Community Vision Rejuvenates Chicago Recreation Area
The Takeaway: An urban oasis long described as a “hidden gem” is becoming a destination park once again, with improvements supported and managed by Illinois’ coastal management program.
Learn MoreStates / Illinois
Illinois
45.7%
Population of State Living in Coastal Areas
$180.7 Billion
Coastal Employment
Annual Wages
38
Climate and Weather Disasters
(Affecting Illinois 2010 to 2018)*
Coastal Demographics
Of the total population of approximately 12.9 million in Illinois, 5.9 million people live in coastal portions of the state.
Coastal Economy
Coastal Illinois employs 2.9 million people annually, earning a total of about $191 billion. This equates to almost $474 billion in gross domestic product.
Natural Hazards
Three billion-dollar weather disaster affected Illinois in 2018—and a total of 38 affected the state between 2010 and 2018. One of the costliest and deadliest years was 2017, which saw numerous tornadoes and historic levels of flooding.*
Sources:
American Community Survey Five-Year Estimates (NOAA Data)
*Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters (NOAA Website)
(All economic and demographic facts represent the latest data available [2015] and are regularly updated as new data become available)
Making a Difference
in Illinois
Education Program Takes Root in Illinois Classrooms
The Takeaway: What started with a single school has expanded to educate over 1,500 students on the ins and outs of the water cycle and the importance of Lake Michigan.
Learn MoreGrants Bolster Illinois Port District’s Financial and Community Assets
The Takeaway: Funding and assistance by the Illinois Coastal Management Program strengthens operations and helps remedy infrastructure problems.
Learn MoreGreat Lakes Shoreline Is Deteriorating—and NOAA Is Hard at Work on Restoration
The Takeaway: This shoreline report, co-authored by a Digital Coast scientist, makes plain the critical importance of NOAA’s nature-based restoration projects in the Great Lakes region.
Learn MoreIllinois Boosts Ecology, Community along Lake Michigan Industrial Corridor
The Takeaway: Habitat restoration, multiuse trails, an accessible kayak launch, a more effective port district—the Illinois Coastal Management Program helps bring a fresh new spirit to this area.
Learn MoreLifesaving Beach Initiative Reaches More than a Million
The Takeaway: NOAA and Wisconsin's coastal program deliver life jackets and a social media campaign.
Learn MoreNOAA-Funded Helicopter Tool Tracks Shifting Sands
The Takeaway: New technology approach, funded through a coastal management grant, provides information helpful for addressing an annual $3 million problem associated with sand movement and resulting dredging needs.
Learn MoreNavy Pier Project Serves as Model for Natural Infrastructure Techniques
The Takeaway: A grant from the coastal management program helped turn this old pier into a public, environment-friendly space.
Learn MoreProgram Draws People of Faith to Stories of Illinois Coast
The Takeaway: Thousands took part in the “Migration & Me,” program spotlighting the journeys of butterflies, bees, and people, with support from the Illinois Coastal Management Program.
Learn MorePrograms Improve Public Access for All
The Takeaway: NOAA safeguards coastal public access and inclusive adventures through the efforts of the National Coastal Zone Management Program and National Estuarine Research Reserve System.
Learn MoreWaukegan’s Harbor Cleanup Revitalizes City Scene
The Takeaway: Harbor’s clean bill of health strengthens the lakefront’s appeal as a recreational and cultural hub for the community.
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