Dunning is Community Area #17 on Chicago’s Northwest Side, a residential area along the city’s western edge. It grew around the Cook County Poor Farm and insane asylum founded in the 1850s and is now home to Wilbur Wright College. The 2020 Census counted 43,147 residents.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 17 |
| Side of the city | Northwest Side |
| Population (2020 Census) | 43,147 |
| Neighborhoods within | Dunning, Belmont Heights, Belmont Terrace, Irving Woods, Schorsch Village |
| Main L and Metra stations | None listed in the area; CTA buses serve the main streets |
| Major parks and open space | Read Dunning Memorial Park, Mount Olive Cemetery |
Where Dunning is and its boundaries
Dunning lies on the Northwest Side at the city limits. It borders the suburbs of Harwood Heights, Norridge, River Grove and Elmwood Park.
The area covers about 3.75 square miles.
Neighborhoods within Dunning
Dunning includes Belmont Heights, Belmont Terrace, Irving Woods and Schorsch Village, plus Dunning proper.
A short history
- The 1833 Treaty of Chicago opened land northwest of the city to settlement, and Jefferson Township formed in 1850.
- Cook County bought land here in 1851 for its poorhouse and insane asylum, later called the Cook County Poor Farm.
- A railroad depot built in 1882 was named Dunning for nearby landowners David Dunning and his son Andrew.
- Chicago annexed the area in 1889.
- Wright Junior College was built here in 1934.
- Read Dunning Memorial Park opened in 2002 to honor the roughly 38,000 people buried on the poor farm grounds.
Landmarks and parks
- Wilbur Wright College
- Read Dunning Memorial Park
- Mount Olive Cemetery, founded in 1886
- Chicago-Read Mental Health Center
Getting there
Our sources list no L or Metra station inside Dunning; CTA buses serve its main streets.
Frequently asked questions
What community area number is Dunning?
Dunning is Community Area #17.
Why is it called Dunning?
A railroad depot built in 1882 took the name of nearby landowners David Dunning and his son Andrew.
What was the Dunning asylum?
The Cook County poorhouse and insane asylum, founded in 1851; about 38,000 people were buried on its grounds.
What college is in Dunning?
Wilbur Wright College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago.
Related guides
- Norwood Park (Community Area #10)
- Portage Park (Community Area #15)
- Montclare (Community Area #18)
- Belmont Cragin (Community Area #19)
- O’Hare (Community Area #76)
- Chicago’s 77 community areas, explained
- Chicago neighborhoods hub
Sources
Last updated: October 31, 2026