River West, Chicago, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,924
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$145,266/yr
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,616
3.1% year-over-year change

River West population

How many people live in River West

River West is home to 3,924 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of River West locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
3,924
4.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
1,985
Female
49.4%
1,940
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,985 50.6% 3.2%
Female 1,940 49.4% 6.8%
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 River West is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 5.6% are children under 15, then 8.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 62.7% of the population, while another 16% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 6.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
33
Age breakdown
Under 15
5.6%
15 to 24
8.8%
25 to 44
62.7%
45 to 64
16%
Over 65
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 219 5.6% -1.4%
15 to 24 344 8.8% 7.5%
25 to 44 2,461 62.7% 6.6%
45 to 64 630 16% 1.1%
Over 65 271 6.9% 1.9%
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 River West, 80.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66.9% of locals are Caucasian, 5.6% are African American and 9.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
80.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.1%
Non-citizens
11%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,176 80.9% 2.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 318 8.1% 12.0%
Non-citizens 430 11% 18.1%
Racial breakdown
White
66.9%
Black or African American
5.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
9.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.4%
Other
4.8%
Value Percent
White 2,624 66.9%
Black or African American 220 5.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0%
Asian 364 9.3%
Two or more races 525 13.4%
Other 189 4.8%

Households in River West

A peek inside River West households

River West has 2,417 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 26.3% are families, while the remaining 73.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,417
5.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,781
Family households
636
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,781 73.7% 6.3%
Family households 636 26.3% 2.9%
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 River West

The housing landscape of River West

River West's housing consists of 2,616 units, with 2.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,616
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 61 2.3%
1 unit, attached 50 1.9%
2 units 74 2.8%
3 or 4 units 232 8.9%
5 to 9 units 212 8.1%
10 to 19 units 83 3.2%
20 to 49 units 154 5.9%
50 or more units 1,750 66.9%
Homes built since 2020
101
140.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in River West

In River West, the median construction year is 1998. About 17.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 32.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 20.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 455 17.4% 1.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 21 0.8% -25.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 57 2.2% -19.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 137 5.2% -2.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 89 3.4% -1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 152 5.8% -3.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 211 8.1% -3.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 848 32.4% 2.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 544 20.8% 5.4%
Built in 2020 or later 101 3.9% 140.5%
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.

River West occupancy rates

Out of the 2,417 occupied housing units in River West, 34% are owner-occupied, while 66% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,417
5.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,595
Owner occupied
822
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,595 66% 5.1%
Owner occupied 822 34% 6.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.6%
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.

River West housing costs

Housing costs in River West come to a median of $2,606 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,438.

Median housing costs per month
$2,606/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 River West
$2,438/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 River West

River West education at a glance

About 6.1% of the population in River West went to high school, while 5.9% pursued college studies. Another 2.1% earned an associate degree and 50.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 34.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 28 0.8% 3.7%
High school diploma 224 6.1% 6.2%
College diploma 219 5.9% 6.3%
Associate degree 78 2.1% -15.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,859 50.3% 5.2%
Graduate degree 1,291 34.9% 7.1%
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 River West

How much people earn in River West

The average annual household income in River West was $183,286 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $145,266, reflecting a +1.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in River West
$183,286/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in River West
$145,266/year
1.6% year-over-year change

River West income by age

In River West, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $165,294. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $146,676 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $83,422, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $79,034 in earnings. Overall, 92.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $83,422 -4.0%
25 - 44 $165,294 0.3%
45 - 64 $146,676 26.1%
Over 65 $79,034 -12.2%
Above poverty level
3,578
Below poverty level
304
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,578 92.2% 4.7%
Below poverty level 304 7.8% 10.6%

Employment in River West

Workforce and job types in River West

98.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 1.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 76.9% are employed by private companies, and 5.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,030
Blue collar
60
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,030 98.1% 7.8%
Blue collar 60 1.9% -30.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
76.9%
Governmental workers
5.2%
Not for profit companies
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 258 8.4% 21.1%
Private companies 2,376 76.9% 5.5%
Governmental workers 162 5.2% 5.2%
Not for profit companies 293 9.5% 5.4%

Transportation in River West

How people get around in River West

In River West, the average commute time is 2 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 42.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 41.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
2 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 691 42.4% 4.7%
Taxicab 50 3.1% -26.5%
Bus or trolleybus 114 7% 7.5%
Railroad 16 1% 6.7%
Motorcycle 1 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 86 5.3% 8.9%
Walk 670 41.2% -5.5%
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 River West by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60642 21,789 11,765 $143,175 $177,857
60654 25,755 16,968 $147,357 $195,509

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FAQs about River West demographics 

What is the total population of River West?

River West has a total population of 3,924 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 +4.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in River West?

The gender ratio in River West is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (1,985 residents)
  • 49.4% females (1,940 residents)

What is the median age in River West?

The median age in River West is 33.

What is the age distribution of the population in River West?

The age distribution in River West is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5.6% (219 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.8% (344 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 62.7% (2,461 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16% (630 residents)
  • Over 65: 6.9% (271 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of River West?

The racial and ethnic makeup of River West is as follows:
  • White: 66.9% (2,624 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.6% (220 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 9.3% (364 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.4% (525 residents)
  • Other: 4.8% (189 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 80.9% of the population in River West.

How many housing units are there in River West?

There are 2,616 housing units in River West, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

River West has a total of 2,417 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in River West?

River West has a median household income of $145,266, representing a +1.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for River West?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 98.1% (3,030 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 1.9% (60 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (258 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.9% (2,376 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.2% (162 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.5% (293 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