Chicago is one of the few major U.S. cities where wealth varies dramatically by neighborhood, not just by income. A household that ranks among the top 10% in one part of the city may be far from it in another.
That makes Chicago a powerful case study for understanding how net worth is distributed locally — and how wealth is actually built.
This article breaks down how much household net worth you need to be in the top 10% in Chicago, by area, and explains what drives those differences.
Why Net Worth Matters More Than Salary
Income alone is a weak signal of wealth — especially in Chicago.
Many households earning $150K–$250K:
- Carry large mortgages
- Have limited investment assets
- Are highly exposed to housing cycles
Net worth matters because it includes:
- Home equity
- Retirement accounts
- Brokerage investments
- Business ownership
This is the metric banks, lenders, and financial advisors actually use.
How “Top 10% Net Worth” Is Defined Here
This analysis estimates the minimum household net worth required to exceed 90% of households within different Chicago areas. Key points;
- Household, not individual
- Assets minus liabilities
- Includes home equity and investments
- Estimates reflect local wealth distributions, not citywide averages
Top 10% Net Worth in Chicago — By Area (2025 Estimates)
Below is a comparison table showing how the top 10% net worth threshold changes across Chicago.
These ranges are illustrative estimates based on housing values, ownership rates, and asset concentration.
Chicago vs Other Major Cities
- City, Estimated Top 10% Net Worth
- San Francisco $3.5M – $4.5M
- New York City $2.8M – $3.8M
- Chicago $1.6M – $2.0M
- Los Angeles $2.2M – $3.0M
What It Means to Be “Top 10%” in Chicago
Being in the top 10% does not mean: Ultra-luxury lifestyle, Cash-rich balance sheet and Financial independence.
It often means: Paid-down home, Consistent investing and Long time horizons. Chicago wealth is typically equity-driven, not speculative.
