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Demographic Analysis of Lake Calumet: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Chicago
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lake Calumet, a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Low Diversity" with a strong Black Majority. As of 2022, the Black population comprises 85% of the neighborhood, while the Hispanic community represents 11%. The median income in 2022 was $32,348, indicating an increase over the past decade. Lake Calumet's industrial history and proximity to Lake Michigan have influenced its economic landscape.
Over the past decade, Lake Calumet has maintained its status as a Black Majority neighborhood. The Black population has slightly decreased from 90% in 2017 to 85% in 2022. The Hispanic population has gradually increased from 7% in 2017 to 11% in 2022. The White population has remained consistently low, while there has been a slight increase in those identifying as two or more races. These changes indicate a slow transition towards slightly increased diversity, though the neighborhood remains in the "Low Diversity" category due to the overwhelming Black majority.
The median income in Lake Calumet has shown a positive trend over the decade. In 2013, it was $28,129, decreasing to $27,051 in 2017, and then increasing to $32,348 in 2022. This represents a 15% increase from 2013 to 2022, with the most significant growth occurring in the latter half of the decade. These income levels remain considerably below the national median income.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 5,900 and 6,300 residents throughout the decade. This stability, combined with the gradual income increase, suggests a slowly improving economic situation for long-term residents rather than significant demographic turnover or gentrification.
The demographic makeup of Lake Calumet differs from Chicago as a whole, which is known for its diversity. While Chicago has experienced increasing diversity and significant Hispanic population growth, Lake Calumet has maintained its strong Black majority with only a slight increase in Hispanic residents.
The income growth in Lake Calumet, while positive, still leaves the neighborhood well below Chicago's median household income, which was around $62,000 in 2020. This indicates that Lake Calumet continues to face economic challenges compared to the broader city.
The stability of the population in Lake Calumet contrasts with some other Chicago neighborhoods that have seen more dramatic demographic shifts due to gentrification or urban renewal projects. This stability might indicate limited new development or investment in the area, which could be tied to its industrial heritage and location.
Lake Calumet presents a picture of a stable, predominantly Black community with slow but steady economic improvement. While it has not experienced rapid demographic changes, the subtle shifts towards slightly increased diversity and rising incomes suggest a community in gradual transition. The challenge for Lake Calumet moving forward may be to attract more diverse economic opportunities while maintaining its strong community identity.
