Westchester, Cook County, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,436
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,954/yr
-4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,181
-2.6% year-over-year change

Westchester population

How many people live in Westchester

Westchester is home to 16,436 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.6% of Westchester locals are male, and 54.4% are female.

Total population
16,436
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.6%
7,495
Female
54.4%
8,941
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,495 45.6% -4.9%
Female 8,941 54.4% 3.5%
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 Westchester is 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.1% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.6% of the population, while another 28.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.1%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
18.6%
45 to 64
28.7%
Over 65
29%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,158 13.1% 10.4%
15 to 24 1,733 10.5% -0.3%
25 to 44 3,059 18.6% -5.9%
45 to 64 4,713 28.7% -6.3%
Over 65 4,773 29% 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 Westchester, 82.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 15% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 51.5% of locals are Caucasian, 20.2% are African American and 3.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
15%
Non-citizens
2.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,606 82.8% -3.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,457 15% 20.3%
Non-citizens 373 2.3% -12.7%
Racial breakdown
White
51.5%
Black or African American
20.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
3.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.3%
Other
14%
Value Percent
White 8,466 51.5%
Black or African American 3,325 20.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 35 0.2%
Asian 617 3.8%
Two or more races 1,691 10.3%
Other 2,302 14%

Households in Westchester

A peek inside Westchester households

Westchester has 6,908 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.5% are families, while the remaining 31.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,908
-2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,176
Family households
4,732
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,176 31.5% 0.1%
Family households 4,732 68.5% -3.6%
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 Westchester

The housing landscape of Westchester

Westchester's housing consists of 7,181 units, with 83.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.8% 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
7,181
-2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,979 83.3%
1 unit, attached 492 6.8%
2 units 339 4.7%
3 or 4 units 280 3.9%
5 to 9 units 32 0.4%
10 to 19 units 29 0.4%
50 or more units 13 0.2%
Mobile home 17 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Westchester

In Westchester, the median construction year is 1957. About 7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 499 7% 13.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 612 8.5% -14.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,475 48.4% -6.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,090 15.2% 4.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 575 8% 3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 600 8.4% 9.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 122 1.7% -31.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 182 2.5% 4.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 26 0.4% N/A
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.

Westchester occupancy rates

Out of the 6,908 occupied housing units in Westchester, 90.8% are owner-occupied, while 9.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,908
-2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
633
Owner occupied
6,275
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 633 9.2% 3.6%
Owner occupied 6,275 90.8% -3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
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.

Westchester housing costs

Housing costs in Westchester come to a median of $1,583 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,794.

Median housing costs per month
$1,583/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 Westchester
$1,794/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 Westchester

Westchester education at a glance

About 27.6% of the population in Westchester went to high school, while 20.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 27% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 371 2.7% 13.1%
High school diploma 3,773 27.6% 9.1%
College diploma 2,793 20.4% 0.0%
Associate degree 1,109 8.1% -13.2%
Bachelor's degree 3,689 27% -14.3%
Graduate degree 1,920 14.1% 7.8%
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 Westchester

How much people earn in Westchester

The average annual household income in Westchester was $121,873 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $98,954, reflecting a -4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Westchester
$121,873/year
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Westchester
$98,954/year
-4.5% year-over-year change

Westchester income by age

In Westchester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $131,761. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,875 overall. Overall, 95% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $131,761 4.5%
45 - 64 $104,875 0.4%
Over 65 $77,031 2.4%
Above poverty level
15,465
Below poverty level
806
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,465 95% -0.9%
Below poverty level 806 5% 11.9%

Average renter income in Westchester

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Westchester, their median household income was $71,031 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$71,031
Rent-to-income ratio
30.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Westchester

Workforce and job types in Westchester

The job market in Westchester is powered by 8,340 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.1% run their own businesses, 62.3% are employed by private companies, and 18% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,340
-5.5% year-over-year change
White collar
6,766
Blue collar
1,574
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,766 81.1% -6.5%
Blue collar 1,574 18.9% -1.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.1%
Private companies
62.3%
Governmental workers
18%
Not for profit companies
10.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 760 9.1% -7.5%
Private companies 5,193 62.3% -7.0%
Governmental workers 1,498 18% 6.6%
Not for profit companies 889 10.7% -12.8%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
-8.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Westchester stands at 5.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Westchester

How people get around in Westchester

In Westchester, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 76.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
1.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,297 76.8% -3.2%
Bus or trolleybus 107 1.3% 7.0%
Subway or elevated 87 1.1% N/A
Railroad 188 2.3% -33.8%
Bicycle 22 0.3% 15.8%
Walk 298 3.6% 8.0%
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 Westchester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60154 16,436 6,908 $98,954 $121,873

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FAQs about Westchester demographics 

What is the total population of Westchester?

Westchester has a total population of 16,436 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Westchester?

The gender ratio in Westchester is as follows:
  • 45.6% males (7,495 residents)
  • 54.4% females (8,941 residents)

What is the median age in Westchester?

The median age in Westchester is 51.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Westchester?

The age distribution in Westchester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.1% (2,158 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (1,733 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.6% (3,059 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.7% (4,713 residents)
  • Over 65: 29% (4,773 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Westchester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Westchester is as follows:
  • White: 51.5% (8,466 residents)
  • Black or African American: 20.2% (3,325 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (35 residents)
  • Asian: 3.8% (617 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.3% (1,691 residents)
  • Other: 14% (2,302 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.8% of the population in Westchester.

How many housing units are there in Westchester?

There are 7,181 housing units in Westchester, reflecting a -2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Westchester has a total of 6,908 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Westchester?

Westchester has a median household income of $98,954, representing a -4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Westchester?

The employment rate is 94.8% in Westchester, with a workforce of 8,340 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.1% (6,766 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.9% (1,574 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.1% (760 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.3% (5,193 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18% (1,498 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.7% (889 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