Harvey, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
20,230
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,429/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,857
5.1% year-over-year change

Harvey population

How many people live in Harvey

Harvey is home to 20,230 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Harvey locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
20,230
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
9,961
Female
50.8%
10,269
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,961 49.2% 1.8%
Female 10,269 50.8% 2.3%
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 Harvey is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.9% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 26% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.9%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
26%
Over 65
16.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,824 18.9% 1.9%
15 to 24 2,878 14.2% -1.0%
25 to 44 5,021 24.8% 3.6%
45 to 64 5,257 26% 2.2%
Over 65 3,250 16.1% 2.2%
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 Harvey, 77% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 5.3% of locals are Caucasian, 53.8% are African American and 2.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 16.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10%
Non-citizens
13.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,566 77% -2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,016 10% 13.5%
Non-citizens 2,648 13.1% 26.0%
Racial breakdown
White
5.3%
Black or African American
53.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16.5%
Other
21.8%
Value Percent
White 1,077 5.3%
Black or African American 10,881 53.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 73 0.4%
Asian 455 2.2%
Two or more races 3,329 16.5%
Other 4,415 21.8%

Households in Harvey

A peek inside Harvey households

Harvey has 7,512 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 60.6% are families, while the remaining 39.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,512
5.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,963
Family households
4,549
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,963 39.4% 3.8%
Family households 4,549 60.6% 6.1%
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 Harvey

The housing landscape of Harvey

Harvey's housing consists of 9,857 units, with 62.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.5% 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 6.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,857
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,175 62.6%
1 unit, attached 249 2.5%
2 units 843 8.6%
3 or 4 units 627 6.4%
5 to 9 units 345 3.5%
10 to 19 units 101 1%
20 to 49 units 201 2%
50 or more units 653 6.6%
Mobile home 660 6.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 3 0%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Harvey

In Harvey, the median construction year is 1960. About 23.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% 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 2,355 23.9% 15.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 602 6.1% -6.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,911 19.4% -2.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,029 20.6% 4.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,255 12.7% -7.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 563 5.7% 3.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 570 5.8% 15.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 539 5.5% 40.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 33 0.3% 17.9%
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.

Harvey occupancy rates

Out of the 7,512 occupied housing units in Harvey, 57.6% are owner-occupied, while 42.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 23.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,512
5.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,188
Owner occupied
4,324
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,188 42.4% -0.1%
Owner occupied 4,324 57.6% 9.4%
Unoccupied housing units
23.8%
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.

Harvey housing costs

Housing costs in Harvey come to a median of $922 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $960.

Median housing costs per month
$922/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 Harvey
$960/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 Harvey

Harvey education at a glance

About 48% of the population in Harvey went to high school, while 24.9% pursued college studies. Another 5% earned an associate degree and 8.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,833 11.8% -2.9%
High school diploma 7,441 48% -0.3%
College diploma 3,867 24.9% 6.4%
Associate degree 773 5% 5.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,291 8.3% 18.4%
Graduate degree 301 1.9% -7.7%
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 Harvey

How much people earn in Harvey

The average annual household income in Harvey was $64,099 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,429, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Harvey
$64,099/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Harvey
$42,429/year
3.3% year-over-year change

Harvey income by age

In Harvey, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $42,101. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,113 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $28,502, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,459 in earnings. Overall, 77.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $28,502 -1.9%
25 - 44 $42,101 13.2%
45 - 64 $53,113 -0.1%
Over 65 $39,459 -2.1%
Above poverty level
15,392
Below poverty level
4,510
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,392 77.3% 5.6%
Below poverty level 4,510 22.7% -8.7%

Average renter income in Harvey

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Harvey, their median household income was $25,601 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,601
Rent-to-income ratio
45%
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 Harvey

Workforce and job types in Harvey

The job market in Harvey is powered by 8,456 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 62.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 72% are employed by private companies, and 13.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,456
5.5% year-over-year change
White collar
5,285
Blue collar
3,171
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,285 62.5% 2.2%
Blue collar 3,171 37.5% 11.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
72%
Governmental workers
13.3%
Not for profit companies
6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 738 8.7% 22.0%
Private companies 6,092 72% 6.0%
Governmental workers 1,122 13.3% 7.5%
Not for profit companies 504 6% -18.1%
Unemployment rate
13.4%
10.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Harvey stands at 13.4%, 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 Harvey

How people get around in Harvey

In Harvey, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
-3.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,117 77.5% 1.5%
Taxicab 199 2.5% 10.6%
Bus or trolleybus 438 5.6% -6.0%
Subway or elevated 88 1.1% N/A
Railroad 217 2.8% 14.8%
Bicycle 7 0.1% -75.9%
Walk 76 1% 16.9%
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 Harvey by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60426 23,906 8,799 $42,196 $63,225

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FAQs about Harvey demographics 

What is the total population of Harvey?

Harvey has a total population of 20,230 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 +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Harvey?

The gender ratio in Harvey is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (9,961 residents)
  • 50.8% females (10,269 residents)

What is the median age in Harvey?

The median age in Harvey is 36.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Harvey?

The age distribution in Harvey is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.9% (3,824 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (2,878 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (5,021 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26% (5,257 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.1% (3,250 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Harvey?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Harvey is as follows:
  • White: 5.3% (1,077 residents)
  • Black or African American: 53.8% (10,881 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (73 residents)
  • Asian: 2.2% (455 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.5% (3,329 residents)
  • Other: 21.8% (4,415 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Harvey?

There are 9,857 housing units in Harvey, reflecting a +5.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Harvey has a total of 7,512 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Harvey?

Harvey has a median household income of $42,429, representing a +3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 86.6% in Harvey, with a workforce of 8,456 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62.5% (5,285 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37.5% (3,171 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (738 residents)
  • Private companies: 72% (6,092 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.3% (1,122 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6% (504 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