Chicago city, Illinois Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Chicago city, Illinois has a total population of 2,707,648, the 1st largest city in Illinois, with a median household income of $75,134, which is 8% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 16.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago city is the 1st largest city in Illinois with a population of 2,707,648.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Illinois (diversity index: 72/100).
Chicago city Quick Facts
How Chicago city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 60 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chicago city Rankings in Illinois
Explore Illinois Rankings
Other Cities in DuPage County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Chicago city | 30,772 | $56,815 | 21.9% | $147,800 |
| West Chicago city | 25,434 | $100,568 | 12.1% | $306,500 |
Cities Similar to Chicago city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora city | 179,867 | $90,109 | $260,400 | 37.2% | 9.8% |
| Joliet city | 149,785 | $88,026 | $248,600 | 25.0% | 11.0% |
| Rockford city | 147,649 | $53,328 | $120,900 | 23.2% | 21.9% |
| Springfield city | 113,714 | $65,537 | $155,200 | 35.1% | 16.5% |
| Naperville city | 149,424 | $150,937 | $509,900 | 71.7% | 4.4% |
Population Overview
Chicago city is a major urban center located in Illinois, within DuPage County. The total population is 2,707,648. It ranks as the 1st most populous out of 1,445 cities and towns in Illinois.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chicago city is 35.7 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Chicago city is $75,134. This is 8% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 4% lower. The poverty rate stands at 16.8%. This is 44% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 7.9%. This is 37% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $315,200. Housing costs are 26% higher than the state median of $250,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 45.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 32% lower than the state average of 66.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Chicago city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 29.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (28.0% vs 13.6%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (29.6% vs 18.5%).
Education
43.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% higher than the state rate of 37.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.8%. Notably, 18.4% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chicago city, Illinois is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Illinois state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,445 Census-designated places in Illinois. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chicago city, Illinois?
Chicago city, Illinois has a population of 2,707,648 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chicago city, IL?
The median household income in Chicago city is $75,134, which is 4% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Chicago city, IL?
The poverty rate in Chicago city is 16.8%. This means approximately 447,143 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chicago city, Illinois?
Chicago city's population is 32.2% White, 28.0% Black, 29.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chicago city, IL?
The median home value in Chicago city is $315,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
How educated is Chicago city, Illinois?
43.3% of adults (25+) in Chicago city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.