Clearing, Chicago facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clearing
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| Community Area 64 - Clearing | |
Rowhouses in the Chrysler Village
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Location within the city of Chicago
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Cook |
| City | Chicago |
| Neighborhoods |
list
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| Area | |
| • Total | 2.56 sq mi (6.63 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 24,473 |
| • Density | 9,560/sq mi (3,691.3/km2) |
| Demographics 2020 | |
| • White | 39.0% |
| • Black | 2.5% |
| • Hispanic | 56.9% |
| • Asian | 0.6% |
| • Other | 0.9% |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes |
parts of 60629 and 60638
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| Median income 2020 | $58,168 |
| Source: U.S. Census, Record Information Services | |
Clearing is a community area in Chicago, Illinois. It's on the southwest side of the city. Part of Chicago Midway International Airport is right here in Clearing.
Contents
History of Clearing
Clearing has an interesting past. Some old maps from the 1870s show a mysterious "Lost Village" in the area. A local historian, Robert Hill, talks about this early settlement.
The name "Clearing" comes from how farm goods were "cleared" or delivered. They went through the local airport and railroad yards. Clearing officially became a town in 1912. This was within the Township of Stickney.
The area quickly joined Chicago in 1915. The people living there needed the services a big city could provide. Clearing is bordered by Harlem Avenue to the west. Railroad tracks east of Cicero Avenue are its eastern border. To the north is 59th Street, and to the south is 65th Street.
Industrial Growth
The Clearing Industrial District started in 1909. This area became very important for businesses and jobs. It helped the community grow and develop.
Local Parks
Clearing is home to several parks where you can have fun.
- Lawler Park is about 6.2 acres. It was created in 1947. This park is a great place for Little League softball. It also has a recreation building and playground equipment.
- Hale Park is another popular spot. It's located at 61st and Melvina. Hale Park has an outdoor swimming pool. You can also find ball fields and playground equipment there.
- Nathan Hale Elementary School is next to Hale Park.
Neighborhoods in Clearing
Clearing has different parts, or neighborhoods. Each one has its own unique story.
Chrysler Village
Chrysler Village is a special neighborhood in Clearing. It's located between Midway Airport and the Clearing Industrial District.
This neighborhood was built in 1943 during World War II. It was made to house workers for the Chrysler Defense Plant. These workers built engines for the B-29 Superfortress bomber planes. Later, the plant made engines for the B-52 Stratofortress bomber. Today, this large area is known as Ford City.
The homes in Chrysler Village are sturdy brick houses. They include single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses. They surround Lawler Park.
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1930 | 5,434 | — | |
| 1940 | 6,068 | 11.7% | |
| 1950 | 10,591 | 74.5% | |
| 1960 | 18,797 | 77.5% | |
| 1970 | 24,527 | 30.5% | |
| 1980 | 22,584 | −7.9% | |
| 1990 | 21,490 | −4.8% | |
| 2000 | 22,331 | 3.9% | |
| 2010 | 23,139 | 3.6% | |
| 2020 | 24,473 | 5.8% | |
Religion
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago manages Catholic churches in the area. For example, St. Rene Parish and St. Symphorosa Parish joined together on July 1, 2020.
