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Demographic Analysis of Chicago Heights, Illinois: Racial Composition and Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Chicago Heights, Illinois, is a city with a population of 28,886 as of 2022. It is classified as a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity." The city's population consists of 39% Black residents, 36% Hispanic residents, and 21% White residents. The median income in Chicago Heights is $52,429.
Over the past decade, Chicago Heights has transitioned from a community with a Black plurality to a more balanced Majority-Minority status. In 2013, the Black population was 41% and the Hispanic population was 33%. By 2022, these percentages changed to 39% for Black residents and 36% for Hispanic residents. This shift indicates a "Transitional Community" status with increasing diversity.
The White population in Chicago Heights has decreased from 23% in 2013 to 21% in 2022. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has increased from 1% to 3%. The median income has shown an overall increase of about 11% over the decade, rising from $47,221 in 2013 to $52,429 in 2022.
The population of Chicago Heights has been declining, decreasing from 30,962 in 2013 to 28,886 in 2022, a reduction of about 6.7%. This population loss, combined with increasing diversity and moderate income growth, suggests a complex interplay of demographic and economic factors.
The demographic shifts in Chicago Heights reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas and growth of Hispanic populations. However, the city's population decline contrasts with the growth seen in many urban areas across the United States during this period. The moderate income growth may not have kept pace with national averages or nearby Chicago.
Based on observed trends, Chicago Heights is likely to continue as a "Transitional Community" with increasing diversity. The Hispanic population may soon equal or surpass the Black population, potentially leading to a "High Diversity" category if no single group constitutes more than 40% of the population.
Economically, if Chicago Heights can reverse its population decline and maintain its upward trend in median income, it may see improved economic prospects. However, recent economic volatility suggests that growth may be uneven or vulnerable to external shocks.
Chicago Heights presents a case study of a small urban area navigating demographic changes and economic challenges. Its evolution from a Black plurality to a more balanced Majority-Minority community, coupled with moderate income growth and population decline, illustrates the complex dynamics at play in many American cities. The future of Chicago Heights will likely be shaped by how it manages ongoing demographic shifts and leverages its increasing diversity for economic and social development.
