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Demographic Analysis of O'Hare, Chicago: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
O'Hare, a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "White Majority" community, with 66% of the population identifying as white in 2022. The neighborhood is showing signs of increasing diversity. O'Hare has a median income of $69,181 in 2022, indicating a relatively affluent area within Chicago. The presence of one of the world's busiest airports in O'Hare likely influences its demographic and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, O'Hare has transitioned from a "Low Diversity" community to a "White Majority" with increasing diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as "Low Diversity" with 76% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 66%, while other racial groups, particularly Asian and Hispanic populations, experienced significant increases. The Asian population grew from 5% in 2013 to 10% in 2022, and the Hispanic population increased from 13% to 17% during the same period. This shift suggests O'Hare is moving towards becoming a "Moderate Diversity" community, although it has not yet reached that threshold.
The Black population, while still small, increased from 1% in 2013 to 3% in 2022. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races also increased from 1% to 3% over this period. These changes indicate that O'Hare could be classified as a "Transitional Community," with clear trends towards increasing diversity over the past decade.
The demographic shifts in O'Hare have been accompanied by significant economic changes. The median income has shown a general upward trend, rising from $53,719 in 2013 to $69,181 in 2022, representing a 28.8% increase over nine years. This growth outpaces inflation for the same period, suggesting real economic gains for the community. The peak median income was recorded in 2021 at $75,540, followed by a slight decrease in 2022. This could be related to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. It grew from 28,516 in 2013 to 29,417 in 2022, a modest increase of about 3.2%. This stability, combined with rising incomes, suggests that the neighborhood has become increasingly desirable, potentially attracting more affluent and diverse residents.
The demographic changes in O'Hare reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where traditionally white-majority neighborhoods are becoming more diverse. The rate of change in O'Hare appears to be more gradual compared to some rapidly diversifying urban areas. The economic growth in O'Hare is notable, especially considering the challenges faced by many urban areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. The neighborhood's proximity to a major international airport likely contributes to its economic resilience and ability to attract a diverse population.
O'Hare presents a picture of a gradually diversifying, economically robust neighborhood. While it remains a "White Majority" community, the trends suggest a continued movement towards greater diversity in the coming years. The correlation between increasing diversity and rising median incomes indicates that this demographic shift is accompanied by economic growth, potentially making O'Hare an increasingly attractive location for a variety of residents.
