Southside East Chicago, East Chicago, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,182
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,125/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
562
-0.3% year-over-year change

Southside East Chicago population

How many people live in Southside East Chicago

Southside East Chicago is home to 1,182 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Southside East Chicago locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
1,182
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
578
Female
51.1%
604
Value Percent YoY change
Male 578 48.9% -2.4%
Female 604 51.1% 1.3%
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 Southside East Chicago is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 15% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.8% of the population, while another 23.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
26.8%
45 to 64
23.9%
Over 65
14.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 239 20.2% -2.5%
15 to 24 177 15% 4.1%
25 to 44 317 26.8% 2.3%
45 to 64 283 23.9% -1.1%
Over 65 167 14.1% -5.1%
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 Southside East Chicago, 81.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 12.9% of locals are Caucasian, 36.7% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8%
Non-citizens
10.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 960 81.2% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 95 8% -2.1%
Non-citizens 127 10.7% -0.8%
Racial breakdown
White
12.9%
Black or African American
36.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.8%
Other
36.9%
Value Percent
White 152 12.9%
Black or African American 434 36.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.5%
Asian 3 0.2%
Two or more races 151 12.8%
Other 436 36.9%

Households in Southside East Chicago

A peek inside Southside East Chicago households

Southside East Chicago has 452 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 57.3% are families, while the remaining 42.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
452
-0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
192
Family households
259
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 192 42.5% -2.0%
Family households 259 57.3% 0.4%
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 Southside East Chicago

The housing landscape of Southside East Chicago

Southside East Chicago's housing consists of 562 units, with 40.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.5% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
562
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 230 40.9%
1 unit, attached 42 7.5%
2 units 70 12.5%
3 or 4 units 93 16.6%
5 to 9 units 71 12.6%
10 to 19 units 21 3.7%
20 to 49 units 8 1.4%
50 or more units 25 4.4%
Mobile home 2 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
1
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Southside East Chicago

In Southside East Chicago, the median construction year is 1938. About 52% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 292 52% 9.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 76 13.6% -7.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 51 9.1% -8.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 45 8% -19.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 45 8% -10.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 14 2.5% -17.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 14 2.5% -6.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 11 2% 10.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 12 2.1% 0.0%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0.2% 0.0%
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.

Southside East Chicago occupancy rates

Out of the 452 occupied housing units in Southside East Chicago, 42.9% are owner-occupied, while 57.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
452
-0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
258
Owner occupied
194
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 258 57.1% 1.6%
Owner occupied 194 42.9% -3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
19.6%
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.

Southside East Chicago housing costs

Housing costs in Southside East Chicago come to a median of $804 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $854.

Median housing costs per month
$804/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 Southside East Chicago
$854/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 Southside East Chicago

Southside East Chicago education at a glance

About 56.5% of the population in Southside East Chicago went to high school, while 17.2% pursued college studies. Another 5.9% earned an associate degree and 7.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 87 9.9% -17.1%
High school diploma 498 56.5% 4.4%
College diploma 152 17.2% -1.9%
Associate degree 52 5.9% -7.1%
Bachelor's degree 65 7.4% 10.2%
Graduate degree 28 3.2% 0.0%
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 Southside East Chicago

How much people earn in Southside East Chicago

The average annual household income in Southside East Chicago was $59,409 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,125, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Southside East Chicago
$59,409/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Southside East Chicago
$42,125/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Southside East Chicago income by age

In Southside East Chicago, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,913. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $43,750 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $50,433, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $32,083 in earnings. Overall, 73.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $50,433 N/A
25 - 44 $43,913 4.5%
45 - 64 $43,750 4.7%
Over 65 $32,083 -16.5%
Above poverty level
859
Below poverty level
304
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 859 73.9% 0.6%
Below poverty level 304 26.1% -2.9%

Employment in Southside East Chicago

Workforce and job types in Southside East Chicago

61.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.3% run their own businesses, 75.2% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
301
Blue collar
187
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 301 61.7% 1.0%
Blue collar 187 38.3% 5.1%
Employer type
Self employees
5.3%
Private companies
75.2%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 26 5.3% 0.0%
Private companies 367 75.2% 1.1%
Governmental workers 73 15% 12.3%
Not for profit companies 22 4.5% -4.3%

Transportation in Southside East Chicago

How people get around in Southside East Chicago

Commuting methods vary: 96.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 433 96.6% 1.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0.2% 0.0%
Railroad 3 0.7% 0.0%
Bicycle 4 0.9% 33.3%
Walk 7 1.6% -30.0%
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 Southside East Chicago by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
46312 26,022 9,943 $42,125 $59,483

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FAQs about Southside East Chicago demographics 

What is the total population of Southside East Chicago?

Southside East Chicago has a total population of 1,182 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 Southside East Chicago?

The gender ratio in Southside East Chicago is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (578 residents)
  • 51.1% females (604 residents)

What is the median age in Southside East Chicago?

The median age in Southside East Chicago is 36.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Southside East Chicago?

The age distribution in Southside East Chicago is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (239 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (177 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.8% (317 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.9% (283 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.1% (167 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Southside East Chicago?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Southside East Chicago is as follows:
  • White: 12.9% (152 residents)
  • Black or African American: 36.7% (434 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.8% (151 residents)
  • Other: 36.9% (436 residents)

What percentage of the population in Southside East Chicago are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.2% of the population in Southside East Chicago.

How many housing units are there in Southside East Chicago?

There are 562 housing units in Southside East Chicago, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Southside East Chicago and what is the average household size?

Southside East Chicago has a total of 452 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Southside East Chicago?

Southside East Chicago has a median household income of $42,125, representing a +2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Southside East Chicago?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.7% (301 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.3% (187 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.3% (26 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.2% (367 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (73 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.5% (22 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