Loading Content...
Demographic Transition in Clearing (W): From White Majority to Hispanic Plurality
_chicago_city_illinois%2Fen-median-income-race-distribution-illinois-chicago-city-clearing-(w).webp%3F&w=3840&q=75)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Clearing, a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, currently exhibits a Hispanic Plurality with a significant white population. As of 2022, the community is categorized as Moderate Diversity, with Hispanics comprising 55% of the population and whites 41%. The median income of $59,063 in 2022 suggests a middle-class suburban area. Clearing is known for its proximity to Chicago Midway International Airport, which likely influences its demographics and economy.
Over the past decade, Clearing has undergone a significant demographic transition. In 2013, it was characterized as a White Majority community (58% white). However, by 2017, it had shifted to a Majority-Minority status, with the Hispanic population growing steadily. This trend continued, and by 2018, the neighborhood could be classified as having Hispanic Plurality.
The most notable change is the consistent increase in the Hispanic population, rising from 39% in 2013 to 55% in 2022. Concurrently, the white population decreased from 58% to 41%. This shift aligns with the definition of a Transitional Community, showing a clear trend towards increasing diversity over the last decade.
The median income in Clearing has fluctuated over the years but shows an overall declining trend. In 2013, the median income was $67,960, peaking at $69,335 in 2016. However, it has since decreased, reaching $59,063 in 2022. This represents a 13% drop in median income over the decade.
The population has grown from 18,082 in 2013 to 20,245 in 2022, an increase of about 12%. This population growth, coupled with the declining median income, suggests that newer residents might be entering the neighborhood at lower income levels, possibly related to the increasing Hispanic population.
The demographic shift in Clearing aligns with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where Hispanic populations are growing and often replacing previously white-majority neighborhoods. This trend is particularly pronounced in cities like Chicago, which have historically been destinations for Hispanic immigrants.
The economic trends in Clearing are somewhat concerning when compared to national averages. While the U.S. median household income has generally increased over the past decade (reaching $70,784 in 2021), Clearing's median income has declined. This divergence from national trends could indicate localized economic challenges or changes in the job market, possibly influenced by the neighborhood's proximity to Midway Airport and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry.
The combination of increasing diversity and declining median income suggests that Clearing is experiencing significant socio-economic changes. These shifts may be bringing new cultural vibrancy to the area but also potentially presenting challenges in terms of economic stability and community resources. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor how these demographic and economic trends impact local services, housing affordability, and community cohesion.
