civicscout / chicago / austin

Austin
Neighborhood Intelligence

Track building permits, zoning, and civic data in one of Chicago's largest West Side communities.

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96,557
Population
$37,897
Median Income
$183,068
Median Home Value
39,144
Housing Units
25
Community Area
Based on 2023 ACS data
About Austin

Austin is a community area on Chicago's West Side, bounded by North Avenue to the north, the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) to the south, Cicero Avenue to the east, and Austin Boulevard (the city limits with Oak Park) to the west. With a population exceeding 96,000, Austin is one of the most populous community areas in Chicago. The neighborhood was originally developed in the late 19th century as a prosperous residential suburb, and its architectural legacy includes blocks of ornate greystones, Victorians, and brick two-flats.

Austin's commercial corridors along Chicago Avenue, Madison Street, and Lake Street serve the community's daily needs. The neighborhood is anchored by several parks, including Columbus Park, designed by Jens Jensen and considered one of his masterworks, with its lagoon, waterfalls, and prairie-style landscape. Austin has faced economic challenges in recent decades but retains strong community organizations and a significant stock of historically significant housing.

Boundaries
  • N North Avenue
  • S Eisenhower Expressway (I-290)
  • E Cicero Avenue
  • W Austin Boulevard (city limits)
Transit
  • Green Line — Austin, Central, Laramie, Cicero
  • Blue Line — Austin, Cicero
  • CTA Bus — #85 Central, #20 Madison, #66 Chicago
Landmarks
  • Columbus Park (Jens Jensen design)
  • Austin Town Hall
  • Chicago Avenue commercial corridor
  • Greater Holy Temple Church
What CivicScout Tracks in Austin
BLD
Building Permits

Austin generates a significant volume of building permits, including demolition permits, residential renovation permits, and some new construction. The neighborhood's large stock of vintage greystones and two-flats drives ongoing renovation activity.

SAF
Safety & Crime Data

CivicScout tracks 311 reports, police incidents, and other public safety data across Austin. The neighborhood generates 311 requests related to vacant buildings, street lighting, alley maintenance, and sanitation.

ZON
Zoning Intelligence

Austin features a mix of residential zoning (RS-3, RT-4, RM-5) with commercial corridors along Chicago Avenue, Madison Street, and Lake Street. Some industrial zoning remains along the railroad corridors.

RPT
Location Reports

Location reports for Austin addresses include renovation permits, demolition permits, 311 requests, and zoning data. The neighborhood's large size and diverse housing stock generate detailed civic records.

Explore Austin

Search an address in Austin to see building permits, safety data, zoning details, and AI-powered neighborhood reports.

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