Belmont Cragin is Community Area #19 on Chicago’s Northwest Side, a large, mostly Latino residential area. Its name joins Belmont Avenue’s shopping district with the old Cragin factory settlement, and its centerpiece green space is Riis Park. The 2020 Census counted 78,116 residents.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 19 |
| Side of the city | Northwest Side |
| Population (2020 Census) | 78,116 |
| Neighborhoods within | Belmont Central, Brickyard, Cragin, Hanson Park |
| Main L and Metra stations | Metra Milwaukee District West: Grand/Cicero (replaced the closed Leclaire Avenue station); no L stations |
| Major parks and open space | Riis Park |
Where Belmont Cragin is and its boundaries
Belmont Cragin lies on the Northwest Side, south of Portage Park and Dunning and north of Austin.
It sits between Montclare to the west and Hermosa to the east.
Neighborhoods within Belmont Cragin
The community area has four main neighborhoods: Belmont Central, Brickyard, Cragin and Hanson Park.
About 78 percent of residents were Hispanic in 2024, up from about 65 percent in 2000.
A short history
- George Merrill opened a saloon around 1835 at a crossroads later called Whiskey Point.
- Cragin Brothers and Company later moved its tin plate and sheet iron plant near Whiskey Point, giving the area part of its name.
- Chicago annexed the area in 1889 as part of Jefferson Township.
- The name Belmont Cragin came into use in the 1930s.
- The Brickyard Shopping Mall opened in March 1977 on the old Carey Brickyard site and was torn down in 2003.
Landmarks and parks
- Riis Park, designed by Alfred Caldwell
- Belmont Central shopping district on Belmont Avenue
- The Brickyard retail area
Getting there
Belmont Cragin has no L station. Metra’s Grand/Cicero station on the Milwaukee District West Line replaced the area’s Leclaire Avenue station in 2006.
CTA buses, including the Belmont Avenue route, serve the area.
Frequently asked questions
What community area number is Belmont Cragin?
Belmont Cragin is Community Area #19.
Where does the name Belmont Cragin come from?
From Belmont Avenue and the Cragin Brothers factory settlement; the combined name came into use in the 1930s.
Is Belmont Cragin a Latino neighborhood?
Yes. About 78 percent of residents were Hispanic in 2024.
Is there an L stop in Belmont Cragin?
No. The area is served by CTA buses and Metra’s Grand/Cicero station.
Related guides
- Portage Park (Community Area #15)
- Dunning (Community Area #17)
- Montclare (Community Area #18)
- Hermosa (Community Area #20)
- Austin (Community Area #25)
- Chicago’s 77 community areas, explained
- Chicago neighborhoods hub
- Metra guide
Sources
- Wikipedia: Belmont Cragin, Chicago
- Dominican University Government Data: Chicago community areas by side
Last updated: October 31, 2026