| Statistic | Chatham | Illinois | National |
| Population | 13,231 | 12,671,821 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,797 | 228 | 91 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 37.4 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.8:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 61% | 55% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 58% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 97% | 77% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 1% | 13% | 13% |
Understanding the demographics of Chatham is essential for gaining insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of any city, town or village. This knowledge empowers planners, developers and policymakers to strategize effectively, promoting prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Chatham population is 13,231, with a population density of 1,797 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 35.2, and 61% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 58% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Chatham, 6% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 32% report an income exceeding $150,000, indicating a varied economic landscape within the area.
Recognizing the racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown of Chatham is pivotal for addressing systemic inequities, championing social justice and inclusion and fostering resilient communities. In Chatham, the racial breakdown comprises 95.7% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, 0% American Indian, and 0.1% Native Hawaiian, with 0.9% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of households reported speaking English only, while 0.7% reported speaking Spanish only. Furthermore, 1.9% of residents were categorized as foreign-born.
Chatham could serve as a prime example of how areas with higher-than-average population density can champion environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Embracing compact urban development, these densely populated areas promote energy-efficient buildings and encourages walking, cycling and public transit use, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, densely populated regions are renowned for their vibrant social and cultural scenes, driven by a diverse population that organizes an array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity ignites creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The Chatham population density is 1,797, surpassing the national average of 91 per square miles, positioning itself to capitalize on the advantages of dense urban living.
A family-friendly city like Chatham prioritizes the well-being and requirements of families, creating an atmosphere conducive to the flourishing of children, the support of parents and the collective enjoyment of a superior quality of life. These cities are characterized by their fostering of strong community bonds, where neighbors actively support and watch out for one another. Additionally, they often offer outstanding educational opportunities, including top-tier schools, well-stocked libraries and diverse extracurricular activities. Access to quality education is indispensable for the holistic development and future achievements of children. By giving precedence to the welfare of its inhabitants, such cities transform into vibrant and resilient communities where families can truly thrive. In Chatham, 58% of families have children under the age of 18, and 61% of residents aged over 15 are married. These demographic characteristics position this area to fully reap the benefits of being a family-friendly area.
Healthcare Planning: An analysis of Chatham demographics can inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Understanding demographic trends allows healthcare providers and policymakers to allocate resources effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities. Leveraging demographic data, healthcare providers, and policymakers strive to achieve equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and customized healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of populations.
Social Cohesion: Reporting and analyzing demographics can play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and understanding among diverse communities. By recognizing and appreciating differences in Chatham demographics, societies can promote inclusivity, diversity and social harmony, while addressing social disparities and promoting equal opportunities for all individuals. Racial demographics reflect the diversity of a population and contribute to fostering inclusive and welcoming communities. Embracing diversity strengthens social cohesion, promotes cultural understanding and enriches the fabric of society by celebrating the contributions of individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics play a fundamental role in informing policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of Chatham demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of concern, allocate resources efficiently, and devise policies and initiatives tailored to the specific needs and preferences of distinct demographic groups. The utilization of demographics in Chatham can be crucial in policy planning, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, identifying key priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and advancing principles of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and inclusive, thus meeting the diverse needs of communities.
| Race | Chatham | Illinois | National |
| White | 95.71% | 72.14% | 73.35% |
| Black | 1.34% | 14.30% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 1.07% | 5.10% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.00% | 0.23% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.14% | 0.03% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 1.63% | 2.34% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.11% | 5.86% | 4.75% |
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