West Chicago, Illinois Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Chicago, Illinois had a total population of 25,395, the 86th largest city in Illinois, with a median household income of $99,927, which is 20% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 13.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Unemployment rate of 9.5% is notably above the national average.
West Chicago Quick Facts
How West 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 | 25,434 | 25,395 | -0.2% |
| Median household income | $100,568 | $99,927 | -0.6% |
| Median home value | $306,500 | $336,800 | +9.9% |
How West 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
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 61 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Chicago Rankings in Illinois
Explore Illinois Rankings
Other Cities in DuPage County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora | 179,898 | $93,633 | 9.5% | $274,800 |
| Naperville | 150,692 | $155,105 | 4.5% | $540,200 |
| Bolingbrook | 74,096 | $108,400 | 9.2% | $314,700 |
| Wheaton | 53,557 | $120,008 | 5.6% | $455,700 |
| Downers Grove | 50,054 | $115,114 | 5.5% | $449,800 |
| Lombard | 43,619 | $100,362 | 7.2% | $335,700 |
| Carol Stream | 39,460 | $102,309 | 6.4% | $335,000 |
| Addison | 35,489 | $90,431 | 8.7% | $341,300 |
| St. Charles | 32,854 | $114,300 | 4.5% | $377,400 |
| Glendale Heights | 32,808 | $86,545 | 10.3% | $261,700 |
Cities Similar to West Chicago
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Meadows | 24,027 | $98,514 | $326,200 | 43.7% | 8.5% |
| Morton Grove | 24,619 | $111,116 | $389,100 | 55.2% | 7.3% |
| Oak Forest | 26,805 | $91,990 | $255,100 | 31.2% | 6.5% |
| Lockport | 26,409 | $111,981 | $316,000 | 44.5% | 6.8% |
| Elmwood Park | 23,868 | $91,955 | $339,300 | 32.6% | 8.0% |
Population Overview
West Chicago is a mid-sized community located in Illinois, within DuPage County. The total population is 25,395. It ranks as the 86th most populous out of 1,445 Census-designated places in Illinois.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Chicago is 36.3 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 39.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in West Chicago is $99,927. This is 20% higher than the state median of $83,390. It is also 24% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 13.0%. This is 10% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.8%. The unemployment rate is 9.5%. This is 62% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $336,800. Housing costs are 28% higher than the state median of $263,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 71.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 67.1%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in West Chicago is Hispanic or Latino, making up 47.8% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 35.3%. The Black or African American population (3.0%) is well below the state average of 13.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (47.8% vs 18.8%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (10.3% vs 5.9%).
Education
32.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% 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 78.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West 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 West Chicago, Illinois?
West Chicago, Illinois has a population of 25,395 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Chicago, IL?
The median household income in West Chicago is $99,927, which is 24% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Chicago, IL?
The poverty rate in West Chicago is 13.0%. This means approximately 3,237 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Chicago, Illinois?
West Chicago's population is 35.3% White, 3.0% Black, 47.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 10.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Chicago, IL?
The median home value in West Chicago is $336,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
How educated is West Chicago, Illinois?
32.2% of adults (25+) in West Chicago hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.