Statistics
Dementia in Chicago: 2026 Statistics
How many people in Chicago are old enough to be at risk, how many are estimated to be living with dementia, how many are on their own, and what care costs. Every figure is sourced below.
By Emmanuel Akyeam · Census data verified
| Measure | Chicago | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total population | 2,693,976 | Census ACS 5-year estimate |
| Aged 65 and over | 368,637 | 13.7% of residents |
| Aged 85 and over | 45,764 | 12.4% of those 65+ |
| Estimated living with dementia | 40,960 | Estimate: 1 in 9 of those 65+, see method |
| Seniors living alone | 130,452 | 35.4% of those 65+ |
| Median household income | $75,134 | All households, Census ACS |
| In-home care, hourly | $24 to $36 | The range Dementia In Home quotes for this city |
What in-home care costs in Chicago
Using the hourly range above. Twenty hours a week is a common starting point; forty is roughly full-time daytime cover.
20 hours a week, per month
$2,078 to $3,118
40 hours a week, per month
$4,157 to $6,235
20 hours a week, per year
$24,960 to $37,440
Full breakdown, and what changes the number, on the cost of care in Chicago.
Where Chicago stands among 23 cities
- Residents aged 65 and over: #3 of 23
- Estimated living with dementia: #3 of 23
- Seniors living alone: #2 of 23
- Lowest hourly care rate: #10 of 23
All 23 cities side by side on the national statistics page.
Frequently asked questions
- How many people in Chicago have dementia?
- An estimated 40,960. This applies the Alzheimer's Association's national prevalence figure of roughly 1 in 9 people aged 65 and over to Chicago's Census count of 368,637 residents in that age group. It is an estimate, not a diagnosis count.
- How many seniors live alone in Chicago?
- 130,452 people aged 65 or over live alone in Chicago, which is 35.4% of that age group, according to Census ACS 5-year estimates.
- What does in-home dementia care cost in Chicago?
- Dementia In Home quotes $24 to $36 an hour in Chicago. At 20 hours a week that is about $2,078 to $3,118 a month; at 40 hours, $4,157 to $6,235.
- How many people have dementia in the US?
- The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 7.4 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2026, about 1 in 9 people in that age group. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, so the total for all types is higher. The estimate for this city uses the same 1 in 9 ratio.
- How does Chicago compare with other cities?
- Among the 23 cities Dementia In Home covers, Chicago ranks 3 for residents aged 65 and over and 2 for seniors living alone.
Sources and method
- Population, age bands, seniors living alone and median household income: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, verified August 24, 2026.
- Estimated dementia cases: the number of residents aged 65 and over divided by 9, applying the Alzheimer's Association's 2026 Facts and Figures national prevalence figure of about 1 in 9 in that age group. It is a population estimate, not a count of diagnoses, and local prevalence may differ.
- Hourly care rates are the range Dementia In Home quotes for Chicago. Monthly figures use 4.33 weeks a month.
- Rankings are among the 23 cities Dementia In Home publishes guides for, not among all US cities.
Statistics for other cities
Looking for care rather than numbers? In-home dementia care in Chicago.