DuPage County, situated in Illinois and ranked among the wealthiest counties in the United States, boasts a median household income of $99,577 and a median home value of $324,900. Nevertheless, not all areas within the county share the same level of affluence.
Several neighborhoods struggle with higher poverty rates, lower incomes, and decreased property values when compared to the county’s averages. This article will delve into the five most economically challenged neighborhoods in DuPage County, utilizing data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau.
5. West Chicago
West Chicago, a city within DuPage County, is home to 27,182 residents. The poverty rate in West Chicago stands at 13.9%, surpassing the county average of 6.9%. Median household income in the area amounts to $67,900, falling below the county average of $99,577.
The median house value is $227,500, lower than the county’s typical $324,900. West Chicago features a substantial Hispanic or Latino population, comprising 53.4% of the total, alongside a significant foreign-born resident percentage of 28.7%.
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4. Glendale Heights
The village of Glendale Heights, also within DuPage County, has a population of 34,208. Its poverty rate, at 14%, exceeds the county average of 6.9%. The median household income in Glendale Heights is $62,314, below the county’s typical $99,577, and the median house value stands at $197,000, again lower than the county’s $324,900.
The village boasts a diverse population with 38.3% Asian, 28.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.4% White, and 8.4% Black or African American residents. Additionally, 35.9% of Glendale Heights’ population is foreign-born.
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3. Addison
Addison, a village within DuPage County, is home to 37,059 residents. Its poverty rate of 14.1% surpasses the county’s 6.9% average. Median household income in Addison is $61,938, lower than the county’s $99,577, and the median house value is $246,100, below the county’s $324,900.
Addison hosts a significant Hispanic or Latino population, constituting 45.7% of its residents, with 25.8% being foreign-born.
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2. Bensenville
Bensenville, a village that spans both DuPage County and Cook County, houses 18,352 residents. With a poverty rate of 15%, it exceeds the county average of 6.9%. Median household income in Bensenville is $54,544, below the county’s $99,577 average, and the median house value stands at $215,800, lower than the county’s $324,900.
The village boasts a large Hispanic or Latino population, making up 52.3% of the total, with 31.5% being foreign-born.
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1. Hanover Park
Hanover Park, another village stretching across DuPage County and Cook County, has a population of 37,973. Its poverty rate is 16%, surpassing the county average of 6.9%. Median household income in Hanover Park stands at $66,343, lower than the county’s $99,577, and the median house value is $189,400, below the county’s $324,900.
Hanover Park boasts a diverse population with 38.3% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 20.8% White, and 13.4% Black or African American residents. Furthermore, 30.9% of the population is foreign-born.
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Conclusion
While DuPage County shines as a beacon of affluence, it is essential to acknowledge the neighborhoods grappling with poverty, low incomes, and property devaluation, particularly in its western and southern regions. These areas are characterized by sizable populations of Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and foreign-born residents.
The challenges they face include limited access to quality education, healthcare, transportation, and employment opportunities. Nonetheless, they also exhibit strengths in cultural diversity, community resilience, and social capital. By addressing the underlying causes of poverty and inequality and investing in both the human and physical capital of these neighborhoods, DuPage County can strive to ensure that all its residents enjoy an improved quality of life.