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Diversity: Diversity Change Indicator DuPage County is becoming much more racially and ethnically diverse, and changes are occurring at a rapid rate.
* Percentages do not add to 100 because Hispanics include persons of all races, so some people have been double counted.
ABOUT THE INDICATOR Demographic indicators of growth in different racial and ethnic groups are included in this section to provide the necessary background for other diversity indicators. The first chart provides data on changes in minority populations in DuPage County, and the following two charts compare the changes in DuPage County with changes in the Chicago metropolitan region and the state of Illinois. All information comes from the U.S. Census. OBSERVATIONS Although the population of DuPage County is still predominantly white, minority groups represent the fastest growing population segments. Between 1990 and 2000, while the overall population rose 16 percent, the Hispanic population increased 135 percent, the Asian population increased 80 percent, and the black population rose 79 percent. The rate of growth in the minority population in DuPage County during the 1990s far outpaced the corresponding rates for the Chicago Metro area and the state of Illinois. In fact, minority population growth in DuPage County, at more than 110 percent, was nearly three times the Chicago Metro and Illinois rates of just under 40 percent. As a result of the rapid growth in the minority population, minorities now account for approximately 20 percent of DuPage County’s population, compared with just over 10 percent in 1990. Hispanics are the second largest ethnic group in DuPage, representing 9 percent of the population, and Asians are third, at 8 percent. TAPESTRYAn increasingly diverse population has implications for our schools, employers, healthcare providers, social service organizations, and indeed all members of the community. A population rich in diversity offers opportunities for community members to improve their understanding of different cultures, but it also brings with it the possibility for increased discrimination. Individual residents and organizations need to be attuned to cultural differences and avoid engaging in discriminatory practices. With respect to the Hispanic population, communication is often the biggest problem. Obtaining a good education, employment, housing, and health or social services is difficult when communication barriers exist. Breaking down such barriers can be accomplished by employing more bilingual staff at schools, hospitals, and government offices and by promoting English as a second language programs. Celebrating diversity, and promoting unity, tolerance, and acceptance, are goals that should be pursued. Doing so can improve community awareness and understanding of diversity issues and lead to a better appreciation of cultural differences and concerted efforts to better accommodate individuals of different ethnicity. COMMENTARY By Rick Curneal, Transportation & Planning Director, DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference “From a cultural perspective, 15% of our population is foreign born and 9% are Hispanic - quite a change from just a few years ago. As DuPage County becomes more diverse, it is imperative to recognize and understand these differences and to demonstrate the respect and understanding required to foster a healthy community.” HOW TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE
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