South Lawndale is Chicago community area #30, on the city’s Southwest Side, and most Chicagoans know it as Little Village. Its 26th Street commercial corridor is one of the city’s main Mexican American shopping streets. CMAP estimates its population at 69,884 (2020–2024 ACS).
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 30 |
| Side of the city | Southwest Side |
| Population (2020–2024 ACS estimate, CMAP) | 69,884 |
| Neighborhoods within | Little Village, Marshall Square |
| Main L stations | None inside the area; Pink Line stations are just north in North Lawndale |
| Major parks | Piotrowski Park (largest), Washtenaw Park, Shedd Park |
Boundaries
South Lawndale sits south of North Lawndale, between the Lower West Side and the suburb of Cicero. The former Western Electric complex lay along its western edge at the Cicero line, and the former International Harvester plant stood in its southeast quarter.
Neighborhoods within South Lawndale
- Little Village (La Villita): the dense western and central part of the area.
- Marshall Square: the other named neighborhood in the area.
History
Czech and other Eastern European immigrants, many from Bohemia, settled the area after the Great Chicago Fire, and industrial jobs drew more residents in the early 1900s. Polish immigration rose in the mid-20th century.
Mexican families moved west into South Lawndale from the mid-1960s, after UIC’s expansion displaced the Near West Side’s Mexican community. The Hispanic share of residents rose from 4% in 1970 to 47% in 1980 and 83% in 2000. The closings of the International Harvester and Western Electric plants cut local jobs from the late 1960s onward.
Landmarks and parks
- 26th Street, called “Calle Mexico,” with restaurants, shops and banks; businesses along 22nd and 26th streets number more than 1,600.
- Cook County Jail, located in South Lawndale.
- Piotrowski Park, the area’s largest public park.
- Half a dozen Roman Catholic parishes.
Getting there
South Lawndale has no L stop of its own. The Pink Line’s stations in North Lawndale, such as Kedzie and Pulaski, are the nearest rail options; CTA buses on the major streets connect the rest of the area.
Frequently asked questions
Is Little Village the same as South Lawndale?
Little Village is the main neighborhood within South Lawndale, community area #30. Marshall Square is the other named section.
What is 26th Street known for in Little Village?
It is the area’s main shopping street, nicknamed “Calle Mexico,” lined with Mexican restaurants, shops and banks.
How many people live in South Lawndale?
CMAP estimates 69,884 residents, using 2020–2024 ACS data.
Is there an L stop in Little Village?
No. The nearest L stations are on the Pink Line in North Lawndale.
Related guides
- North Lawndale (#29) community area guide
- Lower West Side (#31) community area guide
- Brighton Park community area guide
- CTA Pink Line guide
- CTA buses guide
- All 77 Chicago community areas
Sources
- CMAP Community Data Snapshot: South Lawndale (June 2026 release)
- Encyclopedia of Chicago: South Lawndale
- Wikipedia: South Lawndale, Chicago
- Wikipedia: List of Chicago “L” stations
Last updated: October 31, 2026