Illinois

The Desi Community in Chicago

Anchored by Devon Avenue, one of North America's oldest Desi corridors

Metro Chicago's Indian community goes back generations, built around Devon Avenue's Little India and now spreading into thriving suburbs like Naperville and Schaumburg.

By the numbers

Metro Chicago has the second-largest Indian American population in the US

An estimated 238,000 residents, per Pew Research analysis of Census data.

Source: Pew Research Center — Top 10 U.S. metro areas by Indian population

Figures reflect the most recent published estimates as of 2024. See each card for its original source.

Where the community lives

A few of the neighborhoods and suburbs that make up the Chicago area.

Naperville
A top draw for Indian families with school-age kids
Schaumburg
Established Desi retail and dining
Aurora
Growing steadily as a more affordable option near Chicago
Downtown
Close to the Loop for young professionals

Cultural landmarks

Devon Avenue's Desi corridor has anchored the community since the early 1970s

One of the best-known South Asian commercial districts in North America.

Source: Wikipedia — Devon Avenue

IndiAdda is coming to Chicago

We're building IndiAdda to help the Desi community in Chicago find each other, discover local events, and get trusted recommendations — right from the neighborhood you actually live in.

Follow @indiadda_usa for launch updates