 22.7% -1.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,345 14.8% 20.4%
Built in 2020 or later 426 4.7% 142.1%
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.

Near West Side occupancy rates

Out of the 8,282 occupied housing units in Near West Side, 35.6% are owner-occupied, while 64.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,282
6.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,333
Owner occupied
2,949
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,333 64.4% 5.5%
Owner occupied 2,949 35.6% 6.9%
Unoccupied housing units
8.6%
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.

Near West Side housing costs

Housing costs in Near West Side come to a median of $1,998 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,868.

Median housing costs per month
$1,998/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 Near West Side
$1,868/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 Near West Side

Near West Side education at a glance

About 19.1% of the population in Near West Side went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 30.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 327 2.2% -14.4%
High school diploma 2,821 19.1% -4.1%
College diploma 2,900 19.6% 0.7%
Associate degree 749 5.1% 5.6%
Bachelor's degree 4,489 30.3% 7.0%
Graduate degree 3,518 23.8% 9.9%
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 Near West Side

How much people earn in Near West Side

The average annual household income in Near West Side was $127,723 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $94,327, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Near West Side
$127,723/year
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Near West Side
$94,327/year
1.0% year-over-year change

Near West Side income by age

In Near West Side, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $116,238. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $107,538 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,086, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,135 in earnings. Overall, 79.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,086 -11.6%
25 - 44 $116,238 -0.2%
45 - 64 $107,538 8.7%
Over 65 $51,135 135.7%
Above poverty level
13,341
Below poverty level
3,534
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,341 79.1% 3.5%
Below poverty level 3,534 20.9% 10.5%

Employment in Near West Side

Workforce and job types in Near West Side

The job market in Near West Side is powered by 9,815 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 92.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 7.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.4% run their own businesses, 66.9% are employed by private companies, and 13.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,815
4.3% year-over-year change
White collar
9,090
Blue collar
725
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,090 92.6% 6.3%
Blue collar 725 7.4% -15.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6.4%
Private companies
66.9%
Governmental workers
13.2%
Not for profit companies
13.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 626 6.4% -10.7%
Private companies 6,562 66.9% 7.5%
Governmental workers 1,293 13.2% -1.5%
Not for profit companies 1,334 13.6% 3.4%
Unemployment rate
8.8%
5.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Near West Side stands at 8.8%, 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 Near West Side

How people get around in Near West Side

In Near West Side, the average commute time is 15 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 53% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 23.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
15 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,609 53% -4.5%
Taxicab 150 2.2% 12.8%
Bus or trolleybus 1,125 16.5% -6.4%
Railroad 79 1.2% 25.4%
Ferryboat 7 0.1% N/A
Motorcycle 4 0.1% 100.0%
Bicycle 247 3.6% 13.8%
Walk 1,593 23.4% 23.9%
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 Near West Side by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60607 32,392 16,556 $127,732 $178,770
60612 35,744 15,393 $60,922 $105,407

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FAQs about Near West Side demographics 

What is the total population of Near West Side?

Near West Side has a total population of 17,923 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 +4.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Near West Side?

The gender ratio in Near West Side is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (8,704 residents)
  • 51.4% females (9,219 residents)

What is the median age in Near West Side?

The median age in Near West Side is 33.

What is the age distribution of the population in Near West Side?

The age distribution in Near West Side is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.7% (2,628 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.8% (2,652 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 43% (7,701 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.1% (3,426 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.5% (1,517 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Near West Side?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Near West Side is as follows:
  • White: 36% (6,455 residents)
  • Black or African American: 37.4% (6,704 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (70 residents)
  • Asian: 11.9% (2,135 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (18 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8% (1,435 residents)
  • Other: 6.2% (1,106 residents)

What percentage of the population in Near West Side are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84% of the population in Near West Side.

How many housing units are there in Near West Side?

There are 9,062 housing units in Near West Side, reflecting a +4.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Near West Side and what is the average household size?

Near West Side has a total of 8,282 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Near West Side?

Near West Side has a median household income of $94,327, representing a +1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Near West Side?

The employment rate is 91.2% in Near West Side, with a workforce of 9,815 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 92.6% (9,090 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 7.4% (725 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.4% (626 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.9% (6,562 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.2% (1,293 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.6% (1,334 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