Median Income
$56,250
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,000
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,105
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.9%
44% higher than US avg
How South Chicago Heights Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,934
Median Age38.6 yrs
Density2,490/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 39%
Economy
B
Median Income$56,250
Per Capita$27,442
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty17.9%
County GDP$31,242M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,000
Rent$1,105
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$155,981
Health
Obesity36.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain42.1 in/yr
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+81.5%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 52%
Commute27 min
Libraries26
Is South Chicago Heights a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Chicago Heights receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. South Chicago Heights offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Chicago Heights is $56,250, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Chicago Heights is $136,000, 52% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,105 per month. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
South Chicago Heights experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.1 inches, including 28.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
South Chicago Heights has a population of 3,934 with a density of 2,490 people per square mile. The median age is 38.6 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (39.1%), with 35.1% Black.
Population
38.6yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Chicago Heights vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 66.7% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Spanish | 33.3% |
| 149% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
South Chicago Heights vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Chicago Heights is $56,250, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Income: South Chicago Heights vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,250 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,442 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,177 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,524 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.9% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 11,872 |
| County GDP | $31,242M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,110 |
| Healthcare | 1,376 |
| Retail | 1,546 |
| Manufacturing | 366 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,190 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in South Chicago Heights is $136,000, 52% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,105 (5% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,981.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,000 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $155,981 |
| Median List Price | $179,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $179,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $93 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 89.8% |
| Price Drops | 40.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,105 |
| 5% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,190 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.08% |
In South Chicago Heights, 36.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 20.4% report depression. 31.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: South Chicago Heights vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.5% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,981/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,376 |
Crime Rates: South Chicago Heights vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 53 |
Safety Score
South Chicago Heights has an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.8°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 42.1 inches |
| 11% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 28.2 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,490/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4834°N, 87.6372°W |
| County FIPS | 18089 |