Inspecting Crawl Spaces for Ongoing Dampness Issues

Inspecting Crawl Spaces for Ongoing Dampness Issues

Importance of regular inspections and monitoring to ensure the longevity of foundation repairs

Common causes of dampness in crawl spaces and their effects on residential foundations


When it comes to maintaining a home, one area that often gets overlooked is the crawl space. Uneven floors indicate potential structural problems that may need foundation repair service residential foundation repair service geotechnical engineering. Yet, these areas can be a breeding ground for dampness, which not only leads to musty smells but can also have serious effects on the structural integrity of your residential foundation. Understanding the common causes of dampness in crawl spaces and their impacts is crucial for any homeowner.

One of the primary culprits behind dampness in crawl spaces is poor ventilation. Crawl spaces are typically enclosed and lack adequate airflow, which can trap moisture inside. This moisture can come from various sources such as ground water seepage, humidity from the air, or even leaks in plumbing. Without proper ventilation, this moisture has nowhere to go, leading to a damp, humid environment.

Another common cause is a lack of vapor barriers. A vapor barrier is a material used to prevent moisture from passing through a surface. In crawl spaces, this could mean the difference between a dry environment and one that's perpetually damp. If a vapor barrier is missing or has been damaged, moisture from the ground can easily seep into the crawl space, contributing to dampness.

Improper grading around the home can also lead to dampness in crawl spaces. If the land slopes toward your house, rainwater can be directed right into your crawl space, creating a moist environment that's hard to escape. Additionally, clogged or ineffective gutters can exacerbate this problem by allowing water to pool near the foundation, where it can easily find its way into the crawl space.

The effects of dampness in crawl spaces go beyond just a musty smell. Over time, dampness can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which not only compromise indoor air quality but can also cause structural damage. Wood in the crawl space can rot, and metal components can rust, both of which weaken the structural integrity of your home. Moreover, dampness can lead to efflorescence, a white, powdery substance that appears on concrete and masonry surfaces, indicating that moisture is seeping through.

In conclusion, dampness in crawl spaces is a multifaceted issue with several common causes, including poor ventilation, lack of vapor barriers, and improper grading. Its effects can be far-reaching, impacting everything from indoor air quality to the structural integrity of your home's foundation. Regular inspections and maintenance can go a long way in mitigating these issues, ensuring that your crawl space remains a dry, safe environment.

Essential tools and equipment needed for a thorough crawl space inspection


When it comes to inspecting crawl spaces for ongoing dampness issues, having the right tools and equipment is crucial for a thorough and effective assessment. A well-equipped inspector can identify potential problems early, which can save homeowners time, money, and a lot of headaches down the line. Here are some essential tools and equipment that every inspector should have in their toolkit.

First and foremost, a high-quality flashlight is a must-have. Crawl spaces can be dark and cramped, making it difficult to see potential issues. A flashlight with a strong beam and durable construction will allow inspectors to navigate these tight spaces safely and effectively. Some inspectors prefer headlamps for hands-free illumination, which can be particularly useful when using other tools.

A moisture meter is another indispensable tool. This device measures the moisture content in the air, soil, and building materials, helping inspectors identify areas of excessive dampness. Different types of moisture meters are available, so it's important to choose one that suits your specific needs. Some models can measure both surface and subsurface moisture, providing a more comprehensive assessment.

An infrared thermometer is also valuable for a crawl space inspection. This tool measures the temperature of surfaces without direct contact, allowing inspectors to identify cold spots that may indicate moisture issues or poor insulation. Infrared thermometers can quickly pinpoint problem areas, making the inspection process more efficient.

A hygrometer, which measures humidity levels, is another essential tool. High humidity in a crawl space can lead to mold growth and other issues, so keeping an eye on humidity levels is crucial. Portable hygrometers are convenient for on-the-go inspections and can provide real-time data.

For a more detailed look at the crawl space's condition, a borescope or inspection camera can be incredibly useful. These tools allow inspectors to see into tight spaces and around obstacles, providing a clear view of areas that might be difficult to reach otherwise. Borescopes come in various lengths and with different camera resolutions, so choosing one that fits your specific needs is important.

Lastly, personal protective equipment (PPE) should not be overlooked. This includes items like gloves, knee pads, and possibly a respirator mask, depending on the conditions of the crawl space. PPE ensures that inspectors remain safe and comfortable while performing their assessments.

In conclusion, a thorough crawl space inspection requires more than just a keen eye; it demands the right tools and equipment. By equipping yourself with a high-quality flashlight, moisture meter, infrared thermometer, hygrometer, borescope, and appropriate PPE, you'll be well-prepared to identify and address ongoing dampness issues effectively.

Step-by-step guide to inspecting crawl spaces for dampness issues


Certainly! When it comes to maintaining the integrity of a home, inspecting crawl spaces for dampness issues is a crucial task that shouldn't be overlooked. Dampness in crawl spaces can lead to a host of problems, including mold growth, wooden structure deterioration, and even compromising the home's foundation. Here's a step-by-step guide to effectively inspecting crawl spaces for ongoing dampness issues.

Firstly, gather the necessary tools. You'll need a flashlight, a moisture meter, a hygrometer to measure humidity levels, and possibly a camera to document any findings. Safety should be your top priority, so ensure you have appropriate clothing, including long sleeves, pants, and gloves, to protect against any potential pests or sharp objects.

Begin by carefully entering the crawl space. Take note of the general condition. Look for signs of water pooling, damp floors, or wet insulation. These are clear indicators of dampness issues. Next, use your flashlight to inspect the corners and less visible areas. Often, moisture problems start in these hidden spots.

Now, it's time to utilize your moisture meter. Place it on various surfaces within the crawl space, including the soil, wooden beams, and insulation. High readings on the moisture meter are a red flag, suggesting that dampness is a significant issue.

The hygrometer comes into play next. This device measures the humidity level within the crawl space. Ideally, humidity levels should be below 60%. Higher levels can foster mold growth and exacerbate dampness issues.

As you inspect, pay close attention to the ventilation. Proper airflow is crucial in preventing dampness. Check if the vents are unobstructed and functioning correctly. Poor ventilation is a common cause of crawl space dampness.

Lastly, document your findings. Use the camera to take pictures of any dampness signs, mold growth, or areas of concern. This documentation can be invaluable for future reference or when consulting with professionals.

In conclusion, regularly inspecting your crawl space for dampness issues is an essential part of home maintenance. By following these steps, you can identify problems early on, potentially saving you from more significant, costly repairs down the line. Remember, when in doubt, it's always wise to consult with a professional for a thorough assessment.

Identifying signs of ongoing dampness problems in crawl spaces


When it comes to maintaining a healthy home, inspecting crawl spaces for ongoing dampness issues is crucial. Dampness in crawl spaces can lead to a host of problems, including mold growth, structural damage, and even health issues for occupants. Identifying signs of ongoing dampness problems in these areas is essential for timely intervention and prevention of further damage.

One of the most obvious signs of dampness in a crawl space is the presence of moisture or water on the ground. If you notice puddles, damp soil, or wet insulation during an inspection, it's a clear indication that there is an ongoing dampness issue. Additionally, musty odors emanating from the crawl space can be a telltale sign of moisture problems. These odors are often caused by mold or mildew growth, which thrive in damp environments.

Another sign to look out for is the presence of mold or mildew on surfaces within the crawl space. Mold can appear as black, green, or white patches on walls, floors, or wooden structures. Its presence not only indicates dampness but also poses health risks to occupants, especially those with allergies or respiratory issues.

Furthermore, warped or sagging floors above the crawl space can be a red flag for dampness problems. Excessive moisture can weaken the structural integrity of wooden joists and beams, leading to visible signs of damage in the form of sagging or uneven floors.

In addition to these visual cues, pay attention to any musty or earthy smells coming from the crawl space. These odors are often indicative of mold growth or high humidity levels, both of which are associated with dampness issues.

To effectively address ongoing dampness problems in crawl spaces, it's important to conduct regular inspections and take proactive measures to mitigate moisture buildup. This may include improving ventilation, installing a vapor barrier, or addressing any plumbing leaks or drainage issues that contribute to moisture accumulation.

By staying vigilant and proactive in identifying signs of dampness in crawl spaces, homeowners can protect their homes from costly damage and ensure a healthier living environment for themselves and their families.

Assessing the severity of dampness issues and determining the appropriate repair methods


Assessing the severity of dampness issues in crawl spaces is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of a home and ensuring a healthy living environment. A thorough inspection is the first step in this process. Begin by visually examining the crawl space for any obvious signs of moisture such as water pooling, mold growth, or musty odors. These indicators suggest the presence of dampness that needs to be addressed.

Next, inspect the crawl space's ventilation. Poor ventilation can trap moisture, leading to dampness. Check for proper airflow and the condition of vents. Blocked or inadequate vents can exacerbate moisture problems.

Evaluate the condition of the vapor barrier. A well-installed vapor barrier is essential for preventing moisture from the ground from seeping into the crawl space. Look for tears, gaps, or missing sections in the barrier. A compromised vapor barrier can allow moisture to infiltrate the space.

Assess the drainage around the home's foundation. Improper grading or clogged gutters can cause water to accumulate near the foundation, leading to dampness in the crawl space. Ensure that the ground slopes away from the house and that gutters and downspouts are clear and functioning correctly.

Determine the source of the dampness. It could be due to condensation, ground water intrusion, or plumbing leaks. Identifying the source is vital for selecting the appropriate repair method. For condensation issues, improving ventilation and insulation may be sufficient. Ground water intrusion might require installing a sump pump or improving the grading around the home. Plumbing leaks, on the other hand, need to be repaired promptly to prevent further damage.

Based on the assessment, choose the appropriate repair methods. This may involve repairing or replacing the vapor barrier, improving ventilation, addressing drainage issues, or fixing plumbing leaks. In some cases, professional help may be necessary to ensure that the repairs are done correctly and effectively.

Regular maintenance and monitoring of the crawl space are essential to prevent future dampness issues. Schedule periodic inspections and address any signs of moisture promptly to maintain a dry and healthy crawl space. By taking these steps, homeowners can protect their homes from the damaging effects of dampness and ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.

Preventive measures to avoid future dampness problems in crawl spaces


Certainly!

When it comes to maintaining a healthy home environment, one area that often gets overlooked is the crawl space. However, dampness in crawl spaces can lead to a host of problems, including mold growth, structural damage, and compromised indoor air quality. To avoid these issues, it's essential to implement preventive measures that can keep your crawl space dry and healthy.

First and foremost, proper ventilation is key. Ensuring that your crawl space has adequate airflow can significantly reduce moisture levels. This can be achieved by installing vents that allow fresh air to circulate, or by using dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air.

Another critical measure is to ensure that your crawl space is well-sealed. Any cracks or gaps in the foundation or walls should be repaired to prevent water from seeping in. Additionally, installing a vapor barrier-a thick plastic sheet-on the crawl space floor can help prevent moisture from the ground from rising into the space.

Grading the land around your home is another effective strategy. Ensuring that the ground slopes away from your house can prevent water from pooling near the foundation and seeping into the crawl space. If necessary, installing a French drain system can help redirect water away from the area.

Regular maintenance and inspections are also vital. By routinely checking your crawl space for signs of dampness, you can catch issues early before they become more significant problems. This includes monitoring for leaks in plumbing or the roof, as well as ensuring that gutters and downspouts are clear and functioning correctly.

Lastly, consider the use of moisture-resistant materials in your crawl space. Using treated lumber and paints specifically designed to resist moisture can help protect the structure from dampness-related damage.

In conclusion, taking proactive steps to prevent dampness in your crawl space not only protects your home but also ensures a healthier living environment. By focusing on ventilation, sealing, grading, regular inspections, and moisture-resistant materials, you can effectively mitigate the risks associated with crawl space dampness.



 

Chicago metropolitan area
Conurbation
Chicago–Naperville, IL–IN–WI
Combined Statistical Area
From top, left to right: Chicago skyline from Lakefront Trail at Northerly Island during sunrise, aerial view Evanston, view of Gold Coast, Downtown Naperville, view of Downtown Aurora
Map
Map of Chicago–Naperville, IL–IN–WI CSA
  Chicago–Naperville–Schaumburg, IL
  Elgin, IL Metropolitan Division
  Lake County, IL Metropolitan Division
  Lake County–Porter County–Jasper Cty, IN

Other Statistical Areas in the Chicago CSA

  Kenosha, WI MSA
  Ottawa, IL µSA
  Michigan City–La Porte, IN MSA
  Kankakee, IL MSA

 

Country United StatesStates Illinois
Indiana
WisconsinCore city ChicagoSatellite cities

  •  - Aurora
  •  - Elgin
  •  - Crystal Lake
  •  - Joliet
  •  - Naperville
  •  - Schaumburg
  •  - Waukegan
  •  - Kankakee
  •  - Gary
  •  - Hammond
  •  - Michigan City
  •  - Kenosha

Area

 

 • Metro

 

10,856 sq mi (28,120 km2)Highest elevation

[1]

673 ft (205 m)Lowest elevation

[1]

579 ft (176 m)Population

 

 • Density886/sq mi (342/km2) • Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) (2022)

 

9,441,957[2] (3rd) • Combined Statistical Area (CSA) (2022)

 

9,806,184 [3] (4th)DemonymChicagolanderGDP

[4]

 • Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)$894.862 billion (2023) • Combined Statistical Area (CSA)$919.229 billion (2023)Time zoneUTC−6 (CST) • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)Area codes219, 224/847, 262, 312/872, 331/630, 574, 464/708, 773/872 and 779/815

The Chicago metropolitan area, also referred to as Chicagoland, is the largest metropolitan statistical area in the U.S. state of Illinois, and the Midwest, containing the City of Chicago along with its surrounding suburbs and satellite cities. Encompassing 10,286 square mi (28,120 km2), the metropolitan area includes the city of Chicago, its suburbs and hinterland, that span 13 counties across northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. The MSA had a 2020 census population of 9,618,502 and the combined statistical area, which spans 19 counties and additionally extends into southeast Wisconsin, had a population of nearly 10 million people.[5][6] The Chicago area is the third-largest metropolitan area in the United States and the fourth-largest metropolitan area in North America (after Mexico City, New York City, and Los Angeles), and the largest in the Great Lakes megalopolis. Its urban area is one of the 40 largest in the world.

According to the 2020 census, the metropolitan's population is approaching the 10 million mark. The metropolitan area has seen a substantial increase of Latin American residents on top of its already large Latino population, and the Asian American population also increased according to the 2020 Census. The metro area has a large number of White, Black, Latino, Asian, and Arab American residents, and also has Native American residents in the region, making the Chicago metropolitan area population truly diverse. The Chicago metropolitan area represents about 3 percent of the entire US population.

Chicagoland has one of the world's largest and most diversified economies. With more than six million full and part-time employees, the Chicago metropolitan area is a key factor of the Illinois economy, as the state has an annual GDP of over $1 trillion.[7] The Chicago metropolitan area generated an annual gross regional product (GRP) of approximately $700 billion in 2018.[8] The region is home to more than 400 major corporate headquarters, including 31 in the Fortune 500[9] such as McDonald's, United, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. With many companies moving to Chicagoland, and many current companies expanding, the area ranked as the nation's top metropolitan area for corporation relocations and expansions for nine consecutive years, the most consecutive years for any region in the country.[10]

The Chicago area is home to a number of the nation's leading research universities including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, DePaul University, Loyola University, and the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). The University of Chicago and Northwestern University are consistently ranked as two of the best universities in the world.

There are many transportation options around the region. Chicagoland has three separate rail networks; the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and the South Shore Line. The CTA operates elevated and subway lines that run primarily throughout the city, Downtown Chicago, and into some suburbs. The CTA operates some of its rail lines 24 hours a day, every day of the year, nonstop service, making Chicago, New York City, and Copenhagen the only three cities in the world to offer some 24 hour rail service running nonstop, everyday throughout their city limits. The Metra commuter rail network runs numerous lines between Downtown Chicago and suburban/satellite cities, with one line stretching to Kenosha, Wisconsin, which is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The interurban South Shore Line runs between Downtown Chicago and the northwest Indiana portion of the metropolitan area. In addition, Amtrak operates Union Station in Downtown Chicago as one of its largest rail hubs, with numerous lines radiating to and from the station.

CTA bus routes serve the city proper, with some service into the suburbs. Pace bus routes serve the suburbs, with some service into the city. In addition, numerous CTA bus routes operate 24 hours a day, nonstop.

Definitions

[edit]

Chicago Metropolitan statistical area

[edit]
The Chicago–Naperville, IL–IN–WI Combined Statistical Area as defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget:
  Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL–IN–WI MSA
  Michigan City–La Porte, IN MSA
  Kankakee, IL MSA
  Ottawa, IL MSA

The Chicago metropolitan statistical area (MSA) was originally designated by the United States Census Bureau in 1950. It comprised the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will, along with Lake County in Indiana. As surrounding counties saw an increase in their population densities and the number of their residents employed within Cook County, they met Census criteria to be added to the MSA. The Chicago MSA, now defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL–IN–WI Metropolitan Statistical Area, is the third-largest MSA by population in the United States. The 2022 census estimate for the population of the MSA was 9,441,957.[11]

The Chicago MSA is further subdivided into four metropolitan divisions. A breakdown of the county constituents and 2021 estimated populations of the four metropolitan divisions of the MSA are as follows:[11]

Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL–IN–WI Metropolitan Statistical Area (9,509,934)

  • Chicago–Naperville–Schaumburg, IL Metropolitan Division (7,159,394)
    • Cook County, Illinois (5,173,146)
    • DuPage County, Illinois (924,885)
    • Grundy County, Illinois (52,989)
    • McHenry County, Illinois (311,122)
    • Will County, Illinois (697,252)
  • Elgin, IL Metropolitan Division (750,869)
    • DeKalb County, Illinois (100,414)
    • Kane County, Illinois (515,588)
    • Kendall County, Illinois (134,867)
  • Lake County, IL Metropolitan Division (711,239)
    • Lake County, Illinois (711,239)
  • Lake County–Porter County–Jasper County, IN Metropolitan Division (719,700)
    • Jasper County, Indiana (33,091)
    • Lake County, Indiana (498,558)
    • Newton County, Indiana (13,808)
    • Porter County, Indiana (174,243)

Combined statistical area

[edit]

The OMB also defines a slightly larger region as a combined statistical area (CSA). The Chicago–Naperville, IL–IN–WI Combined Statistical Area combines the following core-based statistical areas, listed with their 2021 estimated populations. The combined statistical area as a whole had a population of 9,806,184 as of 2022.[11]

  • Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL–IN–WI metropolitan statistical area (9,509,934)
  • Kankakee, IL metropolitan statistical area (106,601)
    • Kankakee County, Illinois (106,601)
  • Michigan City–La Porte, IN metropolitan statistical area (112,390)
    • LaPorte County, Indiana (112,390)
  • Ottawa, IL micropolitan statistical area (147,414)
    • Bureau County, Illinois (32,883)
    • LaSalle County, Illinois (108,965)
    • Putnam County, Illinois (5,566)

United Nations' Chicago urban agglomeration

[edit]

The Chicago urban agglomeration, according to the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects report (2023 revision), lists a population of 8,937,000.[12] The term "urban agglomeration" refers to the population contained within the contours of a contiguous territory inhabited at urban density levels. It usually incorporates the population in a city, plus that in the contiguous urban, or built-up area.

Chicagoland

[edit]
Chicagoland by county and state[13]
A map of Chicagoland in relation to the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana

Chicagoland is an informal name for the Chicago metropolitan area. The term Chicagoland has no official definition, and the region is often considered to include areas beyond the corresponding MSA, as well as portions of the greater CSA.[citation needed]

Colonel Robert R. McCormick, editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, usually gets credit for placing the term in common use.[14][15] McCormick's conception of Chicagoland stretched all the way to nearby parts of four states (Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa).[14] The first usage was in the Tribune's July 27, 1926, front page headline, "Chicagoland's Shrines: A Tour of Discoveries", for an article by reporter James O'Donnell Bennett.[16] He stated that Chicagoland comprised everything in a 200-mile (320 km) radius in every direction and reported on many different places in the area. The Tribune was the dominant newspaper in a vast area stretching to the west of the city, and that hinterland was closely tied to the metropolis by rail lines and commercial links.[17]

Today, the Chicago Tribune's usage includes the city of Chicago, the rest of Cook County, eight nearby Illinois counties (Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee), and the two Indiana counties of Lake and Porter.[18] Illinois Department of Tourism literature uses Chicagoland for suburbs in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, and Will counties,[19] treating the city separately. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce defines it as all of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.[20]

In addition, company marketing programs such as Construction Data Company's[21] "Chicago and Vicinity" region and the Chicago Automobile Trade Association's "Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana" advertising campaign are directed at the MSA itself, as well as LaSalle, Winnebago (Rockford), Boone, and Ogle counties in Illinois, in addition to Jasper, Newton, and La Porte counties in Indiana and Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties in Wisconsin, and even as far northeast as Berrien County, Michigan. The region is part of the Great Lakes Megalopolis, containing an estimated 54 million people.[citation needed]

Collar counties

[edit]

The term "collar counties" is a colloquialism for the five counties (DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will) of Illinois that border Chicago's Cook County. After Cook County, they are also the next five most populous counties in the state. According to the Encyclopedia of Chicago, there is no specifically known origin of the phrase, but it has been commonly used among policy makers, urban planners, and in the media. However, it also notes that as growth has spread beyond these counties, it may have lost some of its usefulness.[22]

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

[edit]

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is an Illinois state agency responsible for transportation infrastructure, land use, and long-term economic development planning for the areas under its jurisdiction within Illinois.[23] The planning area has a population of over 8 million, which includes the following locations in Illinois:[24]

  • Cook County
  • DuPage County
  • Kane County
  • Kendall County
  • Lake County
  • McHenry County
  • Will County
 
 
Panorama of North Avenue Beach

Geography and environment

[edit]

The city of Chicago lies in the Chicago Plain, a flat and broad area characterized by little topographical relief. The few low hills are sand ridges. North of the Chicago Plain, steep bluffs and ravines run alongside Lake Michigan.

Along the southern shore of the Chicago Plain, sand dunes run alongside the lake. The tallest dunes reach up to near 200 feet (61 m) and are found in Indiana Dunes National Park. Surrounding the low plain are bands of moraines in the south and west suburbs. These areas are higher and hillier than the Chicago Plain. A continental divide, separating the Mississippi River watershed from that of the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence River, runs through the Chicago area.

A 2012 survey of the urban trees and forests in the seven county Illinois section of the Chicago area found that 21% of the land is covered by the tree and shrub canopy, made up of about 157,142,000 trees. The five most common tree species are buckthorn, green ash, boxelder, black cherry, and American elm. These resources perform important functions in carbon storage, water recycling, and energy saving.[25][26]

The Chicago skyline
 
Night aerial view of Chicago and vicinity

Demographics

[edit]
Taken from the ISS on June 23, 2022; downtown Chicago is at the center by the lake.

As of 2022, the metropolitan area had a population of 9,442,159. The population density was 1,312.3 per square mile. The racial makeup was 50.1% Non-Hispanic White, 23.4% were Hispanic, 15.5% were Non-Hispanic African Americans, 7.2% were Asian, 0.1% were Non-Hispanic Native American, 0.4% identified as “some other race,” and 3.2% were non-Hispanic multiracial.[27]

According to 2022 estimates from the American Community Survey, the largest ancestries in the Chicago metro area were Mexican (18%), African (17.7%), German (12.8%), Irish (9.9%), Polish (8%), Italian (5.9%), English (5.2%), Indian (2.7%), Puerto Rican (2.3%), Filipino (1.7%), Swedish (1.5%), and Chinese (1.4%).[28][29][30][31]

The suburbs, surrounded by easily annexed flat ground, have been expanding at a tremendous rate since the early 1960s. Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, and Naperville are noteworthy for being four of the few boomburbs outside the Sun Belt, West Coast and Mountain States regions, and exurban Kendall County ranked as the fastest-growing county (among counties with a population greater than 10,000) in the United States between the years 2000 and 2007.[32]

Settlement patterns in the Chicago metropolitan area tend to follow those in the city proper: the northern and northwestern suburbs are generally affluent and upper-middle class, while the southern suburbs (sometimes known as Chicago Southland) have somewhat lower median incomes and a cost of living, with the exception being the southwest suburbs which contain many upper-middle class areas. Another exception to this is the West Side, which has a somewhat lower median income, but the western suburbs contain many affluent and upper-middle class areas. According to the 2000 Census, DuPage County as a whole had the highest median household income of any county in the Midwestern United States, although there are individual cities and towns in other surrounding counties in the metro that have even higher median incomes.

According to 2022 estimates from the U.S. Census, poverty rates of the largest counties from least poverty to most are as follows: McHenry 4.0%, Dupage 6.7%, Will 6.9%, Kane 7.8%, Lake 8.0%, and Cook 13.6%.[33] However, Cook County, which contains luxury high rises and expensive houses in sections of the city and expensive houses along the waterfront in the North Shore area, would also have the highest percentage of expensive homes in the region.

In an in-depth historical analysis, Keating (2004, 2005) examined the origins of 233 settlements that by 1900 had become suburbs or city neighborhoods of the Chicago metropolitan area. The settlements began as farm centers (41%), industrial towns (30%), residential railroad suburbs (15%), and recreational/institutional centers (13%). Although relations between the different settlement types were at times contentious, there also was cooperation in such undertakings as the construction of high schools.[citation needed]

Population

[edit]

As the Chicago metropolitan area has grown, more counties have been partly or totally assimilated with the taking of each decennial census.

Census Area Area Type 2020 census 2010 census 2000 census 1990 census 1980 Census 1970 census 1960 census 1950 census
Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan 9,618,502 9,461,105 9,098,316 8,065,633 7,869,542 7,612,314 6,794,461 5,495,364
Cook County, Illinois Metropolitan 5,275,541 5,194,675 5,376,741 5,105,067 5,253,655 5,492,369 5,129,725 4,508,792
DeKalb County, Illinois Metropolitan 100,420 105,160 88,969 77,932 74,624 71,654 51,714 40,781
DuPage County, Illinois Metropolitan 932,877 916,924 904,161 781,666 658,835 491,882 313,459 154,599
Grundy County, Illinois Metropolitan 52,533 50,063 37,535 32,337 30,582 26,535 22,350 19,217
Kane County, Illinois Metropolitan 516,522 515,269 404,119 317,471 278,405 251,005 208,246 150,388
Kendall County, Illinois Metropolitan 131,869 114,736 54,544 39,413 37,202 26,374 17,540 12,115
McHenry County, Illinois Metropolitan 310,229 308,760 260,077 183,241 147,897 111,555 84,210 50,656
Will County, Illinois Metropolitan 696,355 677,560 502,266 357,313 324,460 249,498 191,617 134,336
Jasper County, Indiana Metropolitan 32,918 33,478 30,043 24,960 26,138 20,429 18,842 17,031
Lake County, Indiana Metropolitan 498,700 496,005 484,564 475,594 522,965 546,253 513,269 368,152
Newton County, Indiana Metropolitan 13,830 14,244 14,566 13,551 14,844 11,606 11,502 11,006
Porter County, Indiana Metropolitan 173,215 164,343 146,798 128,932 119,816 87,114 60,279 40,076
Lake County, Illinois Metropolitan 714,342 703,462 644,356 516,418 440,372 382,638 293,656 179,097
Kenosha County, Wisconsin Metropolitan 169,151 166,426 149,577 128,181 123,137 117,917 100,615 75,238
Kankakee County, Illinois Combined 107,502 113,449 103,833 96,255 102,926 97,250 92,063 73,524
LaSalle County, Illinois Combined 109,658 113,924 111,509 106,913 112,003 111,409 110,800 100,610
Bureau County, Illinois Combined 33,244 34,978 35,503 35,688 39,114 38,541 37,594 37,711
Putnam County, Illinois Combined 5,637 6,006 6,086 5,730 6,085 5,007 4,570 4,746
LaPorte County, Indiana Combined 112,417 111,467 110,106 107,066 108,632 105,342 95,111 76,808
Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL-IN-WI Combined 9,986,960 9,686,021 9,312,255 8,385,397 8,264,490 8,089,421 7,204,198 5,911,816

Counties highlighted in gray were not included in the MSA for that census. The CSA totals in blue are the totals of all the counties listed above, regardless of whether they were included in the Chicago Combined Statistical Area at the time.[34]

Principal municipalities

[edit]

Over 1,000,000 population

[edit]
  • Chicago (2,746,388)

Over 100,000 population

[edit]
  • Aurora, Illinois (180,542)
  • Joliet, Illinois (150,362)
  • Naperville, Illinois (149,540)
  • Elgin, Illinois (114,797)

Over 50,000 population

[edit]
  • Kenosha, Wisconsin (99,986)
  • Waukegan, Illinois (89,321)
  • Cicero, Illinois (85,268)
  • Schaumburg, Illinois (78,723)
  • Evanston, Illinois (78,110)
  • Hammond, Indiana (77,879)
  • Arlington Heights, Illinois (77,676)
  • Bolingbrook, Illinois (73,922)
  • Gary, Indiana (69,093)
  • Palatine, Illinois (67,908)
  • Skokie, Illinois (67,824)
  • Des Plaines, Illinois (60,675)
  • Orland Park, Illinois (58,703)
  • Oak Lawn, Illinois (58,362)
  • Berwyn, Illinois (57,250)
  • Mount Prospect, Illinois (56,852)
  • Tinley Park, Illinois (55,971)
  • Oak Park, Illinois (54,583)
  • Wheaton, Illinois (53,970)
  • Downers Grove, Illinois (50,247)
 
View of Chicago greater metropolitan region and the dense downtown area from the Willis Tower
 
View of Chicago greater metropolitan region and the North branch of the Chicago River from the Willis Tower

Urban areas within

[edit]

Within the boundary of the 16-county Chicago Combined Statistical Area lies the Chicago urban area, as well as 26 smaller urban areas.[35] Some of the urban areas below may partially cross into other statistical areas. Only those situated primarily within the Chicago combined statistical area are listed here.

Urban areas contained within the Chicago combined statistical area as of the 2020 census:
  Urban areas
  Counties in the Chicago MSA
  Counties in the Chicago CSA but not the MSA
Urban area Population
(2020 census)
Land area
(sq mi)
Land area
(km2)
Density
(population / sq mi)
Density
(population / km2)
Chicago, IL–IN 8,671,746 2,337.89 6,055.09 3,709.2 1,432.1
Round Lake Beach–McHenry–Grayslake, IL–WI 261,835 127.61 330.52 2,051.8 792.2
Kenosha, WI 125,865 56.17 145.48 2,240.8 865.2
Michigan City–La Porte, IN–MI 71,367 49.16 127.32 1,451.7 560.5
Kankakee, IL 66,530 31.66 82.00 2,101.4 811.3
DeKalb, IL 64,736 25.63 66.39 2,525.6 975.1
Valparaiso–Shorewood Forest, IN 51,867 33.64 87.12 1,542.0 595.4
Peru–LaSalle, IL 29,763 21.45 55.56 1,387.4 535.7
Woodstock, IL 25,298 9.31 24.10 2,718.7 1,049.7
Ottawa, IL 20,122 9.99 25.87 2,014.2 777.7
Streator, IL 16,209 8.12 21.04 1,995.3 770.4
Coal City–Braidwood, IL 15,837 10.29 26.65 1,539.4 594.4
Morris, IL 15,740 8.64 22.37 1,822.2 703.5
Lowell, IN 10,747 5.28 13.66 2,037.2 786.6
Manteno, IL 10,437 6.01 15.56 1,736.8 670.6
Harvard, IL 9,376 4.36 11.30 2,148.7 829.6
Princeton, IL 7,979 6.20 16.06 1,287.1 497.0
Marengo, IL 7,509 3.81 9.86 1,971.5 761.2
Lake Holiday, IL 7,313 4.30 11.14 1,700.5 656.6
Mendota, IL 6,918 2.85 7.38 2,426.2 936.8
Wilmington, IL 6,388 3.95 10.23 1,617.3 624.5
McHenry Northwest–Wonder Lake, IL 5,758 2.35 6.08 2,453.6 947.4
Hampshire, IL 5,699 2.72 7.06 2,091.4 807.5
Rensselaer, IN 5,509 3.23 8.37 1,703.9 657.9
Genoa, IL 5,484 2.20 5.69 2,498.0 964.5
Westville, IN 5,189 2.10 5.45 2,466.0 952.1
Marseilles, IL 4,660 2.39 6.19 1,948.4 752.3

Economy

[edit]
Westward view from the Willis Tower in Chicago

The Chicago metropolitan area is home to the corporate headquarters of 57 Fortune 1000 companies, including AbbVie Inc., Allstate, Kraft Heinz, McDonald's, Mondelez International, Motorola, United Airlines, Walgreens, and more. The Chicago area also headquarters a wide variety of global financial institutions including Citadel LLC, Discover Financial Services, Morningstar, Inc., CNA Financial, and more. Chicago is home to the largest futures exchange in the world, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. In March 2008, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange announced its acquisition of NYMEX Holdings Inc, the parent company of the New York Mercantile Exchange and Commodity Exchange. CME'S acquisition of NYMEX was completed in August 2008.

A key piece of infrastructure for several generations was the Union Stock Yards of Chicago, which from 1865 until 1971 penned and slaughtered millions of cattle and hogs into standardized cuts of beef and pork. This prompted poet Carl Sandburg to describe Chicago as the "Hog Butcher for the World".[36]

The Chicago area, meanwhile, began to produce significant quantities of telecommunications gear, electronics, steel, crude oil derivatives, automobiles, and industrial capital goods.

By the early 2000s, Illinois' economy had moved toward a dependence on high-value-added services, such as financial trading, higher education, logistics, and health care. In some cases, these services clustered around institutions that hearkened back to Illinois's earlier economies. For example, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, a trading exchange for global derivatives, had begun its life as an agricultural futures market.

In 2007, the area ranked first among U.S. metro areas in the number of new and expanded corporate facilities.[37] It ranked third in 2008, behind the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown and Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan areas,[38] and ranked second behind the New York metropolitan area in 2009.[39]

The Wall Street Journal summarized the Chicago area's economy in November 2006 with the comment that "Chicago has survived by repeatedly reinventing itself."[40]

Transportation

[edit]
O'Hare Airport
Chicago 'L' in the Loop
Metra surface rail
The Eisenhower Expressway with the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line tracks and the non-revenue ramp that leads to the Pink Line

Major airports

[edit]
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
  • Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) (located in the adjacent Milwaukee metropolitan area)
  • Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) (located in the adjacent Rockford metropolitan area)
  • Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY)

Commercial ports

[edit]
  • Port of Chicago
  • Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor

Transit systems

[edit]

Commercial freight

[edit]

Chicago has been at the center of the United States' railroad network since the 19th century. Almost all Class I railroads serve the area, the most in North America.[41]

Passenger

[edit]
  • Chicago Transit Authority trains, locally referred to as "the 'L'", (after "elevated train") serving Chicago and the near suburbs
  • Pace Suburban Bus operates suburban bus and regional vanpool, paratransit, and ride-matching services in the Chicagoland region.
  • Metra run by the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation:
    • 4 lines serving southern Cook County and Will County
    • 3 lines serving western Cook County, DuPage County, and Kane County
    • 2 lines serving northern Cook County and Lake County
    • 1 line serving northern Cook County, Lake County, and Kenosha County
    • 1 line serving northwestern Cook County and McHenry County
  • South Shore Line shares the Metra Electric Line in Illinois and connects Chicago to Gary, Michigan City, and ending at South Bend.
  • Amtrak operates Union Station which is the major Amtrak passenger rail hub with connections to Metra and the within a few blocks of connections to several 'L' lines. Amtrak also operates a connecting station out of Joliet.

Major highways

[edit]

Interstates

[edit]
  • Interstate 41 (I-41) runs concurrently with Interstate 94 from the northern terminus of the Tri-State Tollway to Milwaukee.
  • Interstate 55 (I-55) is the Adlai Stevenson Expy.
  • I-355 is the Veterans Memorial Tollway (formerly North-South Tollway).
  • I-57 is unofficially the "West Leg" of the Dan Ryan Expy.
  • I-65 has no name, whether official or unofficial.
  • I-80 is officially called the Borman Expy (cosigned with I-94), Kingery Expy (cosigned with I-94 for 3 miles), Tri-State Tollway (cosigned with I-294 for 4 miles) and is unofficially called the Moline Expy west of I-294.
  • I-88 is the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (formerly East-West Tollway)
  • I-90 is locally known as Jane Addams Tollway (formerly Northwest Tollway), John F. Kennedy Expy (cosigned with I-94), Dan Ryan Expy (cosigned with I-94), and Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge.
  • I-94 is Tri-State Tollway in Lake County, Edens Spur, Edens Expy, John F. Kennedy Expy (cosigned with I-90), Dan Ryan Expy (cosigned with I-90), Bishop Ford Frwy (formerly Calumet Expy), Kingery Expy (cosigned with I-80) and Borman Expy (cosigned with I-80).
  • I-190 is the John F. Kennedy Expy spur heading into Chicago-O'Hare Int'l Airport.
  • I-290 is the Dwight D. Eisenhower Expy.
  • I-294 is the Tri-State Tollway.

Other main highways

[edit]
  • US Routes in the Illinois part of the area include: US 6, US 12, US 14, US 20, US 30, US 34, US 41, US 45, and US 52.
  • Illinois Route 53, an arterial north–south state highway running through Grundy, Will, DuPage, Cook and Lake counties
  • Historic US Route 66's eastern terminus is in Chicago.

Major corridors

[edit]

In addition to the Chicago Loop, the metro area is home to a few important subregional corridors of commercial activities. Among them are:

  • Illinois Technology and Research Corridor, along the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (Interstate 88)
  • Golden Corridor, along the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (Interstate 90)
  • Lakeshore Corridor, along the Edens Expressway and Tri-State Tollway

Culture

[edit]

Sports

[edit]

Listing of the professional sports teams in the Chicago metropolitan area

Major league professional teams:

  • Major League Baseball (MLB)
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
  • National Football League (NFL)
    • Chicago Bears
  • National Basketball Association (NBA)
    • Chicago Bulls
  • National Hockey League (NHL)
    • Chicago Blackhawks
  • Major League Soccer (MLS)
    • Chicago Fire FC

Other professional teams:

  • Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
    • Chicago Sky
  • National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
    • Chicago Stars FC
  • American Association of Professional Baseball (AA)
    • Chicago Dogs
    • Kane County Cougars
    • Gary SouthShore RailCats
  • American Hockey League (AHL)
    • Chicago Wolves
  • NBA G League (NBAGL)
    • Windy City Bulls
  • Major League Rugby (MLR)
    • Chicago Hounds

The Chicagoland Speedway oval track has hosted NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar Series races. The Chicago Marathon is one of the World Marathon Majors. The Western Open and BMW Championship are PGA Tour tournaments that have been held primarily at golf courses near Chicago.

NCAA Division I College Sports Teams:

  • Atlantic 10 Conference
    • Loyola University Chicago Ramblers
  • Big East Conference
    • DePaul University Blue Demons
  • Big Ten Conference
    • Northwestern University Wildcats (Evanston)
  • Mid-American Conference
    • Northern Illinois University Huskies (DeKalb)
  • Missouri Valley Conference
    • University of Illinois Chicago Flames
    • Valparaiso University Beacons (Valparaiso, IN)
  • Northeast Conference
    • Chicago State University Cougars

Cuisine

[edit]
  • Chicago-style hot dog
  • Chicago-style pizza
  • Italian beef
  • Caramel popcorn

Media

[edit]

The two main newspapers are the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. Local television channels broadcasting to the Chicago market include WBBM-TV 2 (CBS), WMAQ-TV 5 (NBC), WLS-TV 7 (ABC), WGN-TV 9 (Ind), WTTW 11 (PBS), MeTV 23, WCIU 26 (CW), WFLD 32 (FOX), WCPX-TV 38 (Ion), WSNS-TV 44 (Telemundo), WPWR-TV 50 (MyNetworkTV), and WJYS-TV 62 (The Way). Radio stations serving the area include: WBBM (AM), WBEZ, WGN (AM), WMBI, WLS (AM), and WSCR.

Education

[edit]
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago

Elementary and secondary education within the Chicago metropolitan area is provided by dozens of different school districts, of which by far the largest is the Chicago Public Schools with 400,000 students.[42] Numerous private and religious school systems are also found in the region, as well as a growing number of charter schools. Racial inequalities in education in the region remain widespread, often breaking along district boundaries;[43] for instance, educational prospects vary widely for students in the Chicago Public Schools compared to those in some neighboring suburban schools.[44]

Historically, the Chicago metropolitan area has been at the center of a number of national educational movements, from the free-flowing Winnetka Plan to the regimented Taylorism of the Gary Plan.[45] In higher education, University of Chicago founder William Rainey Harper was a leading early advocate of the junior college movement; Joliet Junior College is the nation's oldest continuously operating junior college today.[46] Later U of C president Robert Maynard Hutchins was central to the Great Books movement, and programs of dialogic education arising from that legacy can be found today at the U of C, at Shimer College,[47] and in the City Colleges of Chicago and Oakton College in the Northwest suburbs.[48]

Area codes

[edit]

From 1947 until 1988, the Illinois portion of the Chicago metro area was served by a single area code, 312, which abutted the 815 area code. In 1988 the 708 area code was introduced and the 312 area code became exclusive to the city of Chicago.

It became common to call suburbanites "708'ers", in reference to their area code.

The 708 area code was partitioned in 1996 into three area codes, serving different portions of the metro area: 630, 708, and 847.

At the same time that the 708 area code was running out of phone numbers, the 312 area code in Chicago was also exhausting its supply of available numbers. As a result, the city of Chicago was divided into two area codes, 312 and 773. Rather than divide the city by a north–south area code, the central business district retained the 312 area code, while the remainder of the city took the new 773 code.

In 2002, the 847 area code was supplemented with the overlay area code 224. In February 2007, the 815 area code (serving outlying portions of the metro area) was supplemented with the overlay area code 779. In October 2007, the overlay area code 331 was implemented to supplement the 630 area with additional numbers.

Plans are in place for overlay codes in the 708, 773, and 312 regions as those area codes become exhausted in the future.

  • 312 Chicago - City (The Loop and central neighborhoods, e.g. the Near North Side)
  • 773 Chicago - City (Everywhere else within the city limits, excluding central area)
  • 872 Chicago - City (overlay for 312 & 773, effective November 7, 2009)
  • 847/224 (North and Northwest Suburbs)
  • 630/331 (Outer Western Suburbs)
  • 708 (South and Near West Suburbs)
  • 815/779 (Rockford & Joliet: Far Northwest/Southwest Suburbs)
  • 219 (Northwest Indiana)
  • 574 (North-central Indiana)
  • 262 (Southeast Wisconsin surrounding Milwaukee County)

Proposed overlays

[edit]
  • 464 overlay for 708 (January 21, 2022, rollout)

See also

[edit]
  • Index of Illinois-related articles

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Elevations of the 50 Largest Cities". U.S. Geological Survey. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved January 23, 2016. Chicago city proper only
  2. ^ "2020 Population and Housing State Data". United States Census Bureau, Population Division. August 12, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  3. ^ "USA: Combined Metropolitan Areas". CityPopulation.de. August 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  4. ^ "Total Gross Domestic Product for Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI (MSA)". Federal Reserve Economic Data. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
  5. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Combined Statistical Areas in the United States and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2019 (CSA-EST2019-ANNRES)". United States Census Bureau, Population Division. March 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  6. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the United States and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2019 (CBSA-MET-EST2019-ANNRES)". United States Census Bureau, Population Division. March 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  7. ^ "CAEMP25N Total Full-Time and Part-Time Employment by NAICS Industry 1/ 2018". Bureau of Economic Analysis. November 14, 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  8. ^ "CAGDP1 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) summary by county and metropolitan area 2018". Bureau of Economic Analysis. December 12, 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  9. ^ "Economy". Worldbusinesschicago.com. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  10. ^ "Chicago Named Nation's Top Metro Area for Corporate Relocation For the Sixth Straight Year". World Business Chicago. March 25, 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  11. ^ a b c "Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2021". Census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  12. ^ "The World's Cities in 2018" (PDF). United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  13. ^ As defined by Construction Data Company.
  14. ^ a b Fuller, Jack (2005). "Chicagoland". The Electronic Encyclopedia of Chicago. Chicago Historical Society. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
  15. ^ "The Press: The Colonel's Century". TIME. June 9, 1947. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
  16. ^ O'Donnell Bennett, James (July 27, 1926). "Chicagoland's Shrines: A Tour of Discoveries". Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963). Archived from the original on September 10, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
  17. ^ Cronon (1992); Keating (2005); Keating (2004)
  18. ^ "Classifieds map of Chicagoland". Chicagotribune.com. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  19. ^ [1] Archived November 10, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  20. ^ "About Chicagoland". Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
  21. ^ "Bidtool Coverage area: Chicago, Indiana, Wisconsin, Colorado, Kentucky project leads". Bidtool.net. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  22. ^ Mariner, Richard D. (July 10, 2018). "Collar Counties". The Electrictronic Encyclopedia of Chicago. Chicago, IL: Chicago Historical Society (2005), Newberry Library (2004).
  23. ^ "Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning". Chicagoareaplanning.org. Archived from the original on August 12, 2006. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  24. ^ "About - CMAP". Cmap.illinois.gov. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  25. ^ Nowak, David J.; Hoehn, Robert E. III; Bodine, Allison R.; Crane, Daniel E.; Dwyer, John F.; Bonnewell, Veta; Watson, Gary. (September 17, 2013). "Urban trees and forests of the Chicago region". Nrs.fs.fed.us. doi:10.2737/NRS-RB-84. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  26. ^ "Regional Tree Census | The Morton Arboretum". Mortonarb.org. Archived from the original on May 15, 2015. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  27. ^ "Grid View: Table B03002 - Census Reporter". censusreporter.org. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  28. ^ "Grid View: Table B04006 - Census Reporter". censusreporter.org. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  29. ^ "Grid View: Table B02018 - Census Reporter". censusreporter.org. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  30. ^ "Grid View: Table B03001 - Census Reporter". censusreporter.org. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  31. ^ "Grid View: Table B02009 - Census Reporter". censusreporter.org. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  32. ^ "Kendall County is fastest growing in the nation". Daily Herald. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  33. ^ "Census profile: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metro Area". Census Reporter. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  34. ^ "Historical Metropolitan Area Definitions". Census.gov. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  35. ^ "List of 2020 Census Urban Areas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  36. ^ Carl Sandburg. "Chicago". Poetry: A Magazine of Verse, vol. 3, no. 6 (March 1914):191-192.
  37. ^ RON STARNER. "TOP METROS OF 2007 - Site Selection magazine, March 2008". Siteselection.com. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  38. ^ RON STARNER (March 9, 2009). "TOP METROS OF 2008 - Site Selection magazine, March 2009". Siteselection.com. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  39. ^ "TOP METROS OF 2009 - Site Selection Magazine, March 2010". Siteselection.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  40. ^ Brat, Ilan (November 8, 2006). "Tale of a Warehouse Shows How Chicago Weathers a Decline". The Wall Street Journal. p. A1. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
  41. ^ "Chicago Highlighted as the US Railroad Capital by Trains Magazine". WTTW. February 23, 2017. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
  42. ^ "About CPS". Chicago Public Schools. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  43. ^ Moore, Natalie (November 12, 2014). "Why so few white kids land in CPS — and why it matters". WBEZ. Archived from the original on January 17, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  44. ^ Bogira, Steve (October 17, 2012). "Two students, two high schools, two divergent paths to college". Chicago Reader.
  45. ^ Thiede, Robert. "Gary Plan". Britannica.com. Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  46. ^ Sydow, Debbie; Alfred, Richard (2012). Re-visioning Community Colleges: Positioning for Innovation. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 13. ISBN 978-1442214880.
  47. ^ Ronson, Jon (December 6, 2014). "Shimer College: The Worst School in America?". The Guardian.
  48. ^ "Great Books program". Oakton Community College. Retrieved January 26, 2015.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Fischer, Paul B. (July 28, 1993). Racial and Locational Patterns of Subsidized Housing in the Chicago Suburbs: A Report to the MacArthur Foundation (Archive). Lake Forest, Ill.: Lake Forest College. Report to the MacArthur Foundation.
  • Lewinnek, Elaine (2014). The Working Man's Reward: Chicago's Early Suburbs and the Roots of American Sprawl. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
[edit]
  • Encyclopedia of Chicago (2004), comprehensive coverage of city and suburbs, past and present
  • U.S. Census Urbanized Area Outline Map (2000)
  • Chicago-Naperville-Michigan City, IL-IN-WI Combined Statistical Area (2012) map
  • Illinois CBSAs and Counties (2013) map
  • U.S. Census Bureau Chicago city, Illinois QuickFacts
  • Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas
  • About Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas
  • History of Metropolitan Areas
  • Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas Population Totals and Components of Change: 2010–2019

 

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Reviews for


Jeffery James

(5)

Very happy with my experience. They were prompt and followed through, and very helpful in fixing the crack in my foundation.

Sarah McNeily

(5)

USS was excellent. They are honest, straightforward, trustworthy, and conscientious. They thoughtfully removed the flowers and flower bulbs to dig where they needed in the yard, replanted said flowers and spread the extra dirt to fill in an area of the yard. We've had other services from different companies and our yard was really a mess after. They kept the job site meticulously clean. The crew was on time and friendly. I'd recommend them any day! Thanks to Jessie and crew.

Jim de Leon

(5)

It was a pleasure to work with Rick and his crew. From the beginning, Rick listened to my concerns and what I wished to accomplish. Out of the 6 contractors that quoted the project, Rick seemed the MOST willing to accommodate my wishes. His pricing was definitely more than fair as well. I had 10 push piers installed to stabilize and lift an addition of my house. The project commenced at the date that Rick had disclosed initially and it was completed within the same time period expected (based on Rick's original assessment). The crew was well informed, courteous, and hard working. They were not loud (even while equipment was being utilized) and were well spoken. My neighbors were very impressed on how polite they were when they entered / exited my property (saying hello or good morning each day when they crossed paths). You can tell they care about the customer concerns. They ensured that the property would be put back as clean as possible by placing MANY sheets of plywood down prior to excavating. They compacted the dirt back in the holes extremely well to avoid large stock piles of soils. All the while, the main office was calling me to discuss updates and expectations of completion. They provided waivers of lien, certificates of insurance, properly acquired permits, and JULIE locates. From a construction background, I can tell you that I did not see any flaws in the way they operated and this an extremely professional company. The pictures attached show the push piers added to the foundation (pictures 1, 2 & 3), the amount of excavation (picture 4), and the restoration after dirt was placed back in the pits and compacted (pictures 5, 6 & 7). Please notice that they also sealed two large cracks and steel plated these cracks from expanding further (which you can see under my sliding glass door). I, as well as my wife, are extremely happy that we chose United Structural Systems for our contractor. I would happily tell any of my friends and family to use this contractor should the opportunity arise!

Chris Abplanalp

(5)

USS did an amazing job on my underpinning on my house, they were also very courteous to the proximity of my property line next to my neighbor. They kept things in order with all the dirt/mud they had to excavate. They were done exactly in the timeframe they indicated, and the contract was very details oriented with drawings of what would be done. Only thing that would have been nice, is they left my concrete a little muddy with boot prints but again, all-in-all a great job

Dave Kari

(5)

What a fantastic experience! Owner Rick Thomas is a trustworthy professional. Nick and the crew are hard working, knowledgeable and experienced. I interviewed every company in the area, big and small. A homeowner never wants to hear that they have foundation issues. Out of every company, I trusted USS the most, and it paid off in the end. Highly recommend.

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