History & Demographics

Evanston Life

Stretching north from Howard Street and west from Lake Michigan, Evanston is a vibrant community comprising many strong neighborhoods, races, religions and levels of income.

History

Northwestern University, a major landmark of Evanston, was actually founded before the City itself. In 1851, the plans for Northwestern began and in 1855, Northwestern University opened its doors for the first time to 10 students. The founders of Northwestern, one being John Evans, submitted to the county judge their plans for a city and their wishes to rename the town Evanston in 1854. In 1857, the town of Evanston was named.

During the Civil War, the town of Evanston fought on the side of the abolitionists. After the war, Evanston saw a huge economic and population boom. Between 1860 and 1870, the population quadrupled.

Also during this time, an amendment was passed that prohibited the sale of alcohol within four miles of the Northwestern campus. Evanston became a town that supported the prohibition movement and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union was founded in Evanston in 1874.

Evanston continued to grow and remain independent of Chicago. The city became known for its architecture and beautiful homes on the lake. Between 1920 and 1930, there was a 70 percent population increase.

Today, Evanston is sill thriving as an independent city. There are many cultural outlets in Evanston, there is a thriving business economy and public lakefront recreation activities. Evanston continues to prosper and refuses to be overshadowed by Chicago.

Related Link - Evanston History Center

Facts, Figures & Demographics

COE 2010 General Profile

City of Evanston 2005-2009 ACS Social Profile

City of Evanston 2005-2009 ACS Housing Profile

City of Evanston 2005-2009 ACS Economic Profile

City of Evanston 2010 Census Tract Information

General Information
Date of Incorporation:	1863
Population (2010 Census):	74,486
Area:	7.8 sq. mi.
Distance to Downtown Chicago:	13 miles
Households (2010 Census):	29,651
Per Capita Income (2005-09 ACS):	$42,394
Median Household Income (2005-09 ACS):	$69,544
Average single-family home (2005-09 ACS):	$394,800
Altitude (above sea level):	600 ft.
First Settled	1836
Area Code	847
Municipal Services and Facilities
Miles of Streets	147
Miles of Alleys	76
Fire Protection
Number of Firefighters	107
Number of Stations	5
Number of Fire Hydrants	1,236
I.S.O. Rating	Class 2
Police Protection
Number of Police Officers	162
Number of School Crossing Guards	40
Number of Parking Enforcement Officers	12
Library Services
Number of Branch Libraries	2
Number of Books and Other Materials	437,104
Number of Registered Borrowers	54,412
Recreation Facilities

Number of Parks and Playgrounds	75
Park Area in Acres	268
Number of Beaches	5
Municipal Water Utility
Population Serviced: Northwest Water Commission	218,915
Evanston	74,486
Skokie	63,348
Miles of Water Mains	155.995