Census maps
This page has resources for finding U.S. Census maps primarily related to Chicago.
Finding Chicago census maps
Use these links to find static maps from the U.S. Decennial Census or created from census data:
- 1920 Census Data of the City of Chicago Call Number: f HA730.C5B9
- 1930 Census Data of the City of Chicago: Community Areas Call Number: xf HA730.C5C85
- 1938 Local Community Fact Book Call Number: F548.68.A1C5
- 1938 Local Community Fact Book Call Number: F548.68.A1C5
- 1950 Local Community Fact Book Call Number: F548.68.A1H38
- 1960 Local Community Fact Book Call Number: F548.68.A1H38 1960
- 1970 and 1980 Local Community Fact Book Call Number: F548.68.A1L58
- 1990 Local Community Fact Book Call Number: F548.68.A1L58 1995
- 1990 Chicago Census Maps Maps made by the Map Collection staff from 1990 Census data.
- 2000 Chicago Census Maps Maps made by the Map Collection staff from 2000 Census data.
- 2010 Chicago Census Maps Maps made by the Map Collection staff from 2010 Census data
- Census of Population and Housing These volumes contain original census data. Most have maps at the end. Check the Map Collection for second copies of the maps. Call Number: HA 201 YEAR Maps Call Number: G4104.C6E25 YEAR
Digital census maps & data
For anyone interested in creating a map with census data, try these resources:
- GeolyticsCensus data available in the Map Collection and online.
- Guide for GIS dataLibrary guide for finding GIS resources and spatial data.
- Library Curated Data for ChicagoHistorical GIS datasets for the city of Chicago curated by the Library.
Census areas & geography
The U.S. Census uses different geography areas for it's collection purposes.
Census tracts are small areas of about 1200 households, or 2000-4000 people. The 866 Chicago census tracts have remained nearly consistent since the 1920s, but the numbering system for the tracts has changed. Census tracts for the Chicago suburbs have significantly changed through the years.
Census blocks are the smallest geography level data is collected and correspond closely to city blocks. Census data on this level is often not available to protect to prevent identification of individuals. Chicago has approximately 10,000 census blocks.
Block groups consist of several blocks; there are typically between three and five block groups to a tract. At this level data suppression is more common, and census-to-census comparison is difficult.
- Geographic Areas Reference ManualA reference guide for more information about U.S. Census geographic areas, such as metropolitan areas, counties, and zip code tabulation areas.
Chicago community areas
The Chicago community areas and neighborhoods such as Hyde Park, Kenwood, and Lincoln Park are not recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and are unique to Chicago. However, these 77 districts align closely with census tracts.
Chicago's community areas were proposed in the 1920's and have remained mostly consistent. The Chicago city government uses the community areas for statistics, but it is not possible to derive community area data from census tract data in a straightforward way.
Specialist
Sam Brown
Map Assistant
JRL 370
(773) 834-3347
sbb@uchicago.edu
