How many Arab Americans live in Chicagoland?
By Ray Hanania Overview: There are approximately 180,000 Arab Americans living in the Six County Region around Cook County. About one-third live in Chicago, one-third live in Southwest Suburban Cook County, and the remainder of one-third are spread throughout the remaining counties. It is estimated that there are between 250,000 and 400,000 in the State of Illinois. This could be true as there is a large Arab population in and around Peoria and Central Illinois. While the US Census does not provide an accurate mechanism to identify and count Arab Americans, the numbers we have provided are based on a careful review of Voter Registration Statistics for Chicagoland and the State of Illinois, which is explained below. The data below reflects Arab population estimates and data for a targeted group of suburban communities and does not reflect the entire region. Southwest Arab Population: This community stretches in one large swatch from 63rd and Western to 171st and LaGrange Road, cutting t
