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Demographic Analysis of Little Calumet River: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Chicago
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Little Calumet River neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, maintains a "Racial Majority" status with a predominantly Black population of 74% in 2022. This demographic composition has remained consistent over the past decade. The neighborhood's median income was $44,611 in 2022, which is below Chicago's overall median household income. Little Calumet River is situated near the waterway of the same name, which has historically influenced the area's industrial development and environmental issues.
From 2013 to 2022, Little Calumet River has consistently been a "Racial Majority" neighborhood, with the Black population comprising over 70% of residents. The Black population percentage increased from 71% in 2013 to 74% in 2022. The Hispanic population grew from 15% in 2013 to 17% in 2022, while the White population decreased from 10% in 2013 to 8% in 2022. These changes indicate a slight trend towards increased racial homogeneity.
The neighborhood's median income has fluctuated over the past decade. It increased from $38,683 in 2013 to $42,895 in 2015, then declined to $38,035 in 2016, followed by a gradual increase to $44,611 in 2022. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend shows a modest improvement in median income. However, this growth has not significantly altered the neighborhood's economic status relative to the broader Chicago area.
The population has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations between 7,131 (2015) and 7,797 (2019). The current population of 7,342 (2022) suggests a slight decline from the peak but overall stability.
The persistent racial majority status of Little Calumet River contrasts with broader trends in many urban areas, which have been moving towards greater diversity. The economic challenges faced by the neighborhood are consistent with patterns seen in many predominantly Black urban communities across the United States.
The modest income growth has not kept pace with inflation or the rapid gentrification seen in some other Chicago neighborhoods. This suggests that Little Calumet River has maintained its character as a working-class, predominantly Black neighborhood, resisting dramatic demographic shifts but also not experiencing significant economic uplift.
The stability in population and racial composition could indicate limited new development or investment in the area, which might be contributing to the slower pace of economic growth compared to more rapidly changing neighborhoods in Chicago.
Little Calumet River presents a picture of demographic stability with modest economic improvement. It has not experienced the rapid changes seen in some urban areas, but it also has not fallen into decline, maintaining its community character in the face of broader urban demographic and economic shifts.
