Families in Chicago earn a median $80,613 a year, and the typical owned home is worth $341,200. A simple rule puts the need for a typical family here at about $1,050,000. Term life is usually the lowest cost way to get there.
Chicago by the numbers
- Median household income
- $80,613Close to the Illinois median of $83,211
- Typical home value
- $341,200Higher than the Illinois median of $280,700
- Homes owned
- 47%65% of owned homes have a mortgage
- Households with kids
- 22%1,172,455 households in all
- Age 65 and older
- 14%Median age 35.9
- Veterans
- 57,7642.6% of adults
Living in Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, with 2,721,326 residents and a median age of 35.9. That is younger than the state as a whole, so more families here are in the years when term life matters most.
The median household here earns $80,613, close to the US median of $81,604. The typical home costs about 4.2 times that income.
Compared with nearby Naperville (25 miles away), homes in Chicago are worth less ($341,200 vs $579,200), and fewer households have kids at home.
The biggest hands on job group here is health care, at 9.1% of workers. Health care workers on shifts and contracts can lose group coverage between jobs.
Who works in Chicago
The biggest groups of hands on and front line jobs here, as a share of all workers. Some of these jobs can change your price, and some companies treat them better than others.
What fits families in Chicago
65% of owned homes in Chicago still have a mortgage. If your family would struggle to make that payment without you, size a policy to the loan. More on mortgage protection
22% of households here have kids under 18. Term life covers the years they depend on you for the lowest price. More on term life
14% of people in Chicago are 65 or older, lower than the Illinois rate. A small policy keeps funeral costs off the family. More on final expense
24% of people here speak Spanish at home. Pick Español on our form and we will ask for an agent who speaks Spanish. Spanish guide
About 57,764 veterans live in Chicago. VGLI is not your only choice. More on veterans
Final expense and burial insurance in Chicago
About 387,000 people in Chicago are 65 or older. A small final expense policy, also called burial insurance, pays for the funeral so the family does not have to.
| Age | Women, $10,000 | Men, $10,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | $33 | $43 |
| 70 | $53 | $70 |
| 80 | $98 | $134 |
National sample rates, Choice Mutual, Rates valid as of March 9, 2026. Not a quote. Funeral costs and help in Illinois
Illinois rules that protect you
- Free look: 10 days to return a new policy for a refund
- Grace period: 30 days if you miss a payment
- Guaranty protection: up to $300,000 in death benefits
- Help line: Illinois Department of Insurance, 866-445-5364
Common questions in Chicago
How much life insurance do I need in Chicago?
A quick rule of thumb: 10 years of income plus what you owe on your home. With Chicago's median household income of $80,613 and a typical home value of $341,200, that lands near $1,050,000 for a typical family. Your number depends on your debts, kids and savings. Our calculator does the math.
Can I get life insurance in Chicago without a medical exam?
Often, yes. Many companies approve healthy people with health questions and records instead of an exam. Older buyers can also look at simplified issue or guaranteed issue final expense plans.
Do I need an agent licensed in Illinois?
Yes. An agent must hold a Illinois license to sell you a policy. You can check a license with the Illinois Department of Insurance at 866-445-5364.
Source: Illinois Department of Insurance
What does a funeral cost near Chicago?
Local prices vary by funeral home. Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, and $6,280 with cremation (NFDA). Under the FTC Funeral Rule, any funeral home in Chicago must give you an itemized price list.
Source: FTC Funeral Rule · NFDA price study
What happens if my insurance company fails in Illinois?
The Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects Illinois policyholders up to $300,000 in death benefits, per insured person.
Source: Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association · NOLHGA: how you are protected
Near Chicago
Naperville (25 mi), Aurora (32 mi), Joliet (33 mi), Elgin (36 mi), Rockford (77 mi), Peoria (125 mi)
Sources
Local numbers are Census American Community Survey 2024 one year estimates for Chicago, IL. The coverage figure is a rule of thumb, not advice.
