West Lawn is Chicago community area #65, on the Southwest Side about 9 miles from the Loop. Its center is the shopping and civic strip around 63rd Street and Pulaski Road, and it includes Ford City, built on a former factory site. About 31,900 people live there.
West Lawn key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | #65 of 77 |
| Side of the city | Southwest Side |
| Population | 31,942 (2020–2024 American Community Survey five-year estimate, CMAP Community Data Snapshot, June 2026 release) |
| Neighborhoods within | West Lawn, Ford City |
| Main L and Metra stations | CTA Orange Line: Midway station serves many residents (no station inside) |
| Major parks | West Lawn Park (4233 W. 65th St.) |
Location and boundaries
West Lawn lies west of Chicago Lawn, separated from it by the Grand Trunk Railroad tracks. West Elsdon is to the north and Clearing is to the west.
Pulaski Road and 63rd Street form its main shopping and public area.
Neighborhoods within West Lawn
The community area includes West Lawn and Ford City, which surrounds the Ford City shopping center.
History
- 1870s: developers subdivide land northeast of 67th Street and Pulaski Road.
- 1920: the population reaches 2,544, helped by a street railway on 63rd Street.
- 1946: the Airport Homes race riots take place at 60th Street and Karlov Avenue.
- 1950–1970: the population grows from 14,460 to 27,644.
- 1965: Ford City Shopping Center opens on the former factory site.
- 1986: the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture moves into the former Von Solbrig Hospital.
Landmarks and parks
- Ford City Shopping Center.
- Richard J. Daley College, a City Colleges of Chicago campus.
- Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture on Pulaski Road.
- West Lawn branch of the Chicago Public Library.
- West Lawn Park, 4233 W. 65th St., about 16 acres.
Getting there
West Lawn has no L station of its own. The Orange Line’s Midway station, at 4612 W. 59th St., serves many West Lawn residents and runs to the Loop.
Frequently asked questions
What community area number is West Lawn?
West Lawn is community area #65.
Is Ford City in West Lawn?
Yes. Ford City, including the Ford City Shopping Center that opened in 1965, is part of West Lawn.
What college is in West Lawn?
Richard J. Daley College, part of City Colleges of Chicago.
How do you get to West Lawn by train?
Take the Orange Line to Midway, the station closest to most of West Lawn.
Related guides
- West Elsdon community area guide
- Chicago Lawn community area guide
- Clearing community area guide
- Ashburn community area guide
- CTA Orange Line guide
- All 77 Chicago community areas
Sources
- CMAP Community Data Snapshot: West Lawn (June 2026)
- Wikipedia: West Lawn, Chicago
- Encyclopedia of Chicago: West Lawn
- Chicago Park District: West Lawn Park
- Wikipedia: Midway station (CTA)
Last updated: October 31, 2026