History & Demographics

History & Demographics

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.

Facts, Figures & Demographics

 2000 Census Demographic Profile             2003 National Citizen Survey

Census Block Demographic Maps

General Info

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Date of Incorporation:

1863

Population (2000 Census):

74,239

Area:

7.8 sq. mi.

Distance to Downtown Chicago:

13 miles

Households (2000 Census):

29,651

Per Capita Income (2000 Census):

$33,645

Median Household Income (2000 Census):

$56,335

Average single-family home:

$290,800

Altitude (above sea level):

600 ft.

First Settled

1836

Area Code

847
 

Municipal Services and Facilities
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Miles of Streets

147

Miles of Alleys

76
 

Fire Protection
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Number of Firefighters

107

Number of Stations

5

Number of Fire Hydrants

1,236

I.S.O. Rating

Class 3
 

Police Protection
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Number of Police Officers

162

Number of School Crossing Guards

40

Number of Parking Enforcement Officers

12
 

Library Services
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Number of Branch Libraries

2

Number of Books and Other Materials

437,104

Number of Registered Borrowers

54,412
 

Recreation Facilities
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Number of Parks and Playgrounds

75

Park Area in Acres

268

Number of Beaches

5
 

Municipal Water Utility
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Population Serviced:
Northwest Water Commission

218,915

  Evanston

74,239

  Skokie

63,348

Miles of Water Mains

155.995

 

 

age group, 2000 census

 

 

population, 2000 census

 

 

racial composition, 2000 census

 

History

 

Read the book online: "This is Evanston: A Guide to History, Government, Education, and Community Resources" provided by The League of Women Voters

 

 

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