Is Illinois Larger Than Chicago: Exploring the Comparison
Introduction
The question of whether Illinois is larger than Chicago has been a topic of debate. To understand the answer to this, we need to look at both the land area and population statistics of the state and the city. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Illinois and Chicago, addressing the two key aspects: land area and population.
Land Area Comparison: Illinois vs. Chicago
Illinois: The state of Illinois covers a vast area of approximately 57,914 square miles, which is equivalent to about 149,995 square kilometers. This makes Illinois the 25th largest state in the United States based on area.
Chicago: On the other hand, Chicago is a city located within Illinois, and its land area is much smaller. The city encompasses approximately 234 square miles, or 606 square kilometers. Clearly, when we talk about land area, Illinois dwarfs Chicago, being significantly larger by an order of magnitude.
Population Comparison: Illinois vs. Chicago
When it comes to population, the comparison can be a bit more nuanced, depending on how you define the area of interest.
Demographic Context
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of recent data, the state of Illinois has a population of around 12,480,000. Meanwhile, Chicago, as a city, has a population of approximately 2.74 million. However, the true distinction arises when considering the greater metropolitan area of Chicago.
Chicago Metropolitan Area
If we define the metropolitan area of Chicago as the statistical area that includes the city of Chicago and its surrounding communities, it has a much larger population. The Chicago metropolitan area, often referred to as the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Combined Statistical Area, has a population of about 8,901,000.
Breaking It Down
Population of Illinois: The total population of the state of Illinois is 12,480,000.
Population of Chicago: The population of the city of Chicago itself is about 2,740,000.
Population outside of Chicago in Illinois: When you subtract the population of the greater Chicago metropolitan area from the total state population, you are left with a population of around 3,579,000 for the rest of the state.
Single City Comparison: If you focus solely on the city of Chicago, the remaining population of Illinois is approximately 9,740,000.
Conclusion
When discussing the size of the land area, Illinois is clearly larger than Chicago. However, when considering population, it all depends on the geographic area you are focusing on. The state of Illinois is much larger, with a broader demographic spread, while the metropolitan area of Chicago has a significantly larger population within its defined boundaries.
Both Illinois and Chicago have their unique attributes that contribute to their respective sizes and population figures. Understanding these differences helps in recognizing the distinct characteristics that make each entity important in its own right.