Chicago: City of Wind...and Maybe a Touch of Grim Reaper?
Hey there, census enthusiasts and those morbidly curious about the Windy City's, well, wind-up rate! Today, we're diving headfirst (hopefully not literally) into the fascinating, and let's be honest, slightly unsettling topic of Chicago's 2024 death count.
So, How Many Folks Kicked the Bucket This Year?
Now, before you grab your black cape and scythe, the numbers aren't quite as scary as some headlines might make them seem. Thankfully, Chicago hasn't succumbed to a zombie apocalypse...yet. As of today, May 5th, 2024, approximately 145 people have met their maker in the city.
But wait! There's more! This number is actually down from previous years. That's right, folks, it seems Chicagoans are embracing life a little more than usual. Maybe it's the deep dish pizza, maybe it's the Cubs finally winning something (doubtful), whatever the reason, we'll take it!
Where Can I Find This Deathly Data?
Well, unless you're hanging out at the morgue (which we definitely don't recommend), you can find some reliable sources online. The Chicago Sun-Times keeps a running tally of homicides, which is a good chunk of the death count, in their "Homicides in Chicago: A list of every victim" database [gruesome title, we know].
The Illinois Department of Public Health also tracks fatalities, though their data might take a while to catch up. They're more concerned with the big picture, like top causes of death (spoiler alert: it's probably not eating too much Chicago-style hot dog).
Death by Deep Dish? A Statistical Improbability (We Hope)
Now, let's get this straight: this post isn't meant to be disrespectful to those who have passed away. But hey, sometimes a little dark humor can help us swallow the tough pills in life, right?
The important takeaway is that Chicago's death rate, while not exactly a walk in the park, is showing signs of improvement. Here's to hoping that trend continues, and that maybe, just maybe, we can all focus on living our best, most non-Grim-Reaper-encountering lives in this fantastic city.
