River North, Chicago, Cook County, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
14,857
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$147,357/yr
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,675
3.0% year-over-year change

River North population

How many people live in River North

River North is home to 14,857 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of River North locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
14,857
6.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
7,476
Female
49.7%
7,381
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,476 50.3% 3.7%
Female 7,381 49.7% 8.4%
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 River North is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.3% are children under 15, then 8.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 63.1% of the population, while another 17% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 6.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.3%
15 to 24
8.7%
25 to 44
63.1%
45 to 64
17%
Over 65
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 644 4.3% -2.9%
15 to 24 1,291 8.7% 0.5%
25 to 44 9,379 63.1% 9.9%
45 to 64 2,520 17% 0.6%
Over 65 1,023 6.9% -1.2%
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 River North, 78.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 70.1% of locals are Caucasian, 3.6% are African American and 9.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
78.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8%
Non-citizens
13%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,728 78.9% 3.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,194 8% 25.7%
Non-citizens 1,936 13% 11.5%
Racial breakdown
White
70.1%
Black or African American
3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
9.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.7%
Other
4.1%
Value Percent
White 10,414 70.1%
Black or African American 541 3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 0.1%
Asian 1,397 9.4%
Two or more races 1,882 12.7%
Other 612 4.1%

Households in River North

A peek inside River North households

River North has 9,788 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 23.4% are families, while the remaining 76.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,788
6.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
7,500
Family households
2,288
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,500 76.6% 7.5%
Family households 2,288 23.4% 2.7%
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 River North

The housing landscape of River North

River North's housing consists of 10,675 units, with 1.4% 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
10,675
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 155 1.4%
1 unit, attached 51 0.5%
2 units 107 1%
3 or 4 units 60 0.6%
5 to 9 units 173 1.6%
10 to 19 units 133 1.2%
20 to 49 units 575 5.4%
50 or more units 9,421 88.2%
Homes built since 2020
517
162.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in River North

In River North, the median construction year is 2004. About 13.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 36.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 21.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,458 13.7% 8.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 35 0.3% -54.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 98 0.9% -45.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 637 6% -3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 261 2.4% -11.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 592 5.6% -13.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 815 7.6% -6.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,926 36.8% 2.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,336 21.9% 5.4%
Built in 2020 or later 517 4.8% 162.4%
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.

River North occupancy rates

Out of the 9,788 occupied housing units in River North, 34.2% are owner-occupied, while 65.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,788
6.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,444
Owner occupied
3,345
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,444 65.8% 6.8%
Owner occupied 3,345 34.2% 5.5%
Unoccupied housing units
8.3%
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.

River North housing costs

Housing costs in River North come to a median of $2,752 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,633.

Median housing costs per month
$2,752/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 River North
$2,633/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 River North

River North education at a glance

About 3.7% of the population in River North went to high school, while 4.3% pursued college studies. Another 2% earned an associate degree and 49.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 40.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 21 0.2% -30.0%
High school diploma 521 3.7% -1.9%
College diploma 607 4.3% 2.2%
Associate degree 284 2% 1.8%
Bachelor's degree 7,076 49.8% 6.5%
Graduate degree 5,704 40.1% 8.1%
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 River North

How much people earn in River North

The average annual household income in River North was $193,562 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $147,357, reflecting a +1.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in River North
$193,562/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in River North
$147,357/year
1.7% year-over-year change

River North income by age

In River North, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $157,471. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $187,266 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $54,406, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $100,218 in earnings. Overall, 92.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $54,406 2.2%
25 - 44 $157,471 -3.4%
45 - 64 $187,266 36.6%
Over 65 $100,218 -22.7%
Above poverty level
13,639
Below poverty level
1,063
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,639 92.8% 5.8%
Below poverty level 1,063 7.2% 9.9%

Employment in River North

Workforce and job types in River North

98.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 1.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 78.4% are employed by private companies, and 4.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
11,961
Blue collar
134
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,961 98.9% 11.0%
Blue collar 134 1.1% -57.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
78.4%
Governmental workers
4.4%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,093 9% 36.1%
Private companies 9,482 78.4% 7.2%
Governmental workers 531 4.4% 12.3%
Not for profit companies 988 8.2% 2.0%

Transportation in River North

How people get around in River North

In River North, the average commute time is 13 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 34.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 53.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
13 min
-7.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,264 34.3% 10.3%
Taxicab 185 2.8% -40.5%
Bus or trolleybus 229 3.5% 51.7%
Railroad 74 1.1% 8.8%
Bicycle 314 4.8% 3.6%
Walk 3,534 53.6% -3.6%
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 River North by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60654 25,755 16,968 $147,357 $195,509

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FAQs about River North demographics 

What is the total population of River North?

River North has a total population of 14,857 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 +6.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in River North?

The gender ratio in River North is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (7,476 residents)
  • 49.7% females (7,381 residents)

What is the median age in River North?

The median age in River North is 32.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in River North?

The age distribution in River North is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.3% (644 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.7% (1,291 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 63.1% (9,379 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17% (2,520 residents)
  • Over 65: 6.9% (1,023 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of River North?

The racial and ethnic makeup of River North is as follows:
  • White: 70.1% (10,414 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.6% (541 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 9.4% (1,397 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.7% (1,882 residents)
  • Other: 4.1% (612 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 78.9% of the population in River North.

How many housing units are there in River North?

There are 10,675 housing units in River North, reflecting a +3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

River North has a total of 9,788 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in River North?

River North has a median household income of $147,357, representing a +1.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for River North?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 98.9% (11,961 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 1.1% (134 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (1,093 residents)
  • Private companies: 78.4% (9,482 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 4.4% (531 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (988 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