Chicago, IL Census Data
The largest city in Illinois by population · 29 cities ranked
Chicago is the largest city in Illinois by population and ranks 21st of 29 for median household income. With 2.7M residents, its poverty rate of 16.8% ranks among the higher rates in Illinois. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
2.7M
48.5% male · 51.5% female
Median Age
35.7
3.0 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$75,134
$3,404 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
43.3%
8.3% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 86.8%
Poverty Rate
16.8%
4.4% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.8%
Broadband Access
94.0%
4.3% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$315,200
Median rent: $1,380 · 46% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
Labor force participation: 62.0%
Per Capita Income
$49,320
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.9%
Disability rate: 11.9%
How Chicago Compares to Other Illinois Cities
Rankings among all 29 Illinois cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 1st of 29 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 21st of 29 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 24th of 29 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 15th of 29 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 12th of 29 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Chicago, IL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chicago, IL?
The population of Chicago, IL is 2.7M according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.7 years.
What is the median household income in Chicago?
The median household income in Chicago, IL is $75,134, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $49,320.
What is the poverty rate in Chicago?
The poverty rate in Chicago, IL is 16.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.8% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Chicago residents have a college degree?
43.3% of adults (25+) in Chicago hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 86.8% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Chicago?
The median home value in Chicago, IL is $315,200. Median rent is $1,380 per month, with 46% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Chicago?
Chicago's population is 39.0% White, 28.4% Black, 29.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 7.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Chicago rank among Illinois cities?
Chicago is the 1st largest city in Illinois by population, the 21st highest for median household income, the 24th lowest for poverty rate, the 15th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 29 ranked Illinois cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Chicago?
The unemployment rate in Chicago, IL is 7.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 62.0%. Per capita income is $49,320.