North Chicago, Illinois Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, North Chicago, Illinois had a total population of 30,643, the 62nd largest city in Illinois, with a median household income of $60,172, which is 28% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Illinois (diversity index: 71/100).
- Unemployment rate of 9.9% is notably above the national average.
North Chicago Quick Facts
How North Chicago Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 30,772 | 30,643 | -0.4% |
| Median household income | $56,815 | $60,172 | +5.9% |
| Median home value | $147,800 | $159,600 | +8.0% |
How North Chicago Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
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: 61 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
North Chicago Rankings in Illinois
Explore Illinois Rankings
Other Cities in Lake County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukegan | 89,076 | $71,919 | 15.3% | $190,900 |
| Mundelein | 31,915 | $108,340 | 8.2% | $309,700 |
| Gurnee | 30,510 | $119,628 | 5.2% | $344,300 |
| Highland Park | 30,398 | $168,094 | 4.2% | $607,300 |
| Round Lake Beach | 27,079 | $86,059 | 14.8% | $199,200 |
| Vernon Hills | 26,876 | $121,943 | 6.1% | $412,300 |
| Zion | 24,600 | $63,104 | 16.0% | $183,800 |
| Grayslake | 20,929 | $113,972 | 6.3% | $309,500 |
| Libertyville | 20,525 | $165,667 | 4.2% | $512,000 |
| Lake Zurich | 19,832 | $135,968 | 3.4% | $435,300 |
Cities Similar to North Chicago
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pekin | 31,781 | $60,790 | $120,700 | 17.9% | 12.8% |
| Niles | 30,064 | $75,274 | $358,700 | 39.3% | 8.5% |
| Galesburg | 29,481 | $48,297 | $96,400 | 19.7% | 19.1% |
| Granite City | 26,549 | $59,205 | $104,300 | 15.6% | 14.8% |
| Rock Island | 36,151 | $59,041 | $125,900 | 24.5% | 21.0% |
Population Overview
North Chicago is a mid-sized community located in Illinois, within Lake County. The total population is 30,643. It ranks as the 62nd most populous out of 1,445 Census-designated places in Illinois.
Age Demographics
The median age in North Chicago is 23.2 years. This is 41% lower than the state median of 39.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in North Chicago is $60,172. This is 28% lower than the state median of $83,390. It is also 25% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 24.5%. This is 107% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 9.9%. This is 69% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $159,600. Housing costs are 39% lower than the state median of $263,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, North Chicago is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 32.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 51% lower than the state average of 67.1%.
Race & Ethnicity
North Chicago is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 25.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (25.1%) is well below the state average of 58.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (23.7% vs 13.3%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (40.5% vs 18.8%).
Education
20.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% lower than the state rate of 37.9%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 81.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for North Chicago, Illinois is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. 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. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of North Chicago, Illinois?
North Chicago, Illinois has a population of 30,643 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in North Chicago, IL?
The median household income in North Chicago is $60,172, which is 25% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in North Chicago, IL?
The poverty rate in North Chicago is 24.5%. This means approximately 4,658 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of North Chicago, Illinois?
North Chicago's population is 25.1% White, 23.7% Black, 40.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in North Chicago, IL?
The median home value in North Chicago is $159,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is North Chicago, Illinois?
20.8% of adults (25+) in North Chicago hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.