Austin is Community Area #25 on Chicago’s West Side, on the city’s western border with Oak Park. It is one of the largest community areas by both land area and population, and is known for Columbus Park and the Austin Town Hall. The 2020 Census counted 96,557 residents.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 25 |
| Side of the city | West Side |
| Population (2020 Census) | 96,557 |
| Neighborhoods within | North Austin, South Austin, Galewood, The Island |
| Main L and Metra stations | Green Line: Austin, Central, Laramie, Cicero; Blue Line (Forest Park branch): Austin, Cicero; Metra Milwaukee District West: Galewood, Mars |
| Major parks and open space | Columbus Park, Austin Town Hall Park, Midway Park |
Where Austin is and its boundaries
Austin sits at the western edge of Chicago, next to Oak Park.
The Milwaukee District West Line forms most of its northern edge, with the area reaching north to Harlem Avenue above North Avenue. Roosevelt Road is the southern edge, the Belt Railway just east of Cicero Avenue is the eastern edge, and Austin Boulevard and Harlem Avenue form the west.
Neighborhoods within Austin
The area includes North Austin, South Austin, Galewood and The Island, a small pocket in the south.
Chicago Studio City, a large film and TV studio, is in The Island.
A short history
- Henry DeKoven bought prairie land here in 1835.
- The Town of Cicero, formed in 1857, covered today’s Cicero, Oak Park, Berwyn and Austin.
- Henry W. Austin bought DeKoven’s land and developed the subdivision of Austinville.
- The Town of Cicero put its town hall in Austin in 1870.
- Chicago annexed Austin by referendum in 1899, even though Austin voters opposed it.
- Construction of the Eisenhower Expressway, which split South Austin, began in 1949.
Landmarks and parks
- Columbus Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Austin Town Hall, modeled on Philadelphia’s Independence Hall
- Austin Historic District and Midway Park
- Chicago Studio City
Getting there
The Green Line runs along Lake Street with stops at Cicero, Laramie, Central and Austin. The Blue Line’s Forest Park branch stops at Cicero and Austin in the Eisenhower Expressway median.
Metra’s Milwaukee District West Line stops at Galewood; Mars station serves rush-hour riders only.
Frequently asked questions
What community area number is Austin?
Austin is Community Area #25.
When did Austin become part of Chicago?
In 1899, through an annexation referendum that Austin voters themselves opposed.
Which L lines serve Austin?
The Green Line along Lake Street and the Blue Line’s Forest Park branch along the Eisenhower Expressway.
Is Austin the biggest community area?
It is among the largest by both area and population; in 2020 it ranked behind the Near North Side and Lake View in residents.
Related guides
- Montclare (Community Area #18)
- Belmont Cragin (Community Area #19)
- Humboldt Park (Community Area #23)
- West Garfield Park (Community Area #26)
- Chicago’s 77 community areas, explained
- Chicago neighborhoods hub
- Green Line guide
- Blue Line guide
- Metra guide
Sources
- Wikipedia: Austin, Chicago
- CTA: Green Line
- CTA: Blue Line
- Dominican University Government Data: Chicago community areas by side
Last updated: October 31, 2026