I. Introduction

II. History of West Garfield Park

III. Demographics of West Garfield Park

IV. Geography of West Garfield Park

V. Economy of West Garfield Park

VI. Culture of West Garfield Park

VII. Education in West Garfield Park

VIII. Crime in West Garfield Park

IX. Transportation in West Garfield Park

X. FAQ

II. History of West Garfield Park

West Garfield Park is a neighborhood in the West Side of Chicago, Illinois. The neighborhood was founded in the 1860s as a farming community. In the early 20th century, West Garfield Park became a popular destination for immigrants from Eastern Europe and Mexico. The neighborhood experienced a decline in population and economic activity in the latter half of the 20th century. In recent years, West Garfield Park has seen a resurgence of investment and development.

III. Demographics of West Garfield Park

The population of West Garfield Park was 35,330 at the 2010 census, down from 40,220 at the 2000 census. The racial makeup of West Garfield Park was 61.8% African American, 23.5% White (non-Hispanic), 0.3% Native American, 3.0% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 10.0% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.1% of the population.

The median household income for a family in West Garfield Park was $32,880 in 2010, and the median income for a single person was $21,167. About 44.0% of families and 52.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 65.5% of those under age 18 and 39.9% of those age 65 or over.

IV. Geography of West Garfield Park

West Garfield Park is located in the West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is bounded by the Humboldt Park neighborhood to the north, the Austin neighborhood to the east, the Garfield Park neighborhood to the south, and the North Lawndale neighborhood to the west. The neighborhood is approximately 2.5 square miles in size.

The terrain of West Garfield Park is relatively flat, with a few small hills. The neighborhood is bisected by the Chicago River, which runs from north to south. The river is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.

West Garfield Park is home to a variety of parks and green spaces, including Garfield Park Conservatory, Humboldt Park, and the West Garfield Park Aquatic Center. The neighborhood is also home to a number of schools, churches, and businesses.

V. Economy of West Garfield Park

The economy of West Garfield Park is based on a variety of businesses, including retail, manufacturing, and service industries. The neighborhood is home to a number of major employers, including the Garfield Park Hospital, the Chicago Police Department’s 25th District, and the Chicago Public Schools’ West Garfield Park High School. The neighborhood also has a number of small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and bars.

The median household income in West Garfield Park is $31,000, which is significantly lower than the median household income for the city of Chicago ($56,000) and the United States ($61,000). The poverty rate in West Garfield Park is also high, at 35%, compared to 20% for Chicago and 15% for the United States.

Despite the challenges facing the neighborhood, there are a number of community organizations working to improve the economy of West Garfield Park. These organizations are working to attract new businesses to the neighborhood, provide job training and support to residents, and develop new opportunities for economic development.

VI. Culture of West Garfield Park

The culture of West Garfield Park is a blend of its diverse residents. The neighborhood is home to a large number of African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, and each group has brought its own unique traditions and customs to the area. As a result, West Garfield Park is a vibrant and multicultural community with a rich cultural heritage.

Some of the most popular cultural events in West Garfield Park include the annual West Garfield Park Arts Festival, the West Garfield Park Caribbean Festival, and the West Garfield Park Mexican Festival. These festivals celebrate the diversity of the neighborhood and provide a platform for residents to share their culture with each other.

In addition to these festivals, West Garfield Park is also home to a number of cultural institutions, such as the West Garfield Park Cultural Center, the West Garfield Park Library, and the West Garfield Park Community Center. These institutions provide residents with opportunities to learn about their culture and history, as well as to participate in cultural activities.

The culture of West Garfield Park is a vibrant and ever-changing part of the neighborhood. As new residents move in and old residents leave, the culture of West Garfield Park continues to evolve and grow. This diversity is one of the things that makes West Garfield Park such a unique and special place.

VII. Education in West Garfield Park

The educational system in West Garfield Park is overseen by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). CPS is the largest school district in the United States, with over 350,000 students enrolled. There are 14 schools in West Garfield Park, including elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.

The quality of education in West Garfield Park is below average. According to the 2018-2019 school report card, only 25% of students in West Garfield Park schools met or exceeded state standards in math, and only 29% met or exceeded standards in reading.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the low quality of education in West Garfield Park. These factors include poverty, crime, and lack of resources.

Poverty is a major problem in West Garfield Park. The median household income in West Garfield Park is $27,000, which is well below the national median of $57,000. Poverty can lead to a number of problems for children, including lack of access to quality education.

Crime is also a major problem in West Garfield Park. The crime rate in West Garfield Park is twice the national average. Crime can make it difficult for students to learn and concentrate in school.

Lack of resources is another factor that contributes to the low quality of education in West Garfield Park. CPS is underfunded, and this lack of funding has led to a number of problems, including overcrowded classrooms, lack of qualified teachers, and lack of resources for students.

The low quality of education in West Garfield Park has a number of negative consequences for the community. These consequences include high rates of unemployment, poverty, and crime.

There are a number of things that can be done to improve the quality of education in West Garfield Park. These things include increasing funding for CPS, reducing poverty, and reducing crime.

Improving the quality of education in West Garfield Park is essential for the community. A good education can give children the skills they need to succeed in life and help to break the cycle of poverty.

Crime in West Garfield Park

West Garfield Park has a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 1,517 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 5,600 per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the national average of 467 per 100,000 people for violent crime and 2,114 per 100,000 people for property crime.

The most common types of crime in West Garfield Park are shootings, robberies, and burglaries. The neighborhood is also home to a large number of gangs, which contribute to the high crime rate.

The police department is working to reduce crime in West Garfield Park by increasing patrols, working with community groups, and providing social services to residents. However, the high crime rate remains a major challenge for the neighborhood.

IX. Transportation in West Garfield Park

The main form of transportation in West Garfield Park is public transportation. The neighborhood is served by the CTA’s Green Line, which runs along Roosevelt Road. There are also several bus routes that serve the neighborhood, including the #26, #35, #49, and #53.

There are also a few highways that run through West Garfield Park, including Interstate 290 and Interstate 90. However, these highways are not located within the neighborhood itself, and they can be difficult to access from within the neighborhood.

The closest airports to West Garfield Park are Midway International Airport and O’Hare International Airport. Both airports are located about 10 miles from the neighborhood.

West Garfield Park is also served by a number of bike lanes and walking trails. These trails provide residents with a safe and convenient way to get around the neighborhood.

X. FAQ

Q: What is the population of West Garfield Park?

A: The population of West Garfield Park is approximately 40,000 people.

Q: What is the crime rate in West Garfield Park?

A: The crime rate in West Garfield Park is higher than the national average.

Q: What are the schools in West Garfield Park?

A: There are several public and private schools in West Garfield Park.