Chicago’s Labor Force in Context: How Chicago’s Population, Local Economy, and Labor Forces Have Changed Over Time and How They Compare to Other Cities

This descriptive report from Chapin Hall of the University of Chicago depicts the changing characteristics of Chicago’s workforce and the evolving needs of the local economy. Through the use of data from the U.S. Census and the American Community Survey (ACS) from 1970-2009, this report describes Chicago’s population and demographic characteristics; changes in local industries; employment rates and labor force participation; and employment changes among special populations, such as youth and older adults. To provide further context, Chicago’s population, local economy, and labor force are compared to those of other metropolitan areas. This report provides workforce development policymakers and practitioners with information, including: the high employment rates, low educational returns, and wage inequalities for Hispanics; the overlap of predominantly black neighborhoods with areas of high unemployment; Chicago’s strong educational attainment results; the shift in industry from manufacturing to service; and the needs of special populations.