Living in West Chicago, Illinois
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of West Chicago · Census data 2020–2024
West Chicago has 25,395 residents with a median age of 36.3. The median household income is $99,927 (20% higher than the Illinois median), the median home value is $336,800, the median rent is $1,469/month.
West Chicago at a glance
- Population
- 25,395
- Median age
- 36.3State: 39
- Median household income
- $99,927State: $83,390
- Median home value
- $336,800State: $263,300
- Median rent
- $1,469/moState: $1,274
- Homeowners
- 70.9%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 32.2%
- Average commute
- 26 min
Is West Chicago a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 20% higher than the Illinois median; an average commute of 26 minutes.
Cons: Home values 28% higher than the state median; unemployment of 9.5%; a poverty rate of 13%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in West Chicago
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In West Chicago the median home value is $336,800, about the same as the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,469 per month, which is 39.9% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,428 a month in housing costs.
West Chicago median household income
The median household income in West Chicago is $99,927 and the income per person is $38,037. 13% of residents live below the poverty line (Illinois: 11.8%).
Housing in West Chicago: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 7,745
- Owner-occupied
- 70.9%
- Renter-occupied
- 29.1%
- Vacant
- 3.7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1980
- Average household size
- 3.35
West Chicago demographics
- Population
- 25,395
- Median age
- 36.3
- Under 18
- 26.2%
- 65 and older
- 11.1%
- Households
- 7,459
- Foreign-born
- 32.9%
- Veterans
- 2.7%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of West Chicago ›
Education in West Chicago
32.2% of adults 25 and older in West Chicago have a bachelor's degree or higher (Illinois: 37.8%), and 13.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in West Chicago
- Unemployment rate
- 9.5%State: 5.8%
- Average commute
- 26 minState: 28 min
- Work from home
- 11.7%
- Drive alone
- 65.2%
- Public transit
- 1.1%
- Walk to work
- 0.9%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.7%
West Chicago vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Chicago | 25,395 | $99,927 | $336,800 | $1,469 |
| Winfield | 10,095 | $135,795 | $386,300 | $1,493 |
| Wayne | 2,562 | $161,719 | $642,700 | $2,850 |
| Carol Stream | 39,460 | $102,309 | $335,000 | $1,529 |
| St. Charles | 32,854 | $114,300 | $377,400 | $1,819 |
| Bartlett | 40,501 | $133,240 | $375,700 | $1,883 |
| Warrenville | 14,718 | $100,321 | $286,100 | $1,926 |
| Batavia | 27,151 | $120,056 | $387,400 | $1,347 |
| Geneva | 21,258 | $144,341 | $441,400 | $1,768 |
More for people moving to West Chicago
West Chicago ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in West Chicago: FAQ
What is the median household income in West Chicago, IL?
The median household income in West Chicago is $99,927, 20% higher than the Illinois median of $83,390 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in West Chicago?
The median home value in West Chicago is $336,800, compared with $263,300 in Illinois.
How much is rent in West Chicago?
The median gross rent in West Chicago is $1,469 per month, about 39.9% of household income.
Is West Chicago, IL a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 20% higher than the Illinois median; an average commute of 26 minutes. Minuses: home values 28% higher than the state median; unemployment of 9.5%; a poverty rate of 13%.
What is the median age in West Chicago?
The median age in West Chicago is 36.3 years (Illinois: 39).
How long is the commute in West Chicago?
The average commute to work in West Chicago is 26 minutes; 11.7% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in West Chicago?
The unemployment rate in West Chicago is 9.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is West Chicago?
32.2% of adults in West Chicago have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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