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

Total population
24,914
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$123,922/yr
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,334
4.0% year-over-year change

South Loop population

How many people live in South Loop

South Loop is home to 24,914 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.7% of South Loop locals are male, and 49.3% are female.

Total population
24,914
3.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
12,638
Female
49.3%
12,276
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,638 50.7% 3.4%
Female 12,276 49.3% 3.3%
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 Loop is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.6% are children under 15, then 15.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 43.9% of the population, while another 19.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.6%
15 to 24
15.5%
25 to 44
43.9%
45 to 64
19.5%
Over 65
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,388 9.6% -2.6%
15 to 24 3,853 15.5% 8.4%
25 to 44 10,948 43.9% 3.3%
45 to 64 4,852 19.5% 5.0%
Over 65 2,873 11.5% -0.2%
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 Loop, 71.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 15.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 41.6% of locals are Caucasian, 19.4% are African American and 27.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
71.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.6%
Non-citizens
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,839 71.6% 3.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,135 12.6% -2.3%
Non-citizens 3,940 15.8% 7.3%
Racial breakdown
White
41.6%
Black or African American
19.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
27.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
7.3%
Other
3.5%
Value Percent
White 10,356 41.6%
Black or African American 4,826 19.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 103 0.4%
Asian 6,908 27.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 42 0.2%
Two or more races 1,808 7.3%
Other 873 3.5%

Households in South Loop

A peek inside South Loop households

South Loop has 12,438 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 37.3% are families, while the remaining 62.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,438
4.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
7,794
Family households
4,644
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,794 62.7% 6.7%
Family households 4,644 37.3% 1.6%
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 South Loop

The housing landscape of South Loop

South Loop's housing consists of 13,334 units, with 5.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.2% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
13,334
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 731 5.5%
1 unit, attached 834 6.2%
2 units 740 5.6%
3 or 4 units 923 6.9%
5 to 9 units 764 5.7%
10 to 19 units 360 2.7%
20 to 49 units 1,129 8.5%
50 or more units 7,832 58.7%
Mobile home 21 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
558
180.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Loop

In South Loop, the median construction year is 2003. About 21.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 25.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,842 21.3% -0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 228 1.7% 1.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 813 6.1% 19.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 804 6% -0.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 977 7.3% -7.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 862 6.5% 3.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 800 6% -14.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,420 25.6% 1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,030 15.2% 9.1%
Built in 2020 or later 558 4.2% 180.4%
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.

South Loop occupancy rates

Out of the 12,438 occupied housing units in South Loop, 40.7% are owner-occupied, while 59.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,438
4.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,370
Owner occupied
5,067
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,370 59.2% 4.0%
Owner occupied 5,067 40.7% 5.8%
Unoccupied housing units
6.7%
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 Loop housing costs

Housing costs in South Loop come to a median of $2,434 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,346.

Median housing costs per month
$2,434/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 Loop
$2,346/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 Loop

South Loop education at a glance

About 15.5% of the population in South Loop went to high school, while 15.3% pursued college studies. Another 3.9% earned an associate degree and 34% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 27.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 836 3.8% -14.9%
High school diploma 3,438 15.5% 9.3%
College diploma 3,400 15.3% 4.5%
Associate degree 873 3.9% 8.8%
Bachelor's degree 7,559 34% 7.0%
Graduate degree 6,131 27.6% 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 Loop

How much people earn in South Loop

The average annual household income in South Loop was $135,755 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $123,922, reflecting a +4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Loop
$135,755/year
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Loop
$123,922/year
4.7% year-over-year change

South Loop income by age

In South Loop, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $133,467. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $157,137 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,316, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $76,806 in earnings. Overall, 85% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,316 12.5%
25 - 44 $133,467 3.0%
45 - 64 $157,137 14.7%
Over 65 $76,806 38.3%
Above poverty level
19,534
Below poverty level
3,447
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,534 85% 3.3%
Below poverty level 3,447 15% 3.3%

Employment in South Loop

Workforce and job types in South Loop

93.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.2% run their own businesses, 64.8% are employed by private companies, and 14% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
14,071
Blue collar
1,034
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 14,071 93.2% 5.9%
Blue collar 1,034 6.8% 2.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.2%
Private companies
64.8%
Governmental workers
14%
Not for profit companies
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,092 7.2% -0.5%
Private companies 9,791 64.8% 6.2%
Governmental workers 2,110 14% 9.6%
Not for profit companies 2,112 14% 3.4%

Transportation in South Loop

How people get around in South Loop

In South Loop, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 57.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 23.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
33.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,768 57.8% 2.5%
Taxicab 114 1.1% -33.3%
Bus or trolleybus 1,199 12% -12.1%
Railroad 192 1.9% 58.7%
Bicycle 345 3.5% 27.3%
Walk 2,364 23.7% 17.7%
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 Loop by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60605 36,210 19,632 $123,922 $157,431
60607 32,392 16,556 $127,732 $178,770
60616 54,308 25,623 $73,819 $102,860

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FAQs about South Loop demographics 

What is the total population of South Loop?

South Loop has a total population of 24,914 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 +3.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Loop?

The gender ratio in South Loop is as follows:
  • 50.7% males (12,638 residents)
  • 49.3% females (12,276 residents)

What is the median age in South Loop?

The median age in South Loop is 31.5.

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

The age distribution in South Loop is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.6% (2,388 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.5% (3,853 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 43.9% (10,948 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.5% (4,852 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.5% (2,873 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Loop?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Loop is as follows:
  • White: 41.6% (10,356 residents)
  • Black or African American: 19.4% (4,826 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (103 residents)
  • Asian: 27.7% (6,908 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (42 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.3% (1,808 residents)
  • Other: 3.5% (873 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 71.6% of the population in South Loop.

How many housing units are there in South Loop?

There are 13,334 housing units in South Loop, reflecting a +4.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Loop has a total of 12,438 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Loop?

South Loop has a median household income of $123,922, representing a +4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Loop?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.2% (14,071 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.8% (1,034 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.2% (1,092 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.8% (9,791 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14% (2,110 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14% (2,112 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