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Population Decline and Density Changes in North 5th Ward, DeKalb, Illinois: 2010-2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Population Density
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Demographics
Population
Population Density
The North 5th Ward of DeKalb, Illinois, experienced a significant population decline from 2010 to 2022. The population decreased from 11,441 to 6,770 residents, representing a 40.8% reduction. This decrease was accompanied by a drop in population density from 47,319.46 people per square mile in 2010 to 28,000.41 people per square mile in 2022.
Despite the decline, the neighborhood maintains a high population density, characteristic of a dense urban environment. This suggests the area likely consists of multi-story apartment buildings and other high-density housing structures.
The consistent year-over-year population decrease may indicate several factors, such as changing economic conditions, shifts in housing preferences, or alterations in the local job market. The most dramatic drop occurred between 2021 and 2022, with a loss of 1,342 residents.
Given the neighborhood's proximity to Northern Illinois University, a portion of the population fluctuation may be tied to student housing dynamics. Changes in university enrollment, shifts to online learning, or new housing developments in other areas could have contributed to the observed population trends.
The high population density, even after the significant decrease, suggests that residents of North 5th Ward likely experience an urban lifestyle with access to amenities, public transportation, and potentially walkable streets. However, the rapid population decline might have impacted local businesses and community services.
The estimated number of housing units (2,593 in 2022) indicates a substantial residential presence in the area. This could suggest that some units have become vacant or that there has been a shift towards smaller household sizes.
In conclusion, the North 5th Ward has undergone a significant transformation in its population dynamics over the past decade, transitioning from an extremely dense urban area to a still dense but less populated urban neighborhood. This change likely has had effects on the local economy, community structure, and overall quality of life for residents.
