The Great Chicago Census Caper: How Many Pasty Folks Can One City Hold?
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, broad shoulders, and... a whole lotta folks! But have you ever wondered, amongst the throngs of deep dish enthusiasts and Cubs fanatics, just how many residents fall under the ever-so-scientific category of "white"? Buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the fascinating, and frankly, slightly goofy world of the Chicago census.
By the Numbers: Breaking Down the Beige Brigade
Now, before we get all "pie chart" on you, let's talk brass tacks. According to the latest American Community Survey (which is basically the nosy neighbor of the official census), as of 2021, a cool 36.1% of Chicago identifies as white. That translates to roughly 907,000 citizens who prefer their pizza crusts slightly golden brown and their winters slightly less brutal (because, let's be honest, Chicago winters are a whole other beast).
Wait, But There's More! A Tale of Two Whites
But hold on to your hats, intrepid census explorers! Not all white Chicagoans are created equal. We've gotta differentiate between the non-Hispanic white crew (clocking in at 32.9%), and the Hispanic white population (coming in at a solid 3.2%). Yes, friends, diversity exists within diversity – who knew?
The Great White Flight (and Maybe a Touch of Return?)
Now, you might have heard whispers of a bygone era known as the "white flight," where a good chunk of the city's white population headed for greener (and presumably less snowy) pastures in the suburbs. This certainly left its mark, but fear not! There's been a bit of a "reverse white flight" in recent years, with younger generations drawn back to the city's energy and (let's face it) amazing food scene.
So, there you have it, folks! The answer to the age-old question (or at least the one you Googled): there's a sizable white population in Chicago, though it's definitely a mosaic alongside other vibrant communities. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a pressing appointment with a giant slice of deep dish and a Cubs game (because, you know, diversity and all that).
