Median income in Chicago is projected to reach approximately $75,134 in 2026. This figure comes from estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau. It represents an increase from previous years but remains slightly below the national median. Behind this number lies a profound economic reality in Chicago. These realities relate to residents’ income, rent, and cost of living. This number is important for students planning to graduate here, and equally crucial for young professionals intending to settle here. Chicago’s median income is more than just a statistic. It’s a real measure. It measures how much rent your income can cover, how much transportation costs your income can afford, and how much of your daily expenses your income can manage. This guide explains what Chicago’s income numbers really mean, how rent impacts affordability, and how students and new grads can budget smarter.
Chicago Income Snapshot
Median Income in Chicago
Chicago’s median household income is about $78,000.
That’s the middle. Not the average. Not the dream salary. Just the midpoint.
It’s lower than the broader metro area (around $90,000), and slightly below the Illinois state median. Meanwhile, about 1 in 6 Chicago residents lives below the poverty line.
So what does that actually mean?
It means Chicago isn’t poor — but it isn’t evenly comfortable either.
A $78K household sounds stable.
But if that income comes from two $39K earners, life feels very different than if one person makes the full amount.
The median tells you what’s typical.
It doesn’t tell you who’s struggling — or who’s thriving.
That’s what the rest of this article is about.
Chicago is not a low-income city overall. However, income distribution is uneven, and median income does not reflect the full extent of inequality or cost pressures.
The table below shows Area Median Income (AMI), not Chicago’s actual median household or median family income. AMI is a federally defined benchmark used primarily for housing policy and affordability programs. It represents the median income for the broader metropolitan area and is adjusted by household size.
| Household Size | 30% AMI | 50% AMI | 80% AMI | 100% AMI | 120% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,200 | $42,000 | $67,150 | $84,000 | $100,800 |
| 2 People | $28,800 | $48,000 | $76,750 | $96,000 | $115,200 |
| 3 People | $32,400 | $54,000 | $86,350 | $108,000 | $129,600 |
| 4 People | $35,970 | $59,950 | $95,900 | $119,900 | $143,880 |
| 5 People | $38,850 | $64,750 | $103,600 | $129,500 | $155,400 |
| 6 People | $41,730 | $69,550 | $111,250 | $139,100 | $166,920 |
Median Household Income in Chicago by Age
Chicago Median Income by Community Area
| Rank | Community area | Median household income |
|---|---|---|
| — | Chicago, IL | $77,902 ± $907 |
| 1 | Lincoln Park | $156,896 ± $13,703 |
| 2 | North Center | $147,701 ± $14,231 |
| 3 | West Town | $141,145 ± $8,869 |
| 4 | Forest Glen | $139,311 ± $19,789 |
| 5 | Beverly | $130,926 ± $15,474 |
| 6 | Edison Park | $130,128 ± $23,061 |
| 7 | Near North Side | $125,101 ± $9,568 |
| 8 | Near South Side | $122,424 ± $19,441 |
| 9 | Lake View | $121,377 ± $6,148 |
| 10 | Loop | $119,222 ± $14,556 |
| 11 | Near West Side | $116,881 ± $11,301 |
| 12 | Norwood Park | $114,150 ± $11,026 |
| 13 | Mount Greenwood | $112,562 ± $13,075 |
| 14 | Logan Square | $111,833 ± $5,559 |
| 15 | Jefferson Park | $97,375 ± $12,498 |
| 16 | Garfield Ridge | $93,531 ± $13,674 |
| 17 | Irving Park | $93,122 ± $9,419 |
| 18 | Portage Park | $92,329 ± $8,431 |
| 19 | Avondale | $91,966 ± $8,680 |
| 20 | Lincoln Square | $91,363 ± $8,481 |
Here are the five lowest-ranked community areas by median household income in Chicago:
Riverdale — $16,946 (± $7,861)
Fuller Park — $22,024 (± $5,748)
Englewood — $32,085 (± $5,980)
Oakland — $32,241 (± $17,194)
Washington Park — $37,543 (± $9,470)
The data strips away the illusion: Chicago does not have one median income. It has competing economic realities.
In Riverdale, the median household income is just $16,946. In Fuller Park, $22,024. In Englewood and Washington Park, incomes hover around the low $30,000s—less than half the citywide median of roughly $77,902.
These numbers are not accidents. They reflect decades of industrial retreat, capital flight, weakened job pipelines, and limited access to investment. Where enterprise shrinks, incomes follow.
The issue is not who ranks last. It is the scale of the gap. In some parts of Chicago, “median” does not mean middle-class. It means making survival decisions in a city that, elsewhere, measures success in six figures.
The median household income sits roughly between $75,000–$80,000, depending on the dataset and year. Households led by individuals aged 25–44 represent the largest share (~42%). This means Chicago’s overall median income is heavily supported by prime working-age earners.
Chicago’s median income is largely driven by mid-career professionals. Younger households and retirees earn significantly less, widening generational economic gaps.
Median Family Income VS. Median Household Income Chicago
In Chicago, median family income is typically higher than median household income — because families often have more stable dual-earner structures.
Chicago’s median household income is around $77,900 (ACS 2020–2024). But that number includes a wide mix of living arrangements: single renters, roommates, multi-generational households, and couples. Family income, by definition, excludes roommate-heavy households and tends to reflect more stable “earning units,” which usually pushes the median higher.
This matters because housing affordability is measured against household income, while lived financial comfort is often closer to individual earnings. For example, a household income of $100,000 can be created by two roommates earning $50,000 each — yet neither person would be able to rent a $2,200 apartment alone without crossing the 30% affordability threshold.
Chicago’s median income statistics can look stable at the household level, while many single earners still experience rent pressure in the neighborhoods they actually want to live in.
How does average income in Chicago differ from median income?
Median income: The midpoint — half earn more, half earn less.
Average income (mean): Total income divided by number of earners.
In unequal cities, averages can be inflated by high earners.
Chicago’s wage GINI coefficient (Illinois): ~0.474 — indicating meaningful income inequality.
This means:
The average salary may look strong.
The median tells us more about the “typical” household.
Neither fully captures affordability pressures.
Average Salary in Chicago
1. Average Salary in Chicago By Area
City proper vs metro area matters.
Chicago city median household income: ~$75K–$80K
Chicago metro median: ~$90K+
Suburban counties tend to have higher incomes. This reflects spatial economic sorting — higher-income households often reside outside city limits.
2. Average Salary in Chicago By Expertise
| Sector | Pay Level | Why It Pays More / Less | Income Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal | ~$70+/hr | Specialized licensing + high billing rates | 🔥 High |
| Management | ~$70/hr | Strategic decision roles | 🔥 High |
| Finance | ~$45–$65/hr | Strong corporate & trading presence | 🔥 High |
| Computer & Math | ~$50+/hr | Tech & analytics demand | 🔥 High |
| Healthcare (Specialties) | ~$40–$60/hr | Advanced credentials required | 🔥 High |
| Hospitality | ~$18–$25/hr | Service-heavy, tip-dependent | ⚖ Mid-Low |
| Retail | ~$17–$22/hr | High employment share, thin margins | ⚖ Mid-Low |
| Food Service | ~$16–$20/hr | Entry-level dominant | ⚖ Low |
| Transportation Support | ~$20–$28/hr | Operational backbone | ⚖ Mid |
| Administrative Support | ~$19–$26/hr | Broad but non-specialized | ⚖ Mid |
Chicago’s economy is strong at the top — but layered. A relatively small share of high-wage professional clusters pulls up the citywide average, while large service-sector employment keeps the median grounded.
3. Average Salary in Chicago By Gender
Like most major U.S. cities, Chicago reflects national income patterns — but those patterns are shaped by structural factors, not individual ability.
Across many occupational categories, women’s average earnings remain lower than men’s. Early-career pay gaps tend to be smaller, but differences often widen in senior, executive, and leadership roles.
In high-paying sectors such as finance, law, and technology, even modest percentage differences in compensation can compound over time — affecting long-term savings, investment capacity, and wealth accumulation.
Understanding these gaps is not about comparison — it’s about recognizing how income trajectories shape financial security over decades.
4. Average Salary in Chicago By Age and Experience
n Chicago, income generally rises fast in the early career years, peaks in mid-career, and then levels off or declines as people transition into retirement.
That pattern shows up clearly in the city’s median income by age: households led by adults 25–44 earn the most on average, reflecting the years when careers accelerate and dual-income living is most common. By contrast, under-25 households and 65+ households pull the median downward — not because the city “pays less,” but because those groups are more likely to be in school, early employment, or living on fixed retirement income.
In other words, Chicago’s median income is not just a city statistic — it’s also a life-stage statistic.
Income vs Cost of Living in Chicago
Pick a life mode in the dropdown (single, couple, with kids). The widget instantly updates the living wage for that household and compares it against minimum wage and Chicago’s median household income. Use it as a quick reality check before you assume what “middle-class” means in Chicago.
Chicago Living Wage (Hourly)
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator – Chicago Metro
🧍 1 Adult
| Children | Living Wage | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $24.88 | $15.00 |
| 1 | $42.22 | $15.00 |
| 2 | $53.62 | $15.00 |
👫 2 Adults (1 Working)
| Children | Living Wage | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $33.91 | $15.00 |
| 1 | $39.49 | $15.00 |
| 2 | $43.39 | $15.00 |
💼💼 2 Adults (Both Working)
| Children | Living Wage | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $16.95 | $15.00 |
| 1 | $23.70 | $15.00 |
| 2 | $29.32 | $15.00 |
Income in Chicago looks solid on paper. The citywide median household income sits around the upper-$70,000 range. Average wages in key professional sectors exceed the national mean. From a macro lens, Chicago appears economically stable.
But the cost of living in Chicago reframes the conversation.
The interactive tool above illustrates a crucial distinction: earning near the median does not automatically translate into financial comfort. A single adult needs roughly the equivalent of $51,000+ annually to meet basic living standards in the Chicago metro area. Add one child, and that threshold jumps toward the high-$80,000 range. For two adults with children, required income rises even further.
This gap exists because the cost structure of urban life is layered:
- Housing remains the dominant expense, especially in transit-accessible or high-opportunity neighborhoods.
- Childcare can rival rent in monthly cost for working parents.
- Healthcare and taxes add non-negotiable pressure.
- Transportation varies widely depending on car ownership versus public transit reliance.
Meanwhile, minimum wage earnings fall significantly below what is required for basic economic stability. Even households near the city’s median income can feel constrained if they rely on a single income or carry dependent-related expenses.
What Median Income in Chicago Means for Rent and Housing Affordability
| Annual Income | 30% Rule (Monthly Housing Budget) | Reality in Popular Areas | Pressure Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| $80,000 | ~$2,000/month | 1BR often $1,900–$2,400 | ⚖ Moderate |
| $50,000 | ~$1,250/month | Limited central options | 🔥 High |
| $100,000 | ~$2,500/month | Comfortable in most areas | 🟢 Lower |
How to find cheap student housing and apartments in Chicago?
The fastest way to find affordable student housing in Chicago is to browse listings on uhomes.com, a platform that specializes in student-friendly rentals and budget apartments. Here are details of why uhomes.com works well for students:
Focused on student housing: You’ll find studios, shared rooms, single rooms, and affordable apartments near major campuses.
Budget-friendly options: Many Chicago rentals start from around $550/month, with flexible lease terms and utilities sometimes included — helpful if you’re watching every dollar.
Location filters: You can search by neighborhood or proximity to universities (like University of Chicago, DePaul University, and UIC), so commuting costs stay low.
Extras that save money: Some listings include perks like roommate matching, utilities included, and short-term leases from about $600/month, which is ideal for interns and short-term stays.
Median Income in Chicago vs Compared to Other Major U.S. Cities
Chicago sits in a sweet spot—strong wages without full coastal pricing. To see where it stands, it helps to compare it with New York and Los Angeles. We’ve also put together deeper breakdowns of the average salary in New York and the average income in Los Angeles if you want the full picture.
Now let’s look at how Chicago stacks up against other large metropolitan areas.
| City | Median Household Income | Cost Pressure Level | Housing Cost Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | ~$78,000 | Moderate | Medium |
| New York City | ~$75,000–$80,000 | High | Very High |
| Boston | ~$89,000 | High | High |
Conclusion
Chicago’s median income tells a partial truth. On paper, a household earning around $78,000 suggests stability. The city’s average wages are competitive nationally, and high-paying professional sectors pull overall earnings upward. But income in Chicago is layered — shaped by neighborhood, industry, life stage, and household structure.
What ultimately matters isn’t whether Chicago is a “high-income city,” but whether your income aligns with your cost structure. A dual-income household in a mid-priced neighborhood can feel comfortable. A single earner in a high-demand area may feel constant pressure — even near the median. The number alone doesn’t determine financial security; context does.
Chicago is neither an affordability outlier nor a low-income city. It sits in the middle — strong earning potential, real housing pressure, and visible inequality. Understanding that balance is more useful than memorizing any single statistic.
FAQ
What is a median salary in Chicago?
Chicago’s median salary depends on the dataset, but typical individual earnings generally fall in the mid-$50,000 to mid-$60,000 range.
In practice, “median salary” is often confused with median household income. Salary is about one worker; household income can include multiple earners. In a city with large income inequality, median is usually more meaningful than the average.
What is the median household income in Chicago?
Chicago’s median household income is roughly in the mid-$70,000 to low-$80,000 range depending on the year and ACS estimate.
Different sources may show slightly different numbers because they use different ACS years (1-year vs 5-year). What matters more than the exact figure is the gap between neighborhoods and the difference between city vs metro.
Is Chicago median income enough to afford rent?
For many households, Chicago’s median income can cover rent—but not comfortably in the most in-demand neighborhoods. Using the 30% affordability rule, a median-income household can “afford” roughly ~$2,000/month. In many popular areas, a typical 1-bedroom can approach or exceed that threshold. The squeeze is sharper for single earners and families with childcare costs.
What is a good salary in Chicago, IL?
A “good salary” in Chicago is typically $70,000+ for a single adult and $100,000+ for a household aiming for stability without constant trade-offs.
The city is affordable compared to NYC or Boston, but housing and childcare still create a high floor.
What is considered low income in Chicago?
In Chicago, “low income” typically means household income between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), Low income in Chicago often under $40,000–$50,000 depending on household size. This level usually means rent becomes the dominant budget item, leaving little room for savings. The city’s income distribution is wide, so “low income” is less about one number and more about vulnerability to basic expenses.
What's a reasonable income to live as a single individual in Chicago?
A reasonable income for a single adult in Chicago is around $55,000–$65,000, with $75,000+ offering noticeably more breathing room.
