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

Total population
29,225
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,175/yr
10.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,937
-1.4% year-over-year change

South Shore population

How many people live in South Shore

South Shore is home to 29,225 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45% of South Shore locals are male, and 55% are female.

Total population
29,225
-1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45%
13,157
Female
55%
16,068
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,157 45% -2.1%
Female 16,068 55% -0.8%
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 South Shore is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.2% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28% of the population, while another 27.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.2%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
28%
45 to 64
27.1%
Over 65
18.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,749 16.2% -11.7%
15 to 24 2,915 10% 7.8%
25 to 44 8,199 28% -7.9%
45 to 64 7,923 27.1% 3.6%
Over 65 5,439 18.6% 8.8%
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 Shore, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 3.8% of locals are Caucasian, 90.8% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 28,173 96.4% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 617 2.1% -1.4%
Non-citizens 435 1.5% 2.8%
Racial breakdown
White
3.8%
Black or African American
90.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.7%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 1,111 3.8%
Black or African American 26,533 90.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 0%
Asian 129 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 12 0%
Two or more races 1,088 3.7%
Other 345 1.2%

Households in South Shore

A peek inside South Shore households

South Shore has 14,696 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 39.5% are families, while the remaining 60.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,696
-0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
8,886
Family households
5,811
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,886 60.5% -1.4%
Family households 5,811 39.5% 0.5%
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 South Shore

The housing landscape of South Shore

South Shore's housing consists of 16,937 units, with 11.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.4% 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
16,937
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,892 11.2%
1 unit, attached 398 2.4%
2 units 1,260 7.4%
3 or 4 units 2,080 12.3%
5 to 9 units 4,028 23.8%
10 to 19 units 1,738 10.3%
20 to 49 units 2,301 13.6%
50 or more units 3,226 19%
Mobile home 13 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
38
-25.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Shore

In South Shore, the median construction year is 1943. About 46% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,799 46% -1.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,000 11.8% -11.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,138 12.6% -6.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,133 12.6% 7.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,147 6.8% 24.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 907 5.4% -10.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 326 1.9% -13.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 423 2.5% 34.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 27 0.2% -49.1%
Built in 2020 or later 38 0.2% -25.5%
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.

South Shore occupancy rates

Out of the 14,696 occupied housing units in South Shore, 25.1% are owner-occupied, while 74.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,696
-0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,012
Owner occupied
3,684
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,012 74.9% -0.7%
Owner occupied 3,684 25.1% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
13.2%
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 Shore housing costs

Housing costs in South Shore come to a median of $1,145 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,107.

Median housing costs per month
$1,145/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 Shore
$1,107/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 Shore

South Shore education at a glance

About 35.4% of the population in South Shore went to high school, while 28.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 13.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 816 3.5% 13.5%
High school diploma 8,270 35.4% -1.1%
College diploma 6,673 28.6% 0.8%
Associate degree 1,896 8.1% -5.1%
Bachelor's degree 3,081 13.2% -4.4%
Graduate degree 2,591 11.1% 7.5%
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 Shore

How much people earn in South Shore

The average annual household income in South Shore was $62,177 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,175, reflecting a +10% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Shore
$62,177/year
5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Shore
$44,175/year
10.1% year-over-year change

South Shore income by age

In South Shore, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $54,663. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $39,502 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,132, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,879 in earnings. Overall, 72.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,132 18.9%
25 - 44 $54,663 16.0%
45 - 64 $39,502 3.1%
Over 65 $38,879 -1.7%
Above poverty level
20,698
Below poverty level
7,728
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,698 72.8% 2.8%
Below poverty level 7,728 27.2% -9.5%

Employment in South Shore

Workforce and job types in South Shore

82.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.8% run their own businesses, 61.1% are employed by private companies, and 17.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
10,774
Blue collar
2,217
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,774 82.9% -3.7%
Blue collar 2,217 17.1% 10.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.8%
Private companies
61.1%
Governmental workers
17.9%
Not for profit companies
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 879 6.8% -24.6%
Private companies 7,943 61.1% -4.1%
Governmental workers 2,322 17.9% 12.4%
Not for profit companies 1,847 14.2% 10.5%

Transportation in South Shore

How people get around in South Shore

In South Shore, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 71.3% 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
22 min
-8.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,658 71.3% 1.6%
Taxicab 209 2% 29.0%
Bus or trolleybus 2,322 21.6% -19.8%
Railroad 246 2.3% 5.1%
Bicycle 2 0% 100.0%
Walk 300 2.8% 31.0%
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 Shore by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60649 48,056 24,166 $44,175 $62,216

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FAQs about South Shore demographics 

What is the total population of South Shore?

South Shore has a total population of 29,225 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 -1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Shore?

The gender ratio in South Shore is as follows:
  • 45% males (13,157 residents)
  • 55% females (16,068 residents)

What is the median age in South Shore?

The median age in South Shore is 41.2.

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

The age distribution in South Shore is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.2% (4,749 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (2,915 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28% (8,199 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.1% (7,923 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.6% (5,439 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Shore?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Shore is as follows:
  • White: 3.8% (1,111 residents)
  • Black or African American: 90.8% (26,533 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (129 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (12 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.7% (1,088 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (345 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in South Shore.

How many housing units are there in South Shore?

There are 16,937 housing units in South Shore, reflecting a -1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Shore has a total of 14,696 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Shore?

South Shore has a median household income of $44,175, representing a +10.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Shore?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.9% (10,774 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.1% (2,217 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.8% (879 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.1% (7,943 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.9% (2,322 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.2% (1,847 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