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Demographic Analysis of O'Hare International Airport Neighborhood: Transition to Hispanic Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The O'Hare International Airport neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, exhibits a distinct demographic profile as of 2022. It is classified as a "Hispanic Majority" community, with 60% of the population identifying as Hispanic. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 was $60,777, indicating a moderate economic status. The area encompasses one of the world's busiest airports, which likely influences its demographic and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, the O'Hare International Airport neighborhood has undergone a significant demographic transformation. In 2013, it was categorized as a "Moderate Diversity" area with a nearly equal distribution between Hispanic (48%) and White (44%) populations. By 2016, it had transitioned to a "Hispanic Plurality" community, with the Hispanic population reaching 51%. This trend continued, and by 2019, it became a "Hispanic Majority" area, a status it has maintained and strengthened through 2022.
This shift can be classified as a "Transitional Community," with the Hispanic population showing a consistent upward trend from 48% in 2013 to 60% in 2022. Conversely, the White population decreased from 44% to 34% over the same period. Other racial groups remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations.
The demographic shifts correlate with notable economic trends. The median income has shown overall growth, increasing from $48,299 in 2013 to $60,777 in 2022, a rise of approximately 26%. This growth suggests that the increasing Hispanic majority has coincided with economic improvement in the neighborhood.
The population has fluctuated over the years, with a significant decrease in 2020 before rebounding in 2021 and 2022. Despite these fluctuations, the median income has continued to rise, indicating resilience in the local economy.
The demographic shift observed in the O'Hare International Airport neighborhood aligns with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where Hispanic populations have been growing. However, the rate of change here appears more pronounced, possibly due to the unique economic opportunities associated with the airport.
The economic growth in this neighborhood is noteworthy. While the median income of $60,777 in 2022 is lower than the overall median household income for Chicago ($65,781 in 2021), it represents significant growth for this specific neighborhood.
In conclusion, the O'Hare International Airport neighborhood has evolved from a moderately diverse area to a Hispanic Majority community over the past decade. This transition has been accompanied by steady economic growth, as evidenced by rising median incomes. The presence of a major international airport likely plays a significant role in shaping these demographic and economic trends, offering both opportunities and challenges for the local community.
