Chinatown, Chicago, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,356
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,819/yr
-5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,184
1.2% year-over-year change

Chinatown population

How many people live in Chinatown

Chinatown is home to 4,356 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Chinatown locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
4,356
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
2,187
Female
49.8%
2,168
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,187 50.2% 1.2%
Female 2,168 49.8% -1.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Chinatown is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.1% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.1%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
36%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
16.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 484 11.1% -6.6%
15 to 24 513 11.8% 5.6%
25 to 44 1,568 36% -0.7%
45 to 64 1,057 24.3% 0.8%
Over 65 734 16.8% -0.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Chinatown, 65% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 18.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 27.8% of locals are Caucasian, 25.5% are African American and 36.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
65%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.3%
Non-citizens
18.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,833 65% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 709 16.3% -3.1%
Non-citizens 814 18.7% -2.2%
Racial breakdown
White
27.8%
Black or African American
25.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
36.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
5.9%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 1,211 27.8%
Black or African American 1,112 25.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 28 0.6%
Asian 1,607 36.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 9 0.2%
Two or more races 256 5.9%
Other 132 3%

Households in Chinatown

A peek inside Chinatown households

Chinatown has 2,055 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44.3% are families, while the remaining 55.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,055
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,144
Family households
911
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,144 55.7% 3.3%
Family households 911 44.3% -1.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Chinatown

The housing landscape of Chinatown

Chinatown's housing consists of 2,184 units, with 10.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,184
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 222 10.2%
1 unit, attached 178 8.2%
2 units 208 9.5%
3 or 4 units 238 10.9%
5 to 9 units 128 5.9%
10 to 19 units 53 2.4%
20 to 49 units 160 7.3%
50 or more units 992 45.4%
Mobile home 5 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
19
111.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chinatown

In Chinatown, the median construction year is 1970. About 26.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 582 26.7% -5.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 66 3% -2.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 235 10.8% 18.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 212 9.7% -4.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 211 9.7% -5.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 154 7% 13.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 159 7.3% -10.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 418 19.2% 10.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 127 5.8% -3.0%
Built in 2020 or later 19 0.9% 111.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Chinatown occupancy rates

Out of the 2,055 occupied housing units in Chinatown, 39.5% are owner-occupied, while 60.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,055
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,244
Owner occupied
811
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,244 60.5% 0.8%
Owner occupied 811 39.5% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
5.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Chinatown housing costs

Housing costs in Chinatown come to a median of $1,465 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,342.

Median housing costs per month
$1,465/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Chinatown
$1,342/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Chinatown

Chinatown education at a glance

About 23.7% of the population in Chinatown went to high school, while 15.9% pursued college studies. Another 4.3% earned an associate degree and 27.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 267 7% -15.5%
High school diploma 900 23.7% 13.5%
College diploma 606 15.9% 5.8%
Associate degree 164 4.3% 9.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,039 27.3% -1.5%
Graduate degree 828 21.8% -5.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Chinatown

How much people earn in Chinatown

The average annual household income in Chinatown was $102,826 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,819, reflecting a -5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chinatown
$102,826/year
-4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chinatown
$73,819/year
-5.2% year-over-year change

Chinatown income by age

In Chinatown, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $94,398. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,083 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $32,117, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,560 in earnings. Overall, 82.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $32,117 17.9%
25 - 44 $94,398 -3.9%
45 - 64 $82,083 -14.2%
Over 65 $33,560 11.5%
Above poverty level
3,422
Below poverty level
747
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,422 82.1% 0.1%
Below poverty level 747 17.9% -1.2%

Employment in Chinatown

Workforce and job types in Chinatown

88.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 61.1% are employed by private companies, and 15.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,077
Blue collar
266
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,077 88.6% -0.1%
Blue collar 266 11.4% -0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
61.1%
Governmental workers
15.8%
Not for profit companies
14.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 197 8.4% 2.1%
Private companies 1,432 61.1% -2.3%
Governmental workers 369 15.8% 2.8%
Not for profit companies 345 14.7% 4.9%

Transportation in Chinatown

How people get around in Chinatown

In Chinatown, the average commute time is 2 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 75% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
2 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,247 75% 2.0%
Taxicab 13 0.8% -53.6%
Bus or trolleybus 196 11.8% -17.3%
Railroad 19 1.1% 18.8%
Bicycle 45 2.7% -2.2%
Walk 142 8.5% -13.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Chinatown by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60616 54,308 25,623 $73,819 $102,860

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FAQs about Chinatown demographics 

What is the total population of Chinatown?

Chinatown has a total population of 4,356 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chinatown?

The gender ratio in Chinatown is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (2,187 residents)
  • 49.8% females (2,168 residents)

What is the median age in Chinatown?

The median age in Chinatown is 37.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chinatown?

The age distribution in Chinatown is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.1% (484 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (513 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36% (1,568 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (1,057 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.8% (734 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chinatown?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chinatown is as follows:
  • White: 27.8% (1,211 residents)
  • Black or African American: 25.5% (1,112 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (28 residents)
  • Asian: 36.9% (1,607 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (9 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.9% (256 residents)
  • Other: 3% (132 residents)

What percentage of the population in Chinatown are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 65% of the population in Chinatown.

How many housing units are there in Chinatown?

There are 2,184 housing units in Chinatown, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Chinatown and what is the average household size?

Chinatown has a total of 2,055 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chinatown?

Chinatown has a median household income of $73,819, representing a -5.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Chinatown?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.6% (2,077 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.4% (266 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (197 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.1% (1,432 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.8% (369 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.7% (345 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025