Chicago Community Profile
Katana Tattoo, a premier tattoo shop is proud to offer its world-class Japanese tattoo services to the residents of Chicago, Illinois. We thought you might like to know a bit more about this interesting and vibrant region.
History
August 12, 1833 was the year the town of Chicago became organized with only a small population of 200 at the time. In just seven years, a population boom caused the residents to grow to 4000. Incorporated on March 4, 1837 Chicago was for several decades known as the world’s biggest growing city. The location of Chicago meant it was a very strategic transportation hub between western and eastern US. Due to the rate the city was growing it began annexing nearby townships with the biggest one in 1899 where five townships joined the city including Hyde Park Township, which is now South Side of Chicago and Jefferson Township, located on the far southeast of the city.
Demographics and Cost of Living
| Statistic | Chicago | Illinois | National |
| Population | 2,712,608 | 12,868,747 | 314,107,084 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 11,915 | 231 | 91 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 37.0 | 37.4 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 41% | 55% | 55% |
| Speak English | 64% | 78% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 25% | 13% | 13% |
- The population density is 5056% higher than Illinois
- Average age is 10% lower than Illinois
- 39% of the population is Caucasian
- 85% of the population is African-American
- 75% of the population is Asian
| Index | Chicago | Illinois | National |
| Goods & Services index | 108 | 97 | 100 |
| Groceries index | 108 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care index | 103 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing index | 121 | 99 | 100 |
| Transportation index | 126 | 104 | 100 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 95 | 100 |
In the event that the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used. Each cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. If the amount is below 100, it is lower than the national average. If the amount is above 100, it is higher than the national average.
Schools
Education is provided by the Chicago Public Schools with over 600 public elementary schools and high schools spread throughout the city. For the most academically advanced students, there are eleven selective enrollment schools that offer a rigorous curriculum with mainly honors and Advanced Placement courses. The highest rated schools in the city are: Northside College Preparatory High School, Walter Payton College Prep High School, jones College and Whitney M. Young Magnet High School.
Top Universities in the city are: University of Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and Loyola University Chicago.
Religion
Over 71% of Chicago residents consider themselves as Christians. Other faiths comprise 7% and 22% have no religious affiliation. The city is home to many religious denominations such as the Evangelical Covenant Church as well as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. The city also has a healthy number of people from other faiths such as Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Jews.
Economy
Chicago is known to provide the third largest gross metropolitan product in the country amounting to $658.6 billion dollars. The city is also considered to have the most balanced economy because of its high level of diversification. The city is home to 12 Fortune 500 Companies and 17 Financial Times 500 Companies. Boeing and Kraft Heinz are also based in Chicago.
Restaurants & Nightlife
Alinea – Definitely the best place to dine in the city. They are known for their gastronomy style cuisine and more. Do try the clam chowder with hidden baked potatoes. When you visit Alinea your senses will be treated to a culinary Tour de Force.
Smoque BBQ – Best place in the city to get ribs. Do try the pulled pork platter, which is essentially a heaping mound of pulled pork served on a metal platter with a couple of different barbecue sauces on the side. The portions are generous and the food perfectly grilled to perfection.
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab — Superb ambience and amazing service, the food also phenomenal. Do try the steaks which are cooked to perfection and the stone crabs are the best in the city. Place is always bustling with diners so make sure to have a reservation. The crab bisque is absolutely perfect.
Fun Things to Do in Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago – A world-renowned museum with thousands of precious artworks from different media such as painting, photography, decorative arts, textiles, architectural drawings, sculpture and lots more. The museum is famous for its collection of fine impressionist paintings such as Georges Seurat’s 1884 “ A Sunday Afternoon on La Grand Jatte and Renoir’s “Acrobats at the Circque Fernando.”
Millennium Park – situated in downtown Chicago, the park includes the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a concert venue and the interactive Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden and the Cloud Gate sculpture at AT&T Plaza.
Navy Pier – Take the entire family to one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions. The pier is comprised of 50 acres of gardens, shops, restaurants, venues and parks. The highlight is the 150 ft. Ferris wheel and the historic carousel located at Navy Pier Park.
Chicago truly is a great place to visit. If you are interested in getting a tattoo, we are only a phone call away. We can’t wait to meet you.