South Chicago Heights, IL
Population 3,934 · Illinois
About South Chicago Heights, IL
South Chicago Heights is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 3,934 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,250 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Chicago Heights features a median home value of $136,000, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes South Chicago Heights one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,105, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,703 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (1,038 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (560 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Chicago Heights shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Chicago Heights have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.5% of South 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 27.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 4.9% Asian residents, with 15.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Chicago Heights, IL
Compared to national averages, South Chicago Heights has a median household income of $56,250 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $136,000, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,105 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, South Chicago Heights's income is 25% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 18% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in South Chicago Heights, IL?
South Chicago Heights offers affordable housing with a median home value of $136,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,105/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,250) that falls below the national average. However, South Chicago Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Chicago Heights has a population of 3,934 with a median age of 38.6 years. Compare South Chicago Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near South Chicago Heights
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington Hills | 3,923 | $186,667 | $781,600 | Compare |
| Dupo | 3,914 | $57,899 | $109,000 | Compare |
| Burnham | 3,978 | $55,708 | $146,400 | Compare |
| Marshall | 3,987 | $70,950 | $118,500 | Compare |
| Riverwoods | 3,988 | $243,036 | $796,100 | Compare |
| Indian Head Park | 3,992 | $107,019 | $337,700 | Compare |
| Millstadt | 4,013 | $94,536 | $205,400 | Compare |
| St. Joseph | 3,833 | $114,594 | $257,400 | 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 South Chicago Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Chicago Heights
What is the population of South Chicago Heights, IL?
The population of South Chicago Heights, IL is 3,934 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in South Chicago Heights?
The median household income in South Chicago Heights, IL is $56,250 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Chicago Heights?
The median home value in South Chicago Heights, IL is $136,000, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Chicago Heights?
The median monthly rent in South Chicago Heights, IL is $1,105, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Chicago Heights?
The unemployment rate in South Chicago Heights, IL is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Chicago Heights, IL a good place to live?
South Chicago Heights offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,934 and a median age of 38.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Chicago Heights, IL?
15.5% of residents in South 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 South Chicago Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Chicago Heights, IL: median home value is $136,000 (44% below national), median rent is $1,105/month, and median household income is $56,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in South Chicago Heights?
The poverty rate in South Chicago Heights, IL is 23.3%, 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 South Chicago Heights, IL?
South Chicago Heights's population is 27.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 4.9% Asian, and 35.1% two or more races. 15.6% of residents are foreign-born.