Chatham, IL
Population 14,740 · Illinois
About Chatham, IL
Chatham is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 14,740 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,030 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chatham features a median home value of $231,900, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Chatham in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,157, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,844 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (4,476 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (1,145 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chatham shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chatham have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
49.4% of Chatham residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chatham, IL
Compared to national averages, Chatham has a median household income of $106,030 (41% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $231,900, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,157 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Chatham's income is 41% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 40% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Chatham, IL?
Chatham offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,030, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $231,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,157/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 49.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Chatham has a population of 14,740 with a median age of 35.1 years. Compare Chatham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Chatham
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antioch | 14,751 | $118,635 | $299,700 | Compare |
| Hickory Hills | 14,718 | $85,541 | $278,400 | Compare |
| Morris | 14,775 | $72,357 | $244,400 | Compare |
| Sterling | 14,670 | $52,647 | $107,800 | Compare |
| Swansea | 14,603 | $84,367 | $211,700 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 14,492 | $52,751 | $89,700 | Compare |
| Macomb | 15,006 | $39,753 | $99,800 | Compare |
| Lindenhurst | 14,365 | $127,837 | $275,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chatham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chatham
What is the population of Chatham, IL?
The population of Chatham, IL is 14,740 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Chatham?
The median household income in Chatham, IL is $106,030 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chatham?
The median home value in Chatham, IL is $231,900, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chatham?
The median monthly rent in Chatham, IL is $1,157, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chatham?
The unemployment rate in Chatham, IL is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chatham, IL a good place to live?
Chatham offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 14,740 and a median age of 35.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chatham, IL?
49.4% of residents in Chatham aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chatham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chatham, IL: median home value is $231,900 (5% below national), median rent is $1,157/month, and median household income is $106,030. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chatham?
The poverty rate in Chatham, IL is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chatham, IL?
Chatham's population is 0.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.