Executive Summary:
The report highlights significant demographic and economic changes in Chicago’s Latino neighborhoods between 2017 and 2022. Notably, Logan Square and Irving Park transitioned from majority Latino to predominantly non-Hispanic White, contributing to a broader decline of over 15,000 Latinos citywide and 36,000 across 14 studied neighborhoods. However, areas like Chicago Lawn, Garfield Ridge, New City, and East Side saw Latino population growth. Median household income for Latinos in Chicago is $62,046, below the city average of $71,673 and significantly lower than non-Hispanic Whites at $104,734. Income disparities are pronounced, especially in Logan Square, where non-Hispanic Whites earn nearly $70,000 more than Latinos. Employment patterns reveal that a high proportion of residents work outside their neighborhoods, limiting local economic benefits. Public transit usage remains lower than city averages, except in a few neighborhoods, underscoring transportation challenges. These shifts reflect broader trends of gentrification and economic pressures on Latino communities.
Authors:
José Miguel Acosta-Córdova
Doctoral Candidate, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Matthew D. Wilson, Ph.D.
Associate Director of Economic & Workforce Development, UIC Great Cities Institute
Read and Download the Full Report Here.
