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

Total population
7,739
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$127,732/yr
-8.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,631
3.1% year-over-year change

West Loop population

How many people live in West Loop

West Loop is home to 7,739 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.2% of West Loop locals are male, and 46.8% are female.

Total population
7,739
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.2%
4,119
Female
46.8%
3,620
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,119 53.2% 0.9%
Female 3,620 46.8% 0.9%
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 West Loop is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.6% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 64.6% of the population, while another 15.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 4.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.6%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
64.6%
45 to 64
15.4%
Over 65
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 357 4.6% -26.2%
15 to 24 876 11.3% 36.0%
25 to 44 5,001 64.6% -3.4%
45 to 64 1,188 15.4% 6.4%
Over 65 317 4.1% 26.8%
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 West Loop, 77% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 52.5% of locals are Caucasian, 7.4% are African American and 24.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.3%
Non-citizens
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,958 77% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 718 9.3% -10.4%
Non-citizens 1,063 13.7% 8.8%
Racial breakdown
White
52.5%
Black or African American
7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
24.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.9%
Other
4.4%
Value Percent
White 4,064 52.5%
Black or African American 576 7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.4%
Asian 1,886 24.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 847 10.9%
Other 338 4.4%

Households in West Loop

A peek inside West Loop households

West Loop has 5,282 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 21.2% are families, while the remaining 78.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,282
5.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
4,160
Family households
1,122
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,160 78.8% 10.9%
Family households 1,122 21.2% -11.2%
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 Loop

The housing landscape of West Loop

West Loop's housing consists of 5,631 units, with 3.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
5,631
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 196 3.5%
1 unit, attached 30 0.5%
2 units 20 0.4%
3 or 4 units 59 1%
5 to 9 units 40 0.7%
10 to 19 units 74 1.3%
20 to 49 units 360 6.4%
50 or more units 4,852 86.2%
Homes built since 2020
45
66.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Loop

In West Loop, the median construction year is 2003. About 15.7% 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, 32% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 21.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 884 15.7% -2.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 98 1.7% 28.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 84 1.5% 1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 42 0.8% -44.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 201 3.6% 26.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 869 15.4% 1.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 371 6.6% -10.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,804 32% 1.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,234 21.9% 13.3%
Built in 2020 or later 45 0.8% 66.7%
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 Loop occupancy rates

Out of the 5,282 occupied housing units in West Loop, 27.8% are owner-occupied, while 72.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,282
5.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,813
Owner occupied
1,469
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,813 72.2% 8.7%
Owner occupied 1,469 27.8% -2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
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.

West Loop housing costs

Housing costs in West 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 West 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 West Loop

West Loop education at a glance

About 2.7% of the population in West Loop went to high school, while 8.3% pursued college studies. Another 3.9% earned an associate degree and 45% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 39.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 24 0.3% 4.3%
High school diploma 198 2.7% 65.0%
College diploma 611 8.3% 10.5%
Associate degree 290 3.9% 13.3%
Bachelor's degree 3,320 45% 8.0%
Graduate degree 2,930 39.7% -7.2%
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 Loop

How much people earn in West Loop

The average annual household income in West Loop was $190,173 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $127,732, reflecting a -8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Loop
$190,173/year
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Loop
$127,732/year
-8.0% year-over-year change

West Loop income by age

In West Loop, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $134,340. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $160,216 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,797, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $77,747 in earnings. Overall, 93.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,797 -20.2%
25 - 44 $134,340 -6.2%
45 - 64 $160,216 -7.6%
Over 65 $77,747 14.1%
Above poverty level
7,082
Below poverty level
516
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,082 93.2% 0.8%
Below poverty level 516 6.8% 7.7%

Employment in West Loop

Workforce and job types in West Loop

97.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 2.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.5% run their own businesses, 77.6% are employed by private companies, and 6.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
6,119
Blue collar
155
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,119 97.5% 0.7%
Blue collar 155 2.5% 104.0%
Employer type
Self employees
5.5%
Private companies
77.6%
Governmental workers
6.8%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 344 5.5% -24.6%
Private companies 4,865 77.6% 3.4%
Governmental workers 425 6.8% 0.2%
Not for profit companies 639 10.2% 12.7%

Transportation in West Loop

How people get around in West Loop

In West Loop, the average commute time is 14 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 35.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 51.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
14 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,351 35.6% 2.0%
Taxicab 45 1.2% 40.6%
Bus or trolleybus 284 7.5% -5.3%
Railroad 153 4% 56.1%
Bicycle 19 0.5% -51.3%
Walk 1,945 51.2% 0.0%
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 West Loop by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60606 3,840 2,900 $128,609 $236,178
60607 32,392 16,556 $127,732 $178,770
60661 11,398 7,788 $125,741 $170,385

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FAQs about West Loop demographics 

What is the total population of West Loop?

West Loop has a total population of 7,739 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 West Loop?

The gender ratio in West Loop is as follows:
  • 53.2% males (4,119 residents)
  • 46.8% females (3,620 residents)

What is the median age in West Loop?

The median age in West Loop is 32.2.

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

The age distribution in West Loop is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.6% (357 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (876 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 64.6% (5,001 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15.4% (1,188 residents)
  • Over 65: 4.1% (317 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Loop?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Loop is as follows:
  • White: 52.5% (4,064 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.4% (576 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 24.4% (1,886 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.9% (847 residents)
  • Other: 4.4% (338 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 77% of the population in West Loop.

How many housing units are there in West Loop?

There are 5,631 housing units in West Loop, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Loop has a total of 5,282 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Loop?

West Loop has a median household income of $127,732, representing a -8.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for West Loop?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 97.5% (6,119 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 2.5% (155 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.5% (344 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.6% (4,865 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.8% (425 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (639 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