Wheeling, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
38,433
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,205/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,045
-0.1% year-over-year change

Wheeling population

How many people live in Wheeling

Wheeling is home to 38,433 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Wheeling locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
38,433
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
18,322
Female
52.3%
20,111
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,322 47.7% -3.8%
Female 20,111 52.3% 3.4%
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 Wheeling is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.9% are children under 15, then 9.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.3% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.9%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 44
30.3%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,868 17.9% 6.9%
15 to 24 3,622 9.4% -7.9%
25 to 44 11,643 30.3% -5.7%
45 to 64 9,553 24.9% 2.6%
Over 65 6,747 17.6% 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 Wheeling, 53.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 23.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 22.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 52.1% of locals are Caucasian, 4% are African American and 15.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
53.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
23.9%
Non-citizens
22.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 20,573 53.5% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9,201 23.9% 0.5%
Non-citizens 8,659 22.5% 0.8%
Racial breakdown
White
52.1%
Black or African American
4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
15.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
17.5%
Value Percent
White 20,011 52.1%
Black or African American 1,525 4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 470 1.2%
Asian 6,098 15.9%
Two or more races 3,600 9.4%
Other 6,729 17.5%

Households in Wheeling

A peek inside Wheeling households

Wheeling has 15,171 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.7% are families, while the remaining 36.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,171
-0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,509
Family households
9,662
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,509 36.3% -3.2%
Family households 9,662 63.7% 0.6%
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 Wheeling

The housing landscape of Wheeling

Wheeling's housing consists of 16,045 units, with 27.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 16% 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 1.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,045
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,404 27.4%
1 unit, attached 2,573 16%
2 units 224 1.4%
3 or 4 units 2,076 12.9%
5 to 9 units 1,861 11.6%
10 to 19 units 1,066 6.6%
20 to 49 units 1,357 8.5%
50 or more units 2,174 13.6%
Mobile home 310 1.9%
Homes built since 2020
120
20.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wheeling

In Wheeling, the median construction year is 1980. About 2.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 434 2.7% 38.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 219 1.4% 1.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,547 9.6% -5.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,884 11.7% -3.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,066 25.3% 3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,925 24.5% 3.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,516 9.4% -9.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,569 9.8% -1.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 765 4.8% -12.9%
Built in 2020 or later 120 0.8% 20.0%
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.

Wheeling occupancy rates

Out of the 15,171 occupied housing units in Wheeling, 62.7% are owner-occupied, while 37.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,171
-0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,663
Owner occupied
9,508
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,663 37.3% -4.2%
Owner occupied 9,508 62.7% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
5.4%
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.

Wheeling housing costs

Housing costs in Wheeling come to a median of $1,589 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,663.

Median housing costs per month
$1,589/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 Wheeling
$1,663/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 Wheeling

Wheeling education at a glance

About 27.3% of the population in Wheeling went to high school, while 17.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 26.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,305 7.6% 13.4%
High school diploma 8,325 27.3% -9.3%
College diploma 5,342 17.5% -2.7%
Associate degree 2,623 8.6% 8.4%
Bachelor's degree 8,069 26.4% -0.7%
Graduate degree 3,868 12.7% 1.5%
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 Wheeling

How much people earn in Wheeling

The average annual household income in Wheeling was $104,690 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $85,205, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wheeling
$104,690/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wheeling
$85,205/year
2.4% year-over-year change

Wheeling income by age

In Wheeling, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $91,433. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $96,046 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,231, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $56,973 in earnings. Overall, 90% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,231 3.2%
25 - 44 $91,433 -5.4%
45 - 64 $96,046 10.6%
Over 65 $56,973 -0.1%
Above poverty level
33,778
Below poverty level
3,757
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 33,778 90% -1.7%
Below poverty level 3,757 10% 15.2%

Average renter income in Wheeling

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wheeling, their median household income was $67,972 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$67,972
Rent-to-income ratio
29.4%
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 Wheeling

Workforce and job types in Wheeling

The job market in Wheeling is powered by 20,950 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.5% run their own businesses, 73.4% are employed by private companies, and 6.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
20,950
-3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
15,778
Blue collar
5,172
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,778 75.3% -2.1%
Blue collar 5,172 24.7% -6.9%
Employer type
Self employees
12.5%
Private companies
73.4%
Governmental workers
6.1%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,623 12.5% 5.7%
Private companies 15,386 73.4% -5.7%
Governmental workers 1,279 6.1% -6.6%
Not for profit companies 1,662 7.9% 9.9%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
6.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wheeling stands at 4.8%, 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 Wheeling

How people get around in Wheeling

In Wheeling, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 16,530 80.1% -6.1%
Taxicab 116 0.6% 27.5%
Bus or trolleybus 258 1.2% -3.7%
Railroad 230 1.1% -56.5%
Bicycle 83 0.4% 207.4%
Walk 244 1.2% 31.2%
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 Wheeling by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60090 38,298 15,100 $85,355 $104,728

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FAQs about Wheeling demographics 

What is the total population of Wheeling?

Wheeling has a total population of 38,433 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 Wheeling?

The gender ratio in Wheeling is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (18,322 residents)
  • 52.3% females (20,111 residents)

What is the median age in Wheeling?

The median age in Wheeling is 39.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wheeling?

The age distribution in Wheeling is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.9% (6,868 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.4% (3,622 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.3% (11,643 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (9,553 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (6,747 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wheeling?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wheeling is as follows:
  • White: 52.1% (20,011 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4% (1,525 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (470 residents)
  • Asian: 15.9% (6,098 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (3,600 residents)
  • Other: 17.5% (6,729 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 53.5% of the population in Wheeling.

How many housing units are there in Wheeling?

There are 16,045 housing units in Wheeling, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wheeling has a total of 15,171 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wheeling?

Wheeling has a median household income of $85,205, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.2% in Wheeling, with a workforce of 20,950 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.3% (15,778 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.7% (5,172 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.5% (2,623 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.4% (15,386 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.1% (1,279 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (1,662 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