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

Total population
224,968
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,051/yr
6.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
118,448
0.0% year-over-year change

South Side Chicago population

How many people live in South Side Chicago

South Side Chicago is home to 224,968 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of South Side Chicago locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
224,968
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
104,921
Female
53.4%
120,047
Value Percent YoY change
Male 104,921 46.6% 0.3%
Female 120,047 53.4% -1.9%
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 Side Chicago is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 14.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31% of the population, while another 23.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
14.5%
25 to 44
31%
45 to 64
23.1%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 35,201 15.6% -6.2%
15 to 24 32,535 14.5% 0.9%
25 to 44 69,752 31% -0.4%
45 to 64 51,994 23.1% -1.4%
Over 65 35,486 15.8% 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 South Side Chicago, 84.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 15.8% of locals are Caucasian, 61% are African American and 9.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.4%
Non-citizens
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 189,377 84.2% -1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 16,701 7.4% 0.5%
Non-citizens 18,890 8.4% 5.2%
Racial breakdown
White
15.8%
Black or African American
61%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
9.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.4%
Other
5.7%
Value Percent
White 35,635 15.8%
Black or African American 137,170 61%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,262 0.6%
Asian 21,162 9.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 97 0%
Two or more races 16,721 7.4%
Other 12,921 5.7%

Households in South Side Chicago

A peek inside South Side Chicago households

South Side Chicago has 105,022 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44% are families, while the remaining 56% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
105,022
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
58,763
Family households
46,258
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 58,763 56% 1.8%
Family households 46,258 44% -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 Side Chicago

The housing landscape of South Side Chicago

South Side Chicago's housing consists of 118,448 units, with 13.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.8% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
118,448
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,287 13.8%
1 unit, attached 6,824 5.8%
2 units 11,510 9.7%
3 or 4 units 15,576 13.2%
5 to 9 units 22,595 19.1%
10 to 19 units 6,706 5.7%
20 to 49 units 9,473 8%
50 or more units 29,157 24.6%
Mobile home 293 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 28 0%
Homes built since 2020
651
74.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Side Chicago

In South Side Chicago, the median construction year is 1947. About 39.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 47,134 39.8% -1.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 8,880 7.5% -1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 12,018 10.2% -0.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11,860 10% -1.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,898 8.4% -0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,976 5% 6.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,989 5.1% -4.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 11,038 9.3% 4.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,004 4.2% 4.5%
Built in 2020 or later 651 0.6% 74.1%
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 Side Chicago occupancy rates

Out of the 105,022 occupied housing units in South Side Chicago, 32.7% are owner-occupied, while 67.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
105,022
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
70,638
Owner occupied
34,383
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 70,638 67.3% -0.0%
Owner occupied 34,383 32.7% 1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
11.3%
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 Side Chicago housing costs

Housing costs in South Side Chicago come to a median of $1,250 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,147.

Median housing costs per month
$1,250/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 Side Chicago
$1,147/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 Side Chicago

South Side Chicago education at a glance

About 30% of the population in South Side Chicago went to high school, while 22.7% pursued college studies. Another 6.1% earned an associate degree and 18.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8,071 4.4% -1.9%
High school diploma 54,529 30% -0.2%
College diploma 41,227 22.7% -2.4%
Associate degree 11,021 6.1% 3.4%
Bachelor's degree 33,884 18.7% -1.2%
Graduate degree 32,817 18.1% 5.6%
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 Side Chicago

How much people earn in South Side Chicago

The average annual household income in South Side Chicago was $82,142 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,051, reflecting a +6.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Side Chicago
$82,142/year
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Side Chicago
$52,051/year
6.7% year-over-year change

South Side Chicago income by age

In South Side Chicago, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $57,966. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,176 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,124, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,920 in earnings. Overall, 74.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,124 12.7%
25 - 44 $57,966 5.7%
45 - 64 $70,176 1.0%
Over 65 $36,920 6.3%
Above poverty level
160,451
Below poverty level
55,036
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 160,451 74.5% 0.0%
Below poverty level 55,036 25.5% -3.5%

Employment in South Side Chicago

Workforce and job types in South Side Chicago

85.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 58.1% are employed by private companies, and 17.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
87,983
Blue collar
14,710
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 87,983 85.7% 0.7%
Blue collar 14,710 14.3% -1.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
58.1%
Governmental workers
17.3%
Not for profit companies
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,231 7% 2.1%
Private companies 59,668 58.1% -3.3%
Governmental workers 17,720 17.3% 7.9%
Not for profit companies 18,073 17.6% 6.1%

Transportation in South Side Chicago

How people get around in South Side Chicago

In South Side Chicago, the average commute time is 119 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 68.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
119 min
-4.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 50,427 68.2% -0.3%
Taxicab 1,049 1.4% -6.5%
Bus or trolleybus 12,392 16.8% -14.2%
Railroad 1,167 1.6% -2.1%
Ferryboat 9 0% N/A
Motorcycle 12 0% 140.0%
Bicycle 1,793 2.4% 18.4%
Walk 7,118 9.6% 4.7%
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 Side Chicago by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60608 80,737 30,650 $73,366 $97,792
60609 62,028 22,884 $58,896 $77,374
60615 42,975 22,725 $63,876 $103,712
60616 54,308 25,623 $73,819 $102,860
60619 59,503 28,297 $45,206 $63,495
60637 52,721 22,817 $43,609 $83,499
60649 48,056 24,166 $44,175 $62,216
60653 33,383 16,528 $40,666 $79,379

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FAQs about South Side Chicago demographics 

What is the total population of South Side Chicago?

South Side Chicago has a total population of 224,968 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Side Chicago?

The gender ratio in South Side Chicago is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (104,921 residents)
  • 53.4% females (120,047 residents)

What is the median age in South Side Chicago?

The median age in South Side Chicago is 37.

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

The age distribution in South Side Chicago is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (35,201 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.5% (32,535 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31% (69,752 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.1% (51,994 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (35,486 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Side Chicago?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Side Chicago is as follows:
  • White: 15.8% (35,635 residents)
  • Black or African American: 61% (137,170 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (1,262 residents)
  • Asian: 9.4% (21,162 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (97 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.4% (16,721 residents)
  • Other: 5.7% (12,921 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.2% of the population in South Side Chicago.

How many housing units are there in South Side Chicago?

There are 118,448 housing units in South Side Chicago, reflecting a +0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Side Chicago has a total of 105,022 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Side Chicago?

South Side Chicago has a median household income of $52,051, representing a +6.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Side Chicago?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.7% (87,983 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.3% (14,710 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (7,231 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.1% (59,668 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.3% (17,720 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.6% (18,073 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