Research Project
Where is the 2000-2005 Growth in Metropolitan Chicago: Collar or Fringe Counties?
The focus here is to examine the population growth in the Chicago area during the beginning of the millennium (2000-2005) to ascertain the size of the exurban growth in contrast to growth in traditional suburban counties. At the same time, Cook County has been identified as the county with the largest population decline in the nation. We find this to be misleading largely because Cook County is the second largest county and even a small percentage swing in population, whether it be up or down, is likely to be sizable.
- Principal Investigator
- Sööt, Siim
- Research Area(s)
- Data Development
- Funding Source
- Illinois Department of Transportation
Abstract
Recent news reports have focused on the dramatic population growth in the Chicago area beyond the traditional six-county region. Kendall County has been identified as the fourth fastest growing county in the nation (in percent growth). While this is noteworthy, the absolute growth within the six-county area is much higher as vacant land continues to be converted to residential purposes. The academic and professional literature provides considerable play to the exurban phenomenon. Clearly, this phenomenon is expanding in importance but how does it compare with growth in traditional suburban counties? Download the "Where is the 2000-2005 Growth in Metropolitan Chicago: Collar or Fringe Counties?" study.