Clearing is Chicago community area #64, on the Southwest Side between Harlem Avenue and the rail line east of Cicero Avenue. It grew around the Clearing Industrial District, founded in 1909, and holds the southern part of Midway Airport. About 23,600 people live there.
Clearing key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | #64 of 77 |
| Side of the city | Southwest Side |
| Population | 23,629 (2020–2024 American Community Survey five-year estimate, CMAP Community Data Snapshot, June 2026 release) |
| Neighborhoods within | Clearing East, Clearing West, Chrysler Village |
| Main L and Metra stations | CTA Orange Line: Midway station, just north on 59th Street |
| Major parks | Hale Park, Lawler Park |
Boundaries
Clearing runs from 59th Street on the north to 65th Street on the south. Harlem Avenue is the west edge, and rail tracks just east of Cicero Avenue form the east edge.
Neighborhoods within Clearing
The area includes Clearing East, Clearing West and Chrysler Village. Chrysler Village, between Long and Lavergne avenues and 63rd and 65th streets, sits between Midway Airport and the industrial district.
History
- 1909: the Clearing Industrial District is founded.
- 1912: Clearing incorporates as a town in Stickney Township.
- 1915: Clearing becomes part of Chicago.
- 1943: Chrysler Village’s brick homes are built for workers at the Chrysler defense plant, which made B-29 engines.
- 1947: Lawler Park is created.
Landmarks and parks
- The southern portion of Midway International Airport.
- Chrysler Village, a World War II worker housing district.
- Hale Park, with an outdoor pool, field house and ball fields.
- Lawler Park, 6.2 acres, home to Little League softball.
- Nathan Hale Elementary School at 61st Street and Melvina Avenue.
Getting there
The Orange Line’s Midway terminal, at 4612 W. 59th St., sits at Clearing’s northern edge and runs to the Loop.
Frequently asked questions
What community area number is Clearing?
Clearing is community area #64.
Is Midway Airport in Clearing?
Partly. The airport’s southern portion lies in Clearing; most of the rest is in Garfield Ridge.
What is Chrysler Village?
A neighborhood of brick homes built in 1943 for workers at a Chrysler plant that made B-29 engines.
When did Clearing join Chicago?
In 1915, three years after it incorporated as a town.
Related guides
- Garfield Ridge community area guide
- West Lawn community area guide
- O’Hare and Midway airports guide
- CTA Orange Line guide
- All 77 Chicago community areas
Sources
- CMAP Community Data Snapshot: Clearing (June 2026)
- Wikipedia: Clearing, Chicago
- Wikipedia: Midway station (CTA)
Last updated: October 31, 2026