Chicago Heights, IL
Population 26,938 · Illinois
About Chicago Heights, IL
Chicago Heights is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 26,938 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,479 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 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 Chicago Heights features a median home value of $149,900, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Chicago Heights in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,035, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,799 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (5,816 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (3,393 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chicago Heights shows an unemployment rate of 12.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chicago Heights have an average one-way commute time of 31.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.2% of Chicago Heights residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 31.7% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 15.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chicago Heights, IL
Compared to national averages, Chicago Heights has a median household income of $57,479 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $149,900, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,035 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Chicago Heights's income is 23% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 10% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Chicago Heights, IL?
Chicago Heights offers affordable housing with a median home value of $149,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,035/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,479) that falls below the national average. However, Chicago Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chicago Heights has a population of 26,938 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Chicago Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Chicago Heights
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Forest | 26,888 | $87,941 | $247,800 | Compare |
| Round Lake Beach | 27,081 | $86,632 | $191,200 | Compare |
| Vernon Hills | 26,772 | $120,625 | $384,800 | Compare |
| Batavia | 26,730 | $119,167 | $358,000 | Compare |
| Granite City | 26,670 | $60,490 | $99,800 | Compare |
| Edwardsville | 26,543 | $92,671 | $286,700 | Compare |
| New Lenox | 27,456 | $133,071 | $377,500 | Compare |
| Wilmette | 27,550 | $192,300 | $802,200 | 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 Chicago Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago Heights
What is the population of Chicago Heights, IL?
The population of Chicago Heights, IL is 26,938 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 Chicago Heights?
The median household income in Chicago Heights, IL is $57,479 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chicago Heights?
The median home value in Chicago Heights, IL is $149,900, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chicago Heights?
The median monthly rent in Chicago Heights, IL is $1,035, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chicago Heights?
The unemployment rate in Chicago Heights, IL is 12.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chicago Heights, IL a good place to live?
Chicago Heights offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,938 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chicago Heights, IL?
20.2% of residents in Chicago Heights aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Chicago Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chicago Heights, IL: median home value is $149,900 (39% below national), median rent is $1,035/month, and median household income is $57,479. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chicago Heights?
The poverty rate in Chicago Heights, IL is 24.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Chicago Heights, IL?
Chicago Heights's population is 31.7% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 39.3% two or more races. 15.7% of residents are foreign-born.