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North Chicago, IL

Frequently asked questions

North Chicago, IL

North Chicago is a city in Lake County, Illinois, United States, and a suburb of the Chicago metropolitan area. The population was 30,759 at the 2020 census making it the third-most populous city by population in the county, after Waukegan and Mundelein. 

An industrial center, North Chicago is home to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and Great Lakes Barracks Military housing. The city is also home to Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, which houses the Chicago Medical School.

North Chicago is located at 42°19′20″N 87°51′16″W. 

According to the 2010 census, North Chicago has a total area of 7.915 square miles (20.50 km²), of which 7.9 square miles (20.46 km²) (or 99.81%) is land and 0.015 square miles (0.04 km²) (or 0.19%) is water. 

The city is situated on Lake Michigan, immediately to the south of Waukegan. Most of its territory drains directly to the lake, but the western region drains to the North Branch of the Chicago River, and ultimately, since the engineering projects of the 19th century, to the Illinois and thence to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. North Chicago includes a Lake County Forest Preserve unit, the Greenbelt Cultural Center, and the Forest Preserve.

Land speculators moved into the area south of what is now the city of Waukegan in the 1890s. Industrial development began almost immediately with a railroad depot being set up in 1892; most notable was the arrival of the Washburn and Moen Manufacturing Company, a major barbed wire maker.

The settlement was incorporated as a village in 1895 and as a city in 1909. In 1911, a naval training area was created, the present Great Lakes Naval Training Center, currently the only "boot camp" for Navy enlisted personnel after the closure of facilities in Florida, California, and Houston, MS.

A Veteran's Administration hospital went into service in 1926. This facility was also threatened with closure in recent years but has been retained on condition of a merger with the Naval Hospital.

Historically, North Chicago was known for large populations of Eastern Europe immigrants. With the onset of the "Great Migration", large numbers of African Americans arrived in the city from states such as Arkansas and Alabama, and toward the end of the 20th century, became the best-known demographic group. Housing was segregated in the mid-20th century, and until as late as 1957 the African-American section of town lacked sewers and paved roads.[4] Latinos have arrived in significant numbers, particularly from Mexico, and now form the largest racial/ethnic group in the city (36% as of 2020), just as they do in Waukegan to the north (60% in 2020). North Chicago may have over time been the most diverse and multicultural municipality in Lake County.

Health and wellness are integral to the fabric of North Chicago's community. The Rosalind Franklin University Health System provides comprehensive healthcare services, emphasizing education, research, and patient care. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the North Chicago Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include HotWorx, River North CrossFit, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around North Chicago, such as the Greenbelt Forest Preserve Trail, Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, and Tall Grass Greenway Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in North Chicago, IL are Six Flags Great America, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Lambs Farm.

Population: 30,416 (2023). ZIP codes: 60064, 60086, 60088. Area code: 847. Elevation: 650 ft (0 m). Area: 8.02 sq mi (20.76 km²).

FAQs

Is North Chicago, IL a good place to live?

Living in North Chicago offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In North Chicago, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in North Chicago and residents tend to lean liberal.

What is the poverty rate in North Chicago, IL?

In 2022, the median household income of North Chicago households was $52,011. North Chicago households made slightly more than Toluca households ($51,979) and Mitchell households ($52,000). However, 17.2% of North Chicago families live in poverty.

What are the demographics of North Chicago, IL?

North Chicago, IL is home to a population of 30.9k people, of which 89.7% are citizens. As of 2022, 17.5% of North Chicago, IL residents were born outside of the country (5.41k people). In 2022, there were 1.21 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (9.12k people) in North Chicago, IL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 7.53k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 3.74k Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of North Chicago

Rosalind Franklin University Health System 

North Chicago Parks and Recreation Department

HotWorx

River North CrossFit 

Anytime Fitness

Greenbelt Forest Preserve Trail

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail 

Tall Grass Greenway Trail

Six Flags Great America

The Art Institute of Chicago

Lambs Farm

Niche

Illinois Demographics

Data USA

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.