US Census: Chicago Population Dips Below 1920 Level

The migration away from the city was accelerated by the recent recession, as explosive growth of suburbs far outside of Chicago resulted in some counties growing by as much as 35%.

1 minute read

February 17, 2011, 7:00 AM PST

By Victor Negrete

From The Wall Street Journal:

"The population of Cook County, which is dominated by the city of Chicago, fell 3.4% during the decade. But it remained by far the state's most populous county, with about 5.2 million people. The explosive growth of suburbs far outside Chicago produced huge gains in neighboring counties. Kane County grew by 27.5%, Will County by nearly 35% and Lake County by 9.2%, while DuPage grew a more modest 1.4%."

Kevin Helliker, of The Wall Street Journal, explains that "the exodus took a big chunk out of the city's black population in particular, shrinking it to 887,608 from 1,065,009."

"This population shift to traditionally conservative counties could alter the balance of power in both the state house and the Illinois congressional delegation."

FULL STORY: Chicago Population Sinks to 1920 Level

Wednesday, February 16, 2011 in The Wall Street Journal

Government / Politics Social / Demographics United States Illinois Chicago; US Census; Demographics; Urban Flight

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.