Chicago, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Chicago, Illinois is 2,707,648 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest city in the United States and the 1st-largest in Illinois. The median household income is $75,134, the median home value is $315,200, and the median age is 35.7.
The population has grown 0.9% since 2010 (2,697,477 → 2,721,308).
2,707,648
Population
11889
People / sq mi
$75,134
Median Income
$315,200
Median Home Value
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Chicago covers 227.7 sq mi of land at 11889 people per square mile.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US cities, at roughly 11,889 people per square mile. With 2,707,648 residents, Chicago is a city in Illinois. It is the #1-largest of all cities in Illinois nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $75,134 — near the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.0%, close to the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $315,200, with typical rent around $1,380.
Roughly 43.3% of adults have a bachelor’s, above the national 35.0%. About 18.3% of workers primarily work from home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Chicago: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Chicago city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Chicago city had a population of 2,697,477 in 2010 and 2,721,308 in 2024, a 0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,745,196 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.07%.
2,721,308
Population (2024)
2,697,477
Population (2010)
2,745,196
Peak (2020)
0.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,697,477 |
| 2011 | 2,708,114 |
| 2012 | 2,719,141 |
| 2013 | 2,725,731 |
| 2014 | 2,727,066 |
| 2015 | 2,724,344 |
| 2016 | 2,716,723 |
| 2017 | 2,711,069 |
| 2018 | 2,701,423 |
| 2019 | 2,693,976 |
| 2020 | 2,745,196 |
| 2021 | 2,706,324 |
| 2022 | 2,684,076 |
| 2023 | 2,699,144 |
| 2024 | 2,721,308 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 39.0% |
| Black or African American | 28.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$75,134
Median Household Income
$48,148
Per Capita Income
13.0%
Poverty Rate
5.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$315,200
Median Home Value
$1,380
Median Rent
45.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
86.8%
High School+
43.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
19.3%
Drive Alone
46.0%
Public Transit
18.3%
Work From Home
33.5 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
18.7%
Foreign Born
64.5%
Non-English at Home
2.9%
Veterans
11.9%
With Disability
90.2%
Health Insurance
94.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 18.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.1% |
| Information | 8.7% |
| Manufacturing | 7.9% |
| Retail Trade | 7.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.7% |
| Public Administration | 3.9% |
| Construction | 3.8% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
Largest cities in Illinois
Largest counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
City rankings
Common questions about Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,707,648 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest city in the United States and the 1st-largest in Illinois.
The median household income in Chicago, Illinois is $75,134, with 13.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Chicago, Illinois is $315,200, with median monthly rent at $1,380 and a homeownership rate of 45.5%.
The median age in Chicago, Illinois is 35.7 years. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
The population has grown 0.9% since 2010 (2,697,477 → 2,721,308).
Chicago city, IL Climate
Chicago city, IL has an average annual temperature of 10.2°C (50°F) and receives about 949 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.2°C
Avg Temp
949
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 46 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 40 mm |
| March | 4° / 38° | 67 mm |
| April | 10° / 49° | 97 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 93 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 102 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 96 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 103 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 90 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 70 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 80 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 65 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Chicago city, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Chicago city, IL are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Chicago
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Statewide data for Illinois
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Illinois
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.