West Garfield Park, Chicago, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,832
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$34,030/yr
4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,706
-0.7% year-over-year change

West Garfield Park population

How many people live in West Garfield Park

West Garfield Park is home to 16,832 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.9% of West Garfield Park locals are male, and 55.1% are female.

Total population
16,832
-1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.9%
7,564
Female
55.1%
9,268
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,564 44.9% -3.1%
Female 9,268 55.1% 0.3%
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 West Garfield Park is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.9% are children under 15, then 15.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.9%
15 to 24
15.3%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,516 20.9% -6.0%
15 to 24 2,574 15.3% -2.3%
25 to 44 4,549 27% -1.7%
45 to 64 4,120 24.5% 2.5%
Over 65 2,073 12.3% 2.4%
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 West Garfield Park, 92.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 4.6% of locals are Caucasian, 79.1% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,585 92.6% -4.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 212 1.3% 16.5%
Non-citizens 1,035 6.2% 104.5%
Racial breakdown
White
4.6%
Black or African American
79.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.5%
Other
13.8%
Value Percent
White 777 4.6%
Black or African American 13,313 79.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 0%
Asian 149 0.9%
Two or more races 254 1.5%
Other 2,332 13.8%

Households in West Garfield Park

A peek inside West Garfield Park households

West Garfield Park has 6,439 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 58.4% are families, while the remaining 41.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,439
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,682
Family households
3,757
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,682 41.6% -0.1%
Family households 3,757 58.4% 0.8%
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 West Garfield Park

The housing landscape of West Garfield Park

West Garfield Park's housing consists of 7,706 units, with 10.2% 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
7,706
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 786 10.2%
1 unit, attached 148 1.9%
2 units 2,623 34%
3 or 4 units 1,814 23.5%
5 to 9 units 839 10.9%
10 to 19 units 407 5.3%
20 to 49 units 284 3.7%
50 or more units 801 10.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 5 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
10
100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Garfield Park

In West Garfield Park, the median construction year is 1938. About 50.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,862 50.1% 0.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 506 6.6% 9.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 503 6.5% -28.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 601 7.8% 3.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 650 8.4% 18.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 224 2.9% -10.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 364 4.7% -8.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 586 7.6% -6.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 402 5.2% 23.3%
Built in 2020 or later 10 0.1% 100.0%
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.

West Garfield Park occupancy rates

Out of the 6,439 occupied housing units in West Garfield Park, 28.8% are owner-occupied, while 71.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,439
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,588
Owner occupied
1,852
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,588 71.2% -2.8%
Owner occupied 1,852 28.8% 9.5%
Unoccupied housing units
16.4%
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.

West Garfield Park housing costs

Housing costs in West Garfield Park come to a median of $1,214 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,167.

Median housing costs per month
$1,214/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 West Garfield Park
$1,167/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 West Garfield Park

West Garfield Park education at a glance

About 49.2% of the population in West Garfield Park went to high school, while 25.4% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 734 5.9% 7.9%
High school diploma 6,143 49.2% -1.6%
College diploma 3,176 25.4% -1.1%
Associate degree 853 6.8% -5.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,002 8% 5.7%
Graduate degree 573 4.6% 5.7%
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 West Garfield Park

How much people earn in West Garfield Park

The average annual household income in West Garfield Park was $54,596 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $34,030, reflecting a +4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Garfield Park
$54,596/year
6.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Garfield Park
$34,030/year
4.4% year-over-year change

West Garfield Park income by age

In West Garfield Park, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $33,025. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $45,698 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $23,448, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $23,319 in earnings. Overall, 66.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $23,448 1.4%
25 - 44 $33,025 3.0%
45 - 64 $45,698 15.6%
Over 65 $23,319 -13.7%
Above poverty level
10,997
Below poverty level
5,547
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,997 66.5% 3.3%
Below poverty level 5,547 33.5% -7.0%

Employment in West Garfield Park

Workforce and job types in West Garfield Park

75.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.9% run their own businesses, 60.1% are employed by private companies, and 20.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,689
Blue collar
1,493
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,689 75.8% 5.8%
Blue collar 1,493 24.2% 2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
5.9%
Private companies
60.1%
Governmental workers
20.9%
Not for profit companies
13.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 365 5.9% 17.0%
Private companies 3,716 60.1% 4.2%
Governmental workers 1,290 20.9% -3.8%
Not for profit companies 811 13.1% 20.7%

Transportation in West Garfield Park

How people get around in West Garfield Park

In West Garfield Park, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 73.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% 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
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,715 73.4% 7.7%
Taxicab 81 1.6% 8.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1,070 21.1% 5.6%
Railroad 40 0.8% 0.0%
Bicycle 38 0.8% -26.9%
Walk 117 2.3% 20.6%
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 West Garfield Park by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60624 35,263 13,490 $34,030 $54,659

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FAQs about West Garfield Park demographics 

What is the total population of West Garfield Park?

West Garfield Park has a total population of 16,832 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 -1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Garfield Park?

The gender ratio in West Garfield Park is as follows:
  • 44.9% males (7,564 residents)
  • 55.1% females (9,268 residents)

What is the median age in West Garfield Park?

The median age in West Garfield Park is 34.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Garfield Park?

The age distribution in West Garfield Park is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.9% (3,516 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.3% (2,574 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (4,549 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (4,120 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.3% (2,073 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Garfield Park?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Garfield Park is as follows:
  • White: 4.6% (777 residents)
  • Black or African American: 79.1% (13,313 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (149 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.5% (254 residents)
  • Other: 13.8% (2,332 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.6% of the population in West Garfield Park.

How many housing units are there in West Garfield Park?

There are 7,706 housing units in West Garfield Park, reflecting a -0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Garfield Park has a total of 6,439 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Garfield Park?

West Garfield Park has a median household income of $34,030, representing a +4.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for West Garfield Park?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.8% (4,689 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.2% (1,493 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.9% (365 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.1% (3,716 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.9% (1,290 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.1% (811 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