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East Chicago, IN

Frequently asked questions

East Chicago, IN

East Chicago is a city in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 26,370 at the 2020 census. The city is home to the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal, an artificial freshwater harbor characterized by industrial and manufacturing activity. Situated along Lake Michigan, East Chicago is about 18 miles (29 km) from downtown Chicago, Illinois, and is just west of Gary, Indiana.

According to the 2010 census, East Chicago has a total area of 16.155 square miles (41.84 km²), of which 14.09 square miles (36.49 km²) (or 87.22%) is land and 2.065 square miles (5.35 km²) (or 12.78%) is water. 

The land that became East Chicago was originally swampland unsuitable for farming. The state of Indiana began selling off plots of land to railroads and speculators after 1851 to fund the local school system. Settlement of the area was very slow at first, and as late as the 1890s, the city had no proper streets or public utilities. East Chicago was incorporated as a city in 1893. The city was named from its location east of Chicago, Illinois.

As of the 2010 census, there were 29,698 people, 10,724 households, and 7,197 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,107.7 inhabitants per square mile (813.8/km²). There were 12,958 housing units at an average density of 919.7 per square mile (355.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 42.9% African American, 35.5% White, 0.6% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 18.1% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 50.9% of the population.

East Chicago places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with various facilities and initiatives dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. The East Chicago Health Department plays a pivotal role in ensuring access to healthcare services and offering programs and resources to enhance the well-being of residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the East Chicago Parks and Recreation Department offers. 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 are at Community Centers. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around East Chicago, such as the Kosciuszko Park, Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, and Tall Grass Greenway Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in East Chicago, IN include East Chicago Marina, Marktown Historic District, and Washington Park.

Population: 27,665 (2021). Elevation: 591 ft (180 m). Area: 14.86 sq mi (38.50 km²). ZIP Code: 46312. Area code: 219.

FAQs

Is East Chicago, IN a good place to live?

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

What is East Chicago, IN known for?

With a combination of new economic and social initiatives, great energy radiates from our city on the lake. Rich in culture and tradition, East Chicago was Incorporated in 1893 as a railroad and steel town. East Chicago was one of the Northwest Indiana Region’s first industrial cities, created to meet the needs of its workers.

What is the racial makeup of East Chicago, IN?

East Chicago, IN is home to a population of 26.4k people, of which 90.1% are citizens. As of 2022, 15.4% of East Chicago, IN residents were born outside of the country (4.05k people). In 2022, there were 1.16 times more Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents (10k people) in East Chicago, IN than any other race or ethnicity. There were 8.63k Other (Hispanic) and 3.38k White (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of East Chicago

East Chicago Health Department

East Chicago Parks and Recreation Department 

Community Centers

Kosciuszko Park

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail 

Tall Grass Greenway Trail

East Chicago Marina

Marktown Historic District

Washington Park

Niche

About East Chicago

Data USA

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