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

Total population
15,791
-5.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,778/yr
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,245
-2.0% year-over-year change

South Chicago population

How many people live in South Chicago

South Chicago is home to 15,791 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of South Chicago locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
15,791
-5.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
7,519
Female
52.4%
8,271
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,519 47.6% -2.5%
Female 8,271 52.4% -8.4%
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 South Chicago is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.4% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
24.4%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,012 19.1% -12.2%
15 to 24 1,985 12.6% -6.5%
25 to 44 3,854 24.4% -7.8%
45 to 64 3,828 24.2% -5.9%
Over 65 3,111 19.7% 5.8%
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 South Chicago, 82.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 10.9% of locals are Caucasian, 51.2% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9%
Non-citizens
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,072 82.8% -6.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,423 9% -3.8%
Non-citizens 1,295 8.2% -3.6%
Racial breakdown
White
10.9%
Black or African American
51.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.7%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.4%
Other
23.4%
Value Percent
White 1,727 10.9%
Black or African American 8,089 51.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 264 1.7%
Asian 52 0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0%
Two or more races 1,957 12.4%
Other 3,699 23.4%

Households in South Chicago

A peek inside South Chicago households

South Chicago has 6,254 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.4% are families, while the remaining 40.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,254
-2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,540
Family households
3,714
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,540 40.6% 1.4%
Family households 3,714 59.4% -4.3%
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 South Chicago

The housing landscape of South Chicago

South Chicago's housing consists of 7,245 units, with 48.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.5% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,245
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,546 48.9%
1 unit, attached 469 6.5%
2 units 1,191 16.4%
3 or 4 units 1,049 14.5%
5 to 9 units 490 6.8%
10 to 19 units 191 2.6%
20 to 49 units 31 0.4%
50 or more units 265 3.7%
Mobile home 14 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
33
57.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Chicago

In South Chicago, the median construction year is 1943. About 45.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 14.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,273 45.2% -7.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,045 14.4% -19.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,253 17.3% 21.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 807 11.1% 6.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 276 3.8% 3.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 224 3.1% 34.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 129 1.8% -12.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 126 1.7% 40.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 79 1.1% 27.4%
Built in 2020 or later 33 0.5% 57.1%
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.

South Chicago occupancy rates

Out of the 6,254 occupied housing units in South Chicago, 57% are owner-occupied, while 43% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,254
-2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,689
Owner occupied
3,565
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,689 43% -3.9%
Owner occupied 3,565 57% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
13.7%
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.

South Chicago housing costs

Housing costs in South Chicago come to a median of $1,057 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,046.

Median housing costs per month
$1,057/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 South Chicago
$1,046/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 South Chicago

South Chicago education at a glance

About 40.4% of the population in South Chicago went to high school, while 23.9% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 11.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,012 8.4% -11.1%
High school diploma 4,897 40.4% -1.4%
College diploma 2,893 23.9% -4.7%
Associate degree 1,008 8.3% -7.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,401 11.6% -4.5%
Graduate degree 911 7.5% 0.7%
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 South Chicago

How much people earn in South Chicago

The average annual household income in South Chicago was $68,783 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,778, reflecting a +1.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Chicago
$68,783/year
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Chicago
$51,778/year
1.1% year-over-year change

South Chicago income by age

In South Chicago, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $51,188. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,670 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,800, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,829 in earnings. Overall, 75.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,800 -2.7%
25 - 44 $51,188 3.7%
45 - 64 $61,670 1.0%
Over 65 $43,829 3.0%
Above poverty level
11,746
Below poverty level
3,784
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,746 75.6% -6.6%
Below poverty level 3,784 24.4% -0.5%

Employment in South Chicago

Workforce and job types in South Chicago

71.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.6% run their own businesses, 68.1% are employed by private companies, and 16.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,433
Blue collar
1,749
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,433 71.7% -9.3%
Blue collar 1,749 28.3% -7.5%
Employer type
Self employees
7.6%
Private companies
68.1%
Governmental workers
16.3%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 469 7.6% -20.5%
Private companies 4,208 68.1% -9.9%
Governmental workers 1,005 16.3% -6.3%
Not for profit companies 500 8.1% 11.6%

Transportation in South Chicago

How people get around in South Chicago

In South Chicago, the average commute time is 8 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
8 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,254 82.5% -9.3%
Taxicab 54 1% 22.7%
Bus or trolleybus 627 12.2% -26.2%
Railroad 66 1.3% 0.0%
Bicycle 14 0.3% -12.5%
Walk 144 2.8% 13.4%
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 South Chicago by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60617 74,790 29,620 $51,778 $69,472

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about South Chicago demographics 

What is the total population of South Chicago?

South Chicago has a total population of 15,791 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 -5.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Chicago?

The gender ratio in South Chicago is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (7,519 residents)
  • 52.4% females (8,271 residents)

What is the median age in South Chicago?

The median age in South Chicago is 40.2.

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

The age distribution in South Chicago is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (3,012 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (1,985 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.4% (3,854 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (3,828 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (3,111 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Chicago?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Chicago is as follows:
  • White: 10.9% (1,727 residents)
  • Black or African American: 51.2% (8,089 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.7% (264 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (52 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.4% (1,957 residents)
  • Other: 23.4% (3,699 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.8% of the population in South Chicago.

How many housing units are there in South Chicago?

There are 7,245 housing units in South Chicago, reflecting a -2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Chicago has a total of 6,254 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Chicago?

South Chicago has a median household income of $51,778, representing a +1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Chicago?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.7% (4,433 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.3% (1,749 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.6% (469 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.1% (4,208 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.3% (1,005 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (500 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