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Demographic Evolution of West Lawn: A Hispanic Majority Neighborhood in Chicago
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Lawn, a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, exhibits demographic characteristics of a Hispanic Majority community. As of 2022, the median income in West Lawn was $56,643. The neighborhood is classified as "Low Diversity," with Hispanic residents constituting 84% of the population. West Lawn's Hispanic cultural influence, particularly Mexican-American, is evident in local businesses, restaurants, and community events.
Over the past decade, West Lawn has experienced a significant shift in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as "Hispanic Majority" with 79% Hispanic population and 18% White residents. By 2022, the Hispanic population increased to 84%, while the White population decreased to 14%. Other racial groups remained stable at very low percentages. This trend indicates a continuous influx of Hispanic residents, potentially due to chain migration and the establishment of a culturally familiar environment.
The median income in West Lawn has fluctuated over the years, showing an overall upward trend. In 2013, the median income was $53,431, which increased to $68,884 in 2021 before decreasing to $56,643 in 2022. This income volatility may be attributed to changes in the job market, economic policies, or shifts in the local economy. The peak in median income in 2021 coincided with a slight increase in racial diversity, with Asian representation appearing at 1% for the first time.
The demographic evolution of West Lawn aligns with broader trends observed in many urban areas across the United States, where certain neighborhoods become cultural enclaves for specific ethnic groups. This phenomenon is associated with the concept of "ethnic succession" in urban sociology, where one ethnic group replaces another over time in a particular area.
West Lawn's Hispanic population growth is more pronounced compared to national trends. While the Hispanic population in the U.S. reached about 18.7% nationally in 2020, West Lawn's 84% Hispanic population suggests it has become a significant Hispanic enclave within Chicago, potentially offering strong community support and cultural familiarity for Hispanic residents.
The economic fluctuations in West Lawn, particularly the sharp increase and subsequent decrease in median income between 2021 and 2022, may reflect the broader economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Many urban areas experienced similar volatility during this period.
West Lawn has evolved into a strongly Hispanic-majority neighborhood with low diversity over the past decade. This demographic shift has been accompanied by overall economic growth, albeit with recent volatility. The neighborhood exemplifies the dynamic nature of urban demographics and the complex interplay between racial composition and economic factors in shaping community characteristics.
