Chicago, IL Median Household Income: Trends, Analysis, and Key Findings

The median household income in Chicago was $71,103 in 2021, which marked an an increase of 738(1.05%) from $70,365 in 2020. This income is 95.30% of the U.S. median household income of $74,606 (all incomes in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars).
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Updated Jan 11, 2024

Median Household Income in Chicago, IL (2010-2021, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars)

Below, you will find a table illustrating the median household income in Chicago, spanning the years from 2010 to 2021, with all figures adjusted to 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars.

Year Median Household Income YOY Change($) YOY Change(%)
2010 63,250 - -
2011 61,941 -1,309 -2.07%
2012 60,720 -1,221 -1.97%
2013 59,640 -1,080 -1.78%
2014 59,359 -281 -0.47%
2015 60,113 754 1.27%
2016 61,684 1,571 2.61%
2017 62,871 1,187 1.92%
2018 64,530 1,659 2.64%
2019 66,880 2,350 3.64%
2020 70,365 3,485 5.21%
2021 71,103 738 1.05%
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Avg Income Age group Avg Income Diversity Index Population Gender ratio (M:F) Homeownership % Avg commute time Custom Dataset: Chicago Self-employed, multilingual, car-commuting, insured individuals 15 to 24 years $27,865 75 27,354 0.75 0.5% 55 min 25 to 44 years $44,231 90 37,459 0.86 19% 43 min 45 to 64 years $53,865 95 42,167 0.77 35% 15 min 65 to 74 years $51,800 74 32,972 0.91 45% 13 min 75 to 84 years $41,234 66 26,758 0.87 66% 42 min 85 years and over $36,093 56 18,857 0.89 76% 45 min

Chicago, IL median household income trends: 2010 to 2021

From 2010 to 2021, the median household income for Chicago increased by $7,853 (12.42%), as per the American Community Survey estimates. In comparison, median household income for the United States increased by $4,559 (6.51%) between 2010 and 2021.

Analyzing the trend in median household income between the years 2010 and 2021, spanning 11 annual cycles, we observed that median household income, when adjusted for 2022 inflation using the Consumer Price Index retroactive series (R-CPI-U-RS), experienced growth year by year for 7 years and declined for 4 years.

The line chart shows Chicago, IL median household income from 2010 to 2021. The orange line represents Census Bureau data for median household income (without adjusting for any inflation), while the blue line shows inflation-adjusted median household income for 2022.
Chicago, IL median household income trends: 2010 to 2021. The chart illustrates income fluctuations over the years, highlighting the impact of inflation on economic trends. We observed that the median household income experienced growth year by year for 7 years and declined for 4 years. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

The most significant year-by-year growth occured from 2019 to 2020, when the median household income increased by 3,485 (from $66,880 to $70,365). Similarly the most substantial year-by-year decline occured from 2010 to 2011, when the median household income decreased by 1,309 (from $63,250 to $61,941).

In Illinois, among cities with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Chicago ranks 19th out of 29 for median household income. This rank indicates that it falls within the middle-income range of large cities within the state of Illinois.

Overall Chicago is ranked 493rd amongst all large cities in the US. In the category of large cities in the United States, those with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Chicago ranks 493rd for its median household income, which places it within the middle-income range of large cities in the country.

Median household income in Chicago, IL by household size

To gain deeper insights into the median household income for Chicago, we conducted an analysis of the most recent available data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5 year Estimates (the most recent data available).

Of the 7 household sizes (1 person to 7-or-more person households) reported by the census bureau, all of the household sizes were found in Chicago. Across the different household sizes in Chicago the mean income is $90,578, and the standard deviation is $21,662. The coefficient of variation (CV) is 23.92%. This high CV indicates high relative variability, suggesting that the incomes vary significantly across different sizes of households.

In the most recent year, 2021, The smallest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income was 1-person households, with an income of $44,612. It then further increased to $112,659 for 7-person households, the largest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income.

Bar chart showing Chicago, IL median household income for different household sizes in 2021. The chart illustrates income trends for 1-person to 7-or-more person households, with values adjusted for inflation. It provides insights into income disparities and variations across household sizes, aiding in data analysis and decision-making.
Chicago, IL median household income, by household size (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars). Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

Chicago median household income by household size

The table below displays median household incomes for various household sizes, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Explore how household income varies with the size of the family unit.

Household Size Median Household Income
1-person households 44,612
2-person households 88,011
3-person households 95,017
4-person households 95,826
5-person households 95,747
6-person households 102,176
7-or-more-person households 112,659
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According to the Census Bureau data, the median household income reaches its peak among 7-or-more-person households, reaching $112,659 .

Chicago, IL income distribution and inequality

To gain a comprehensive understanding of income distribution in Chicago, we conducted an analysis of quintiles data from the U.S. Census Bureau. While the bureau does not categorize income into subjective classes like lower-income, middle-class, or upper-class, they instead divide the population into five quintiles, ensuring that each quintile represents nearly the same number of households. This classification allows us to analyze income levels across a spectrum from the lowest to the highest income groups.

Bar chart illustrating the Chicago mean household income for different quintiles, plus the top 5%, with values adjusted for 2022 inflation using R-CPI-U-RS. The chart provides insights into income distribution, showcasing variations across quintiles and highlighting the income of the top 5%. Useful for analyzing income disparities and trends for Chicago.
Mean household income by quintiles in Chicago, IL (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars): The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 523,799, which is 182.66% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 4903.57% higher compared to the lowest quintile. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

Mean household income by quintile in Chicago

The table below presents the mean household income for each of the five quintiles in Chicago, offering valuable insights into income distribution and inequality.

Income Level Mean Household Income
Lowest Quintile 10,682
Second Quintile 37,493
Third Quintile 70,293
Fourth Quintile 115,884
Highest Quintile 286,763
Top 5 Percent 523,799
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Key findings:

  • Income disparities: The mean income of the lowest quintile (20% of households with the lowest income) is 10,682, while the mean income for the highest quintile (20% of households with the highest income) is 286,763. This indicates that the top earners earn 27 times compared to the lowest earners.
  • Top 5%: The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 523,799, which is 182.66% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 4903.57% higher compared to the lowest quintile.

Furthermore, as per the Census Bureau, the Gini coefficient for Chicago is 0.5246. Gini coefficient is a numeric measure ranging from 0 to 1, where lower numbers indicate greater income equality (with 0 representing complete equality, where all households earn the same income) and higher values signify greater income inequality (with 1 being complete inequality where one household receives all income).

Gini coefficient:
0.5246

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS)

With a Gini coefficient of 0.5246, it is evident that income distribution in Chicago, IL exihibits characterstics of moderate inequality .

This level of Gini coefficient suggests noticeable variations in income distribution across households, with certain segments of the population holding a larger share of income compared to others in Chicago.

It also implies that efforts may be needed to enhance economic fairness and reduce the gap between income groups in Chicago

Median household income in Chicago, IL by family type, 2021

The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for Chicago reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories.

Interestingly, we found that the median household income did vary between family households and non-family households. In 2021, for Chicago, there were a total of 574,825 family households and 537,756 non-family households.

For the family households, the median income (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $84,694. For the non-family households, the median income (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $52,993.

Chicago, IL households by income brackets: family, non-family, and total, 2021, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars

The table below presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in Chicago. The data in the table offers insights into the distribution of Chicago households based on income levels.

Income Level All Households % All Households Family Households % Family Households Non-Family Households % Non-Family Households
Total: 1,112,581 100.00% 574,825 100.00% 537,756 100.00%
Less than $10,000 97,683 8.78% 29,929 5.21% 67,754 12.60%
$10,000 to $14,999 52,648 4.73% 16,022 2.79% 36,626 6.81%
$15,000 to $19,999 47,346 4.26% 17,885 3.11% 29,461 5.48%
$20,000 to $24,999 51,282 4.61% 21,892 3.81% 29,390 5.47%
$25,000 to $29,999 46,967 4.22% 22,971 4.00% 23,996 4.46%
$30,000 to $34,999 45,391 4.08% 23,986 4.17% 21,405 3.98%
$35,000 to $39,999 40,042 3.60% 20,615 3.59% 19,427 3.61%
$40,000 to $44,999 41,095 3.69% 20,989 3.65% 20,106 3.74%
$45,000 to $49,999 33,998 3.06% 18,116 3.15% 15,882 2.95%
$50,000 to $59,999 72,048 6.48% 36,566 6.36% 35,482 6.60%
$60,000 to $74,999 93,361 8.39% 46,286 8.05% 47,075 8.75%
$75,000 to $99,999 128,459 11.55% 65,514 11.40% 62,945 11.71%
$100,000 to $124,999 94,236 8.47% 52,360 9.11% 41,876 7.79%
$125,000 to $149,999 66,504 5.98% 41,447 7.21% 25,057 4.66%
$150,000 to $199,999 83,048 7.46% 54,733 9.52% 28,315 5.27%
$200,000 or more 118,473 10.65% 85,514 14.88% 32,959 6.13%
Exploring Chicago's Diversity? Request Customized Data Now!

Key findings:

  • For Family Households: In Chicago, the majority of family households, representing 14.88%, earn $200,000 or more, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 2.79%, have incomes falling $45,000 to $49,999, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
  • For Non-Family Households: In Chicago, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 12.6%, have income Less than $10,000, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 2.95%, earn $45,000 to $49,999, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.
  • For Total Households (Combining Family and Non-Family): When considering total households in Chicago, the majority, constituting 11.55%, earn $75,000 to $99,999, demonstrating that a significant portion of community households falls within this income bracket. Simultaneously, the minority of total households, representing 3.06%, have incomes $45,000 to $49,999, signifying a smaller segment of households in the community.

Things to know

What is the Gini index for Chicago, IL?

As per the Census Bureau, the Gini coefficient for Chicago is 0.5246. With this value of Gini coefficient, it is evident that income distribution in Chicago exihibits characterstics of moderate inequality .

This level of Gini coefficient suggests noticeable variations in income distribution across households, with certain segments of the population holding a larger share of income compared to others in Chicago.

It also implies that efforts may be needed to enhance economic fairness and reduce the gap between income groups in Chicago

What is the median household income in Chicago, IL?

As per the latest American Community Survey data released on Sep 14,2023, the median household income for Chicago is $70,386. This income is 95.30% of the U.S. median household income of $74,606 (all incomes in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars).

How does Chicago, IL median household income compare to the rest of the United States?

In Illinois, among cities with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Chicago ranks 19th out of 29 for median household income. This rank indicates that it falls within the middle-income range of large cities within the state of Illinois.

Overall Chicago is ranked 493rd amongst all large cities in the US. In the category of large cities in the United States, those with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Chicago ranks 493rd for its median household income, which places it within the middle-income range of large cities in the country.

References

Datasets

Explore datasets by year of publication.
2023
Median Household Income Variation by Family Size in Chicago, IL: Comparative analysis across 7 household sizes
Last updated January 11, 2024
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2017-2021
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents median household incomes for various household sizes in Chicago, IL, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The dataset highlights the variation in median household income with the size of the family unit, offering valuable insights into economic trends and disparities within different household sizes, aiding in data analysis and decision-making.

Key observations

  • Of the 7 household sizes (1 person to 7-or-more person households) reported by the census bureau, all of the household sizes were found in Chicago. Across the different household sizes in Chicago the mean income is $90,578, and the standard deviation is $21,662. The coefficient of variation (CV) is 23.92%. This high CV indicates high relative variability, suggesting that the incomes vary significantly across different sizes of households.
  • In the most recent year, 2021, The smallest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income was 1-person households, with an income of $44,612. It then further increased to $112,659 for 7-person households, the largest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates.

Household Sizes:

  • 1-person households
  • 2-person households
  • 3-person households
  • 4-person households
  • 5-person households
  • 6-person households
  • 7-or-more-person households

Variables / Data Columns

  • Household Size: This column showcases 7 household sizes ranging from 1-person households to 7-or-more-person households (As mentioned above).
  • Median Household Income: Median household income, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific household size.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Chicago median household income. You can refer the same here

Chicago, IL households by income brackets: family, non-family, and total, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars
Last updated January 11, 2024
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2017-2021
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in Chicago, IL, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for Chicago, IL reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories. The dataset highlights the variation in number of households with income, offering valuable insights into the distribution of Chicago households based on income levels.

Key observations

  • For Family Households: In Chicago, the majority of family households, representing 14.88%, earn $200,000 or more, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 2.79%, have incomes falling $45,000 to $49,999, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
  • For Non-Family Households: In Chicago, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 12.6%, have income Less than $10,000, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 2.95%, earn $45,000 to $49,999, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

  • Less than $10,000
  • $10,000 to $14,999
  • $15,000 to $19,999
  • $20,000 to $24,999
  • $25,000 to $29,999
  • $30,000 to $34,999
  • $35,000 to $39,999
  • $40,000 to $44,999
  • $45,000 to $49,999
  • $50,000 to $59,999
  • $60,000 to $74,999
  • $75,000 to $99,999
  • $125,000 to $149,999
  • $150,000 to $199,999
  • $200,000 or more

Variables / Data Columns

  • Income Level: The income level represents the income brackets ranging from Less than $10,000 to $200,000 or more in Chicago, IL (As mentioned above).
  • All Households: Count of households for the specified income level
  • % All Households: Percentage of households at the specified income level relative to the total households in Chicago, IL
  • Family Households: Count of family households for the specified income level
  • % Family Households: Percentage of family households at the specified income level relative to the total family households in Chicago, IL
  • Non-Family Households: Count of non-family households for the specified income level
  • % Non-Family Households: Percentage of non-family households at the specified income level relative to the total non-family households in Chicago, IL

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Chicago median household income. You can refer the same here

Income Distribution by Quintile: Mean Household Income in Chicago, IL
Last updated January 11, 2024
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2017-2021
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents the mean household income for each of the five quintiles in Chicago, IL, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The dataset highlights the variation in mean household income across quintiles, offering valuable insights into income distribution and inequality.

Key observations

  • Income disparities: The mean income of the lowest quintile (20% of households with the lowest income) is 10,682, while the mean income for the highest quintile (20% of households with the highest income) is 286,763. This indicates that the top earners earn 27 times compared to the lowest earners.
  • *Top 5%: * The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 523,799, which is 182.66% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 4903.57% higher compared to the lowest quintile.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

  • Lowest Quintile
  • Second Quintile
  • Third Quintile
  • Fourth Quintile
  • Highest Quintile
  • Top 5 Percent

Variables / Data Columns

  • Income Level: This column showcases the income levels (As mentioned above).
  • Mean Household Income: Mean household income, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific income level.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Chicago median household income. You can refer the same here

Chicago, IL Median Household Income Trends (2010-2021, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars)
Last updated January 11, 2024
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2017-2021
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset illustrates the median household income in Chicago, spanning the years from 2010 to 2021, with all figures adjusted to 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars. Based on the latest 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates from the American Community Survey, it displays how income varied over the last decade. The dataset can be utilized to gain insights into median household income trends and explore income variations.

Key observations:

From 2010 to 2021, the median household income for Chicago increased by $7,853 (12.42%), as per the American Community Survey estimates. In comparison, median household income for the United States increased by $4,559 (6.51%) between 2010 and 2021.

Analyzing the trend in median household income between the years 2010 and 2021, spanning 11 annual cycles, we observed that median household income, when adjusted for 2022 inflation using the Consumer Price Index retroactive series (R-CPI-U-RS), experienced growth year by year for 7 years and declined for 4 years.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates. All incomes have been adjusting for inflation and are presented in 2022-inflation-adjusted dollars.

Years for which data is available:

  • 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

Variables / Data Columns

  • Year: This column presents the data year from 2010 to 2021
  • Median Household Income: Median household income, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific year
  • YOY Change($): Change in median household income between the current and the previous year, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars
  • YOY Change(%): Percent change in median household income between current and the previous year

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Chicago median household income. You can refer the same here

If you're looking for datasets from another year, please feel free to contact us at research@neilsberg.com and we'll be happy to assist you further.

Explore more

Median household income of places that contain Chicago (in 2022 dollars)

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Neilsberg Research team are data scientists with expertise in processing, analysis and visualization of big data helping small businesses make right decisions.

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