Chicago Population 2026
Chicago has a population of 2,664,452, making it the #3 biggest city in 🇺🇸 United States, located in Illinois. Roughly 0.8% of United States's population lives here. It is about 3.3× smaller than New York City, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
2,664,452
Rank in United States
#3
Coordinates
41.85°N, 87.65°W
~179 m elevation · America/Chicago
Distance to capital (Washington)
956 km
594 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Illinois
| City | Population | Rank in United States |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora | 200,661 | #125 |
| Rockford | 148,278 | #184 |
| Joliet | 147,861 | #186 |
| Naperville | 147,100 | #190 |
| Peoria | 115,070 | #259 |
| Springfield | 114,394 | #262 |
| North Peoria | 113,004 | #266 |
| Elgin | 112,111 | #270 |
Cities near Chicago
FAQ
What is the population of Chicago?
Chicago has a population of 2,664,452 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #3 biggest city in United States.
What state is Chicago in?
Chicago is located in Illinois, United States.
Is Chicago the capital of United States?
No, the capital of United States is Washington D.C., about 956 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
← All biggest cities in United States · United States population by year