Westchester, Illinois Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Westchester, Illinois had a total population of 16,436, the 155th largest village in Illinois, with a median household income of $98,954, which is 19% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Westchester Quick Facts
How Westchester 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 | 16,524 | 16,436 | -0.5% |
| Median household income | $103,561 | $98,954 | -4.4% |
| Median home value | $297,400 | $327,300 | +10.1% |
How Westchester 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+)
Westchester Rankings in Illinois
Explore Illinois Rankings
Other Cities in Cook County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 2,711,226 | $77,902 | 16.8% | $334,100 |
| Elgin | 114,934 | $90,282 | 9.8% | $273,000 |
| Cicero | 82,797 | $70,842 | 14.6% | $249,400 |
| Schaumburg | 76,868 | $97,514 | 5.7% | $330,400 |
| Evanston | 76,340 | $96,434 | 11.8% | $481,200 |
| Arlington Heights | 76,005 | $116,723 | 6.0% | $414,500 |
| Palatine | 66,293 | $97,819 | 8.2% | $355,600 |
| Skokie | 66,219 | $95,337 | 9.7% | $387,200 |
| Des Plaines | 59,156 | $97,875 | 6.0% | $335,600 |
| Orland Park | 57,916 | $98,910 | 7.3% | $367,200 |
Cities Similar to Westchester
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morton | 16,595 | $94,402 | $239,400 | 46.4% | 6.5% |
| Washington | 15,919 | $95,179 | $221,900 | 43.7% | 5.1% |
| Godfrey | 17,712 | $94,543 | $192,200 | 32.4% | 6.4% |
| Warrenville | 14,718 | $100,321 | $286,100 | 44.9% | 11.3% |
| Fairview Heights | 16,745 | $80,930 | $177,700 | 34.7% | 8.8% |
Population Overview
Westchester is a small city located in Illinois, within Cook County. The total population is 16,436. It ranks as the 155th most populous out of 1,445 Census-designated places in Illinois.
Age Demographics
The median age in Westchester is 51.6 years. This is 32% higher than the state median of 39.0 years. 11.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Westchester is $98,954. This is 19% higher than the state median of $83,390. It is also 23% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 5.0%. This is 57% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.8%. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. This is 10% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $327,300. Housing costs are 24% higher than the state median of $263,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 90.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 35% higher than the state average of 67.1%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Westchester is White (non-Hispanic), making up 48.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 26.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (20.0% vs 13.3%).
Education
43.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% higher 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 93.3%. Notably, 15.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Westchester, 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 Westchester, Illinois?
Westchester, Illinois has a population of 16,436 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Westchester, IL?
The median household income in Westchester is $98,954, which is 23% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Westchester, IL?
The poverty rate in Westchester is 5.0%. This means approximately 822 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Westchester, Illinois?
Westchester's population is 48.4% White, 20.0% Black, 26.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Westchester, IL?
The median home value in Westchester is $327,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
How educated is Westchester, Illinois?
43.6% of adults (25+) in Westchester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 15.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.