Wheaton, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
53,557
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$120,008/yr
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
20,359
-1.6% year-over-year change

Wheaton population

How many people live in Wheaton

Wheaton is home to 53,557 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Wheaton locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
53,557
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
26,464
Female
50.6%
27,093
Value Percent YoY change
Male 26,464 49.4% 0.9%
Female 27,093 50.6% -0.4%
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 Wheaton is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 16.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
16.1%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
17.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,756 18.2% -0.9%
15 to 24 8,646 16.1% 9.4%
25 to 44 13,367 25% -0.4%
45 to 64 12,428 23.2% -4.1%
Over 65 9,360 17.5% 0.5%
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 Wheaton, 87.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.8% of locals are Caucasian, 4.2% are African American and 5.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.5%
Non-citizens
4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 46,851 87.5% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,557 8.5% 12.7%
Non-citizens 2,149 4% -3.9%
Racial breakdown
White
77.8%
Black or African American
4.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
5.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.2%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 41,683 77.8%
Black or African American 2,233 4.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 23 0%
Asian 3,100 5.8%
Two or more races 4,920 9.2%
Other 1,598 3%

Households in Wheaton

A peek inside Wheaton households

Wheaton has 19,588 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.7% are families, while the remaining 34.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
19,588
-1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,710
Family households
12,878
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,710 34.3% 1.4%
Family households 12,878 65.7% -2.4%
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 Wheaton

The housing landscape of Wheaton

Wheaton's housing consists of 20,359 units, with 58% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
20,359
-1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,812 58%
1 unit, attached 2,344 11.5%
2 units 217 1.1%
3 or 4 units 1,234 6.1%
5 to 9 units 1,012 5%
10 to 19 units 989 4.9%
20 to 49 units 957 4.7%
50 or more units 1,794 8.8%
Homes built since 2020
71
6.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wheaton

In Wheaton, the median construction year is 1976. About 8.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% 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 1,805 8.9% 2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 591 2.9% -4.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,616 12.8% -5.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,873 9.2% -12.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,765 28.3% 2.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,030 19.8% -1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,846 9.1% -4.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 856 4.2% 8.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 906 4.4% -1.2%
Built in 2020 or later 71 0.4% 6.0%
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.

Wheaton occupancy rates

Out of the 19,588 occupied housing units in Wheaton, 71.7% are owner-occupied, while 28.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
19,588
-1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,549
Owner occupied
14,039
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,549 28.3% 2.2%
Owner occupied 14,039 71.7% -2.4%
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.

Wheaton housing costs

Housing costs in Wheaton come to a median of $2,035 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,799.

Median housing costs per month
$2,035/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 Wheaton
$1,799/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 Wheaton

Wheaton education at a glance

About 15.6% of the population in Wheaton went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.5% earned an associate degree and 33.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 588 1.4% -17.1%
High school diploma 6,534 15.6% 7.6%
College diploma 8,042 19.3% -2.2%
Associate degree 2,721 6.5% -1.9%
Bachelor's degree 13,935 33.4% -2.3%
Graduate degree 9,940 23.8% 4.1%
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 Wheaton

How much people earn in Wheaton

The average annual household income in Wheaton was $165,995 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $120,008, reflecting a +0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wheaton
$165,995/year
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wheaton
$120,008/year
0.4% year-over-year change

Wheaton income by age

In Wheaton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $132,099. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $149,054 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,212, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $86,875 in earnings. Overall, 94.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,212 -6.4%
25 - 44 $132,099 1.4%
45 - 64 $149,054 0.1%
Over 65 $86,875 3.5%
Above poverty level
46,262
Below poverty level
2,785
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 46,262 94.3% -0.2%
Below poverty level 2,785 5.7% -5.4%

Average renter income in Wheaton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wheaton, their median household income was $77,302 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$77,302
Rent-to-income ratio
27.9%
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 Wheaton

Workforce and job types in Wheaton

The job market in Wheaton is powered by 27,022 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 66.3% are employed by private companies, and 13.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
27,022
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
24,227
Blue collar
2,795
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 24,227 89.7% 0.2%
Blue collar 2,795 10.3% 5.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
66.3%
Governmental workers
13.1%
Not for profit companies
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,152 8% 6.2%
Private companies 17,914 66.3% -1.5%
Governmental workers 3,533 13.1% -0.5%
Not for profit companies 3,423 12.7% 11.3%
Unemployment rate
3.7%
9.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wheaton stands at 3.7%, 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 Wheaton

How people get around in Wheaton

In Wheaton, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 64.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
-1.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 16,989 64.5% -2.0%
Taxicab 36 0.1% -36.8%
Bus or trolleybus 71 0.3% 18.3%
Subway or elevated 13 0% N/A
Railroad 990 3.8% -9.5%
Ferryboat 9 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 172 0.6% 3.0%
Walk 1,050 4% 22.8%
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 Wheaton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60187 28,815 9,977 $119,769 $159,371
60189 31,042 11,846 $128,878 $176,391

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Wheaton demographics 

What is the total population of Wheaton?

Wheaton has a total population of 53,557 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wheaton?

The gender ratio in Wheaton is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (26,464 residents)
  • 50.6% females (27,093 residents)

What is the median age in Wheaton?

The median age in Wheaton is 36.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wheaton?

The age distribution in Wheaton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (9,756 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.1% (8,646 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (13,367 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (12,428 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.5% (9,360 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wheaton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wheaton is as follows:
  • White: 77.8% (41,683 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.2% (2,233 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (23 residents)
  • Asian: 5.8% (3,100 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.2% (4,920 residents)
  • Other: 3% (1,598 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.5% of the population in Wheaton.

How many housing units are there in Wheaton?

There are 20,359 housing units in Wheaton, reflecting a -1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wheaton has a total of 19,588 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wheaton?

Wheaton has a median household income of $120,008, representing a +0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.3% in Wheaton, with a workforce of 27,022 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.7% (24,227 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.3% (2,795 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (2,152 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.3% (17,914 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.1% (3,533 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.7% (3,423 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