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

Total population
247
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,125/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
118
0.0% year-over-year change

Sunnyside population

How many people live in Sunnyside

Sunnyside is home to 247 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Sunnyside locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
247
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
121
Female
51%
126
Value Percent YoY change
Male 121 49% -2.4%
Female 126 51% 0.8%
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 Sunnyside 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 26.7% of the population, while another 23.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
23.9%
Over 65
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 50 20.2% -2.0%
15 to 24 37 15% 2.8%
25 to 44 66 26.7% 1.5%
45 to 64 59 23.9% -1.7%
Over 65 35 14.2% -5.4%
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 Sunnyside, 81% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 12.9% of locals are Caucasian, 36.7% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.1%
Non-citizens
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 201 81% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 20 8.1% 0.0%
Non-citizens 27 10.9% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
12.9%
Black or African American
36.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.9%
Other
36.7%
Value Percent
White 32 12.9%
Black or African American 91 36.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0.4%
Asian 1 0.4%
Two or more races 32 12.9%
Other 91 36.7%

Households in Sunnyside

A peek inside Sunnyside households

Sunnyside has 95 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 56.8% are families, while the remaining 42.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
95
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
40
Family households
54
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 40 42.1% -2.4%
Family households 54 56.8% 0.0%
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 Sunnyside

The housing landscape of Sunnyside

Sunnyside's housing consists of 118 units, with 41% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
118
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 48 41%
1 unit, attached 9 7.7%
2 units 15 12.8%
3 or 4 units 19 16.2%
5 to 9 units 15 12.8%
10 to 19 units 4 3.4%
20 to 49 units 2 1.7%
50 or more units 5 4.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sunnyside

In Sunnyside, the median construction year is 1938. About 52.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.8% 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 61 52.6% 8.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 16 13.8% -5.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 11 9.5% -8.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9 7.8% -25.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9 7.8% -10.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3 2.6% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3 2.6% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2 1.7% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2 1.7% 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.

Sunnyside occupancy rates

Out of the 95 occupied housing units in Sunnyside, 43.2% are owner-occupied, while 56.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
95
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
54
Owner occupied
41
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 54 56.8% 1.9%
Owner occupied 41 43.2% -2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
19.5%
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.

Sunnyside housing costs

Housing costs in Sunnyside 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 Sunnyside
$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 Sunnyside

Sunnyside education at a glance

About 56.2% of the population in Sunnyside went to high school, while 17.3% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 7.6% 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 18 9.7% -18.2%
High school diploma 104 56.2% 4.0%
College diploma 32 17.3% 0.0%
Associate degree 11 6% -8.3%
Bachelor's degree 14 7.6% 16.7%
Graduate degree 6 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 Sunnyside

How much people earn in Sunnyside

The average annual household income in Sunnyside was $59,483 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 Sunnyside
$59,483/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sunnyside
$42,125/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Sunnyside income by age

In Sunnyside, 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, 73.8% 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
180
Below poverty level
64
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 180 73.8% 0.6%
Below poverty level 64 26.2% -3.0%

Employment in Sunnyside

Workforce and job types in Sunnyside

61.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.9% run their own businesses, 75.5% are employed by private companies, and 14.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
63
Blue collar
39
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 63 61.8% 1.6%
Blue collar 39 38.2% 5.4%
Employer type
Self employees
4.9%
Private companies
75.5%
Governmental workers
14.7%
Not for profit companies
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5 4.9% 0.0%
Private companies 77 75.5% 1.3%
Governmental workers 15 14.7% 7.1%
Not for profit companies 5 4.9% 0.0%

Transportation in Sunnyside

How people get around in Sunnyside

Commuting methods vary: 95.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% 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 91 95.8% 1.1%
Railroad 1 1% 0.0%
Bicycle 1 1% 0.0%
Walk 2 2.1% 0.0%
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 Sunnyside by zipcode?

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

Explore more communities

FAQs about Sunnyside demographics 

What is the total population of Sunnyside?

Sunnyside has a total population of 247 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sunnyside?

The gender ratio in Sunnyside is as follows:
  • 49% males (121 residents)
  • 51% females (126 residents)

What is the median age in Sunnyside?

The median age in Sunnyside is 36.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sunnyside?

The age distribution in Sunnyside is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (50 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (37 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (66 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.9% (59 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.2% (35 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sunnyside?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sunnyside is as follows:
  • White: 12.9% (32 residents)
  • Black or African American: 36.7% (91 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.9% (32 residents)
  • Other: 36.7% (91 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81% of the population in Sunnyside.

How many housing units are there in Sunnyside?

There are 118 housing units in Sunnyside, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sunnyside has a total of 95 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sunnyside?

Sunnyside 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 Sunnyside?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.8% (63 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.2% (39 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.9% (5 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.5% (77 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.7% (15 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.9% (5 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