Chatham, Chicago, Cook County, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,958
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$45,206/yr
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,553
-1.1% year-over-year change

Chatham population

How many people live in Chatham

Chatham is home to 9,958 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.8% of Chatham locals are male, and 56.2% are female.

Total population
9,958
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.8%
4,359
Female
56.2%
5,598
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,359 43.8% 0.9%
Female 5,598 56.2% -1.8%
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 Chatham is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
20.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,557 15.6% -4.2%
15 to 24 1,250 12.6% 1.8%
25 to 44 2,553 25.6% -2.2%
45 to 64 2,570 25.8% -2.1%
Over 65 2,028 20.4% 4.9%
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 Chatham, 94.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 1.2% of locals are Caucasian, 91.6% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,412 94.5% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 293 2.9% 9.7%
Non-citizens 252 2.5% 26.0%
Racial breakdown
White
1.2%
Black or African American
91.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.4%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 115 1.2%
Black or African American 9,119 91.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 20 0.2%
Asian 60 0.6%
Two or more races 343 3.4%
Other 301 3%

Households in Chatham

A peek inside Chatham households

Chatham has 4,736 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.1% are families, while the remaining 51.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,736
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,457
Family households
2,278
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,457 51.9% 2.0%
Family households 2,278 48.1% -0.1%
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 Chatham

The housing landscape of Chatham

Chatham's housing consists of 5,553 units, with 37.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.4% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,553
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,074 37.4%
1 unit, attached 242 4.4%
2 units 802 14.4%
3 or 4 units 843 15.2%
5 to 9 units 973 17.5%
10 to 19 units 265 4.8%
20 to 49 units 95 1.7%
50 or more units 242 4.4%
Mobile home 11 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
20
122.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chatham

In Chatham, the median construction year is 1945. About 43.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,434 43.8% 1.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 631 11.4% -9.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 949 17.1% -3.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 536 9.6% -19.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 288 5.2% 24.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 166 3% 10.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 226 4.1% 10.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 184 3.3% 4.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 119 2.1% 19.0%
Built in 2020 or later 20 0.4% 122.2%
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.

Chatham occupancy rates

Out of the 4,736 occupied housing units in Chatham, 45.1% are owner-occupied, while 54.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,736
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,602
Owner occupied
2,134
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,602 54.9% -2.1%
Owner occupied 2,134 45.1% 5.1%
Unoccupied housing units
14.7%
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.

Chatham housing costs

Housing costs in Chatham come to a median of $1,127 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,087.

Median housing costs per month
$1,127/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 Chatham
$1,087/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 Chatham

Chatham education at a glance

About 35.2% of the population in Chatham went to high school, while 28% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 18% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 219 2.7% 22.4%
High school diploma 2,814 35.2% 3.3%
College diploma 2,232 28% -7.9%
Associate degree 574 7.2% 3.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,436 18% 5.7%
Graduate degree 708 8.9% -2.1%
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 Chatham

How much people earn in Chatham

The average annual household income in Chatham was $63,479 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $45,206, reflecting a +4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chatham
$63,479/year
4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chatham
$45,206/year
4.2% year-over-year change

Chatham income by age

In Chatham, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $42,666. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $50,975 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,291, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,449 in earnings. Overall, 75.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,291 -7.1%
25 - 44 $42,666 12.6%
45 - 64 $50,975 10.4%
Over 65 $42,449 -5.5%
Above poverty level
7,359
Below poverty level
2,434
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,359 75.2% 0.6%
Below poverty level 2,434 24.8% -3.7%

Employment in Chatham

Workforce and job types in Chatham

81.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.7% run their own businesses, 56.8% are employed by private companies, and 24.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,325
Blue collar
741
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,325 81.8% 2.0%
Blue collar 741 18.2% -3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
3.7%
Private companies
56.8%
Governmental workers
24.8%
Not for profit companies
14.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 149 3.7% -4.5%
Private companies 2,309 56.8% -5.1%
Governmental workers 1,006 24.8% 16.2%
Not for profit companies 601 14.8% 5.6%

Transportation in Chatham

How people get around in Chatham

In Chatham, the average commute time is 6 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 75.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
6 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,310 75.3% -0.2%
Taxicab 89 2.9% 20.3%
Bus or trolleybus 534 17.4% -8.7%
Railroad 45 1.5% 181.2%
Ferryboat 5 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 10 0.3% -9.1%
Walk 74 2.4% -5.1%
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 Chatham by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60619 59,503 28,297 $45,206 $63,495

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FAQs about Chatham demographics 

What is the total population of Chatham?

Chatham has a total population of 9,958 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chatham?

The gender ratio in Chatham is as follows:
  • 43.8% males (4,359 residents)
  • 56.2% females (5,598 residents)

What is the median age in Chatham?

The median age in Chatham is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chatham?

The age distribution in Chatham is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (1,557 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (1,250 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (2,553 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (2,570 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.4% (2,028 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chatham?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chatham is as follows:
  • White: 1.2% (115 residents)
  • Black or African American: 91.6% (9,119 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (20 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (60 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.4% (343 residents)
  • Other: 3% (301 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.5% of the population in Chatham.

How many housing units are there in Chatham?

There are 5,553 housing units in Chatham, reflecting a -1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chatham has a total of 4,736 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chatham?

Chatham has a median household income of $45,206, representing a +4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Chatham?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.8% (3,325 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.2% (741 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.7% (149 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.8% (2,309 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.8% (1,006 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.8% (601 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