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Demographic Analysis of Chatham, Chicago: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Chatham, a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, is characterized by Low Diversity with a Black Majority. As of 2022, 95% of the population identifies as Black, with a median income of $40,034. Chatham has historically been an important center for Black entrepreneurship and homeownership in Chicago.
Over the past decade, Chatham has maintained its status as a Black Majority neighborhood. The percentage of Black residents has slightly decreased from 97% in 2013 to 95% in 2022, while the Hispanic population has grown from 0% to 3% during the same period. The proportion of residents identifying as two or more races has increased from 1% to 2%. Despite these changes, the neighborhood remains categorized as Low Diversity due to the overwhelming Black majority.
The median income in Chatham has fluctuated over the years but shows an overall upward trend. From $39,803 in 2013, it rose to $42,545 in 2021, before decreasing to $40,034 in 2022. This represents a 0.58% increase over the decade. The population has experienced a decline, from 19,689 in 2013 to 18,676 in 2022, a decrease of 5.1%.
Chatham's demographic trends differ from broader national patterns. While many urban areas across the U.S. have seen significant increases in diversity over the past decade, Chatham has maintained its strong Black majority. This stability is noteworthy in the context of Chicago, a city known for its diverse neighborhoods and history of racial segregation.
The modest income growth in Chatham lags behind the national trend. According to U.S. Census data, the national median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 when adjusted for inflation, while Chatham's growth was much slower.
The slight increase in Hispanic residents and those identifying as multiracial aligns with national demographic shifts, albeit on a much smaller scale in Chatham. This could indicate the beginning of a long-term trend towards increased diversity, though the change remains minimal compared to national averages.
In conclusion, while Chatham shows signs of a Transitional Community with slight increases in Hispanic and multiracial populations, it remains a stronghold of Black culture and community in Chicago. The neighborhood's economic trajectory, marked by modest income growth and population decline, suggests a community in slow transition, balancing its historical identity with gradual demographic and economic shifts.
