Chicago: The Third Largest U.S. City

As of the 2020 Census, Chicago, Illinois is the third most populous city in the United States with 2,746,388 residents — behind New York City (8.8M) and Los Angeles (3.9M).

Why Chicago Matters

• Economic hub: 3rd largest metro GDP ($765B); finance (CME, CBOT), manufacturing, logistics, tech, food processing.
• Transportation nexus: O'Hare (ORD) — busiest airport by movements; rail hub (6 Class I railroads); Great Lakes port.
• Architecture: Birthplace of skyscraper (Home Insurance Building 1885); Willis Tower (formerly Sears), John Hancock, Aqua, St. Regis; Frank Lloyd Wright (Robie House, Unity Temple).
• Culture: Art Institute, Symphony, Lyric Opera, Steppenwolf, Second City, blues/jazz clubs, 77 neighborhoods.
• Events: Air & Water Show (lakefront), Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, Marathon.

Metro vs. City

• City proper: 2.75M (228 sq mi).
• Metro (CSA): 9.6M (Chicagoland — IL, IN, WI).
• Rank: 3rd city proper; 3rd metro (after NY, LA).

Chicago is the capital of the Midwest — gritty, grand, and genuinely urban.