Population
In the 1950s, Lawndale became a main port of entry for African Americans migrating from the south. By 1960, the population had reached an all-time high of 125,000, 90% of which was African American. The riots of the late 1960s, coupled with the loss of 80% of the area's manufacturing jobs in the 1970s, fueled the loss of businesses and residents.

Heath Care
According to the 2000 Census there were a total of 937 live births in North Lawndale. 12% (109) were born to mothers under the age of 18. 17% (160) were considered very low birth weight. Women who did not receive pre-natal care were 69% more likely to give birth to babies with very low birth weight and had an infant mortality rate 64% higher than those who had access to pre-natal care.

Housing
Lawndale has 14,620 housing units, a decrease of 6.8 percent from the 1990 census. The majority of the housing stock is greystone and brick buildings.

• 34% are 2-flats
• 30% are 3 or 4-flats
• 15% are 5-9-unit buildings
• 21% miscellaneous housing

Crime and the Criminal Justice System
At the time of the 2000 Census approximately 10,000 adult males were in prison. Given this absence there are about 67 men for every 100 women in the North Lawndale community, with a greater imbalance among the parenting generations. This gap often leads to permanent or intermittent father absence, decreased family income, and a heavy reliance on grandparents for parenting.

Transportation
Lawndale benefits greatly from transportation infrastructure. Lawndale has the Cermak Branch of the CTA Blue Line running from east to west through the community. Near the Northern border are the Eisenhower expressway (I 290) and the Forest Park Branch of the CTA Blue line, and Ogden Avenue runs diagonally through the middle of the community linking Lawndale with many western suburbs.