Thornwood, South Elgin, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,443
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$126,144/yr
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,621
2.4% year-over-year change

Thornwood population

How many people live in Thornwood

Thornwood is home to 4,443 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.6% of Thornwood locals are male, and 47.3% are female.

Total population
4,443
1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.6%
2,339
Female
47.3%
2,103
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,339 52.6% 5.8%
Female 2,103 47.3% -2.7%
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 Thornwood is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 13% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.2% of the population, while another 30% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 44
27.2%
45 to 64
30%
Over 65
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 781 17.6% 4.7%
15 to 24 577 13% -8.6%
25 to 44 1,208 27.2% 5.9%
45 to 64 1,335 30% 0.1%
Over 65 542 12.2% 4.0%
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 Thornwood, 82.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 61.2% of locals are Caucasian, 4.7% are African American and 10.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 9.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.3%
Non-citizens
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,676 82.7% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 548 12.3% -7.1%
Non-citizens 219 4.9% 48.0%
Racial breakdown
White
61.2%
Black or African American
4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
10.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.6%
Two or more races
12.9%
Other
9.1%
Value Percent
White 2,720 61.2%
Black or African American 209 4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.6%
Asian 483 10.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 25 0.6%
Two or more races 575 12.9%
Other 404 9.1%

Households in Thornwood

A peek inside Thornwood households

Thornwood has 1,614 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.3% are families, while the remaining 27.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,614
3.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
447
Family households
1,167
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 447 27.7% 13.2%
Family households 1,167 72.3% 0.8%
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 Thornwood

The housing landscape of Thornwood

Thornwood's housing consists of 1,621 units, with 66.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 15.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,621
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,071 66.1%
1 unit, attached 251 15.5%
2 units 1 0.1%
3 or 4 units 88 5.4%
5 to 9 units 63 3.9%
10 to 19 units 27 1.7%
20 to 49 units 36 2.2%
50 or more units 84 5.2%
Homes built since 2020
41
57.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Thornwood

In Thornwood, the median construction year is 1997. About 2.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 27.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 44 2.7% -13.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 10 0.6% -47.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 72 4.4% -1.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 93 5.7% 3.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 144 8.9% -13.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 93 5.7% -12.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 498 30.7% 2.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 441 27.2% 7.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 187 11.5% 22.2%
Built in 2020 or later 41 2.5% 57.7%
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.

Thornwood occupancy rates

Out of the 1,614 occupied housing units in Thornwood, 79.2% are owner-occupied, while 20.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 0.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,614
3.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
336
Owner occupied
1,278
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 336 20.8% 15.5%
Owner occupied 1,278 79.2% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
0.4%
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.

Thornwood housing costs

Housing costs in Thornwood come to a median of $1,872 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,634.

Median housing costs per month
$1,872/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 Thornwood
$1,634/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 Thornwood

Thornwood education at a glance

About 32.7% of the population in Thornwood went to high school, while 18.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 22.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 115 3.4% -0.9%
High school diploma 1,121 32.7% 3.8%
College diploma 641 18.7% 1.8%
Associate degree 335 9.8% 5.3%
Bachelor's degree 775 22.6% -1.3%
Graduate degree 441 12.9% 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 Thornwood

How much people earn in Thornwood

The average annual household income in Thornwood was $141,754 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $126,144, reflecting a +2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Thornwood
$141,754/year
-1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Thornwood
$126,144/year
2.0% year-over-year change

Thornwood income by age

In Thornwood, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $134,432. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $146,607 overall. Overall, 93.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $134,432 0.3%
45 - 64 $146,607 5.8%
Over 65 $64,893 3.2%
Above poverty level
4,098
Below poverty level
286
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,098 93.5% 1.6%
Below poverty level 286 6.5% 2.1%

Employment in Thornwood

Workforce and job types in Thornwood

79.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 72.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,991
Blue collar
518
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,991 79.4% 1.5%
Blue collar 518 20.6% 3.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
72.9%
Governmental workers
12.3%
Not for profit companies
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 210 8.4% -17.0%
Private companies 1,830 72.9% 5.2%
Governmental workers 308 12.3% 15.4%
Not for profit companies 161 6.4% -19.5%

Transportation in Thornwood

How people get around in Thornwood

Commuting methods vary: 97.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,962 97.3% -2.9%
Taxicab 10 0.5% 100.0%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0.1% -71.4%
Railroad 24 1.2% 0.0%
Bicycle 9 0.4% N/A
Walk 9 0.4% -43.8%
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 Thornwood by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60177 24,416 8,868 $126,144 $141,755

Explore more communities

FAQs about Thornwood demographics 

What is the total population of Thornwood?

Thornwood has a total population of 4,443 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 +1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Thornwood?

The gender ratio in Thornwood is as follows:
  • 52.6% males (2,339 residents)
  • 47.3% females (2,103 residents)

What is the median age in Thornwood?

The median age in Thornwood is 39.

What is the age distribution of the population in Thornwood?

The age distribution in Thornwood is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (781 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13% (577 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.2% (1,208 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30% (1,335 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.2% (542 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Thornwood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Thornwood is as follows:
  • White: 61.2% (2,720 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.7% (209 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 10.9% (483 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6% (25 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.9% (575 residents)
  • Other: 9.1% (404 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.7% of the population in Thornwood.

How many housing units are there in Thornwood?

There are 1,621 housing units in Thornwood, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Thornwood has a total of 1,614 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Thornwood?

Thornwood has a median household income of $126,144, representing a +2.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Thornwood?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.4% (1,991 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.6% (518 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (210 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.9% (1,830 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.3% (308 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.4% (161 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