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Demographic Stability and Economic Growth in Little Village: A Hispanic Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Little Village, a Chicago neighborhood, is characterized as a Hispanic Majority community with Low Diversity. As of 2022, the population was 72,732, with 82% identifying as Hispanic. The median income in 2022 was $40,338. Little Village is known as the "Mexico of the Midwest" due to its Mexican-American culture, 26th Street commercial corridor, and role as a gateway for Mexican immigrants in Chicago.
Over the past decade, Little Village has maintained its status as a Hispanic Majority community. The Hispanic population has remained stable, ranging from 81% to 85% between 2013 and 2022. This stability suggests an established Hispanic community with deep roots in the neighborhood. Other racial groups have shown subtle shifts: the Black population remained steady at 11-12%, the White population increased slightly from 4% in 2013 to 6% in 2022, and Asian representation emerged at 1% from 2021 onward.
The median income in Little Village has shown an upward trend over the past decade. In 2013, the median income was $31,531. By 2022, it had increased to $40,338, representing a 28% growth. This income growth suggests improving economic conditions for residents, potentially reflecting broader economic recovery and growth in the Chicago area. However, the median income remains below the national average, indicating ongoing economic challenges in the neighborhood.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. This stability, combined with the increasing median income, might indicate a gradual economic improvement without significant gentrification or displacement of long-term residents.
Little Village's demographic stability contrasts with trends in many urban neighborhoods across the United States, where rapid gentrification often leads to significant demographic shifts. The neighborhood's ability to maintain its Hispanic majority while experiencing economic growth is noteworthy.
The income growth in Little Village, while substantial, may still lag behind national trends. The U.S. median household income increased from $51,939 in 2013 to $70,784 in 2021, a 36% increase. Little Village's growth, while positive, suggests that the neighborhood still faces economic challenges compared to national averages.
The stability of the Hispanic population in Little Village also stands out when compared to national trends. While the Hispanic population has been growing rapidly across the U.S., Little Village has maintained a consistent Hispanic majority, suggesting its role as an established cultural enclave.
Little Village presents a case of a stable, Hispanic Majority community with Low Diversity that has experienced gradual economic improvement over the past decade. While facing ongoing economic challenges, the neighborhood has maintained its cultural identity while showing signs of incremental progress, balancing economic growth with community preservation.
