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Ancestry refers to the lineage or descent of a person, family, or group, tracing back through generations to identify their origins, heritage, and familial connections. It encompasses the genetic, cultural, and historical ties that link individuals to their forebears, shaping their identity and sense of belonging. Ancestry is a multifaceted concept, intertwining biology, genealogy, history, and culture, and it plays a significant role in how people understand themselves and their place in the world.

At its core, ancestry is rooted in genetics. Each individual inherits a unique combination of DNA from their parents, who in turn inherited their DNA from their own ancestors. This genetic material carries information about physical traits, predispositions to certain health conditions, and even behavioral tendencies. Advances in genetic testing, such as DNA analysis, have made it possible for individuals to trace their biological ancestry with remarkable precision. Companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA offer services that analyze genetic markers to provide insights into a person's ethnic composition and geographic origins, often revealing surprising connections to distant relatives or previously unknown heritage.

Beyond genetics, ancestry is deeply tied to genealogy, the study of family history and lineage. Genealogical research involves constructing family trees, documenting relationships, and uncovering historical records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and immigration documents. This process often reveals stories of migration, resilience, and adaptation, offering a window into the lives of ancestors and the challenges they faced. For many, genealogy is a way to honor their forebears and preserve their legacy for future generations.

Cultural ancestry is another critical dimension, encompassing the traditions, languages, customs, and values passed down through generations. It connects individuals to their ethnic or national heritage, shaping their cultural identity and worldview. For example, someone with Irish ancestry might celebrate St. Patrick's Day, learn traditional Irish dance, or explore the Gaelic language, while someone with Japanese ancestry might practice tea ceremonies, study calligraphy, or observe Obon festivals. Cultural ancestry fosters a sense of continuity and belonging, linking individuals to a broader community with shared experiences and values.

Historical ancestry delves into the broader context of a family's or group's past, including significant events, social conditions, and historical movements that shaped their lives. For instance, the transatlantic slave trade, the Irish Potato Famine, or the Jewish diaspora have profoundly influenced the ancestry of millions of people, leaving lasting imprints on their descendants' identities. Understanding historical ancestry often involves grappling with complex narratives of triumph and tragedy, resilience and oppression, and the interplay of individual and collective experiences.

Ancestry also has a deeply personal and emotional dimension. For many, exploring their ancestry is a journey of self-discovery, offering insights into who they are and where they come from. It can foster a sense of pride, connection, and continuity, as well as a deeper appreciation for the struggles and achievements of those who came before. At the same time, it can raise questions about identity, belonging, and the complexities of heritage, particularly for individuals with mixed or multicultural backgrounds.

In a globalized world, ancestry serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting individuals to their roots while also highlighting the interconnectedness of human history. It underscores the diversity and richness of human experience, reminding us that every person's story is part of a larger tapestry woven over centuries. Whether through genetic testing, genealogical research, cultural practices, or historical exploration, ancestry offers a profound way to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

A diversification score measures the diversity of ancestries in the county. As the value appoaches 100, ancestry diversity decreases and therefore increasing the risk of a lack of cultural diversity. The ancestry diversification score for this county is:

Most common ancestry not including "Unknown" is:

Ancestry Report Part I
Description	Total Population	American	Native American	Hawaiian	Caribbean (Latino)	Mexican	Central American	South American	Other Hispanic	African American	Sub- Saharan	Caribbean (Black)

DuPage County	943,022	14,798	871	221	15,600	111,032	7,328	8,983	3,534	29,499	9,210	6,327
Illinois (in 000's)	12,784	334	16	3	260	1,811	96	109	66	1,099	348	291
National (in 000's)	343,251	13,890	2,213	626	11,327	38,879	6,181	4,644	3,687	25,893	7,852	7,174
Cook County	5,233,701	52,047	5,528	990	168,976	1,041,269	56,185	72,272	35,530	719,598	233,195	209,636
Will County	711,574	11,621	770	73	10,406	113,192	3,060	3,969	2,858	50,682	20,437	9,550
Kane County	523,464	9,587	528	112	12,759	141,567	5,588	4,625	4,964	16,939	4,691	3,960
Kendall County	144,249	2,295	114	12	3,429	25,400	402	483	451	9,706	1,274	265

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

DuPage County	7.66	1.57	0.09	0.02	1.65	11.77	0.78	0.95	0.37	3.13	0.98	0.67
Illinois	8.32	2.61	0.12	0.02	2.03	14.17	0.75	0.85	0.52	8.60	2.72	2.28
National	7.83	4.05	0.64	0.18	3.30	11.33	1.80	1.35	1.07	7.54	2.29	2.09
Cook County	9.36	0.99	0.11	0.02	3.23	19.90	1.07	1.38	0.68	13.75	4.46	4.01
Will County	8.52	1.63	0.11	0.01	1.46	15.91	0.43	0.56	0.40	7.12	2.87	1.34
Kane County	12.04	1.83	0.10	0.02	2.44	27.04	1.07	0.88	0.95	3.24	0.90	0.76
Kendall County	11.02	1.59	0.08	0.01	2.38	17.61	0.28	0.33	0.31	6.73	0.88	0.18

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

DuPage County		60.01	74.11	101.35	81.35	83.09	103.50	111.87	72.64	36.38	35.90	29.44
Illinois		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		154.75	517.34	789.18	162.27	79.93	239.84	158.89	208.21	87.73	84.08	91.71
Cook County		38.03	84.75	81.80	158.76	140.41	142.98	162.17	131.60	159.91	163.77	175.75
Will County		62.46	86.82	44.37	71.91	112.26	57.27	65.51	77.86	82.84	105.56	58.89
Kane County		70.04	80.93	92.53	119.86	190.86	142.18	103.76	183.83	37.64	32.94	33.19
Kendall County		60.84	63.41	35.98	116.89	124.27	37.12	39.32	60.61	78.26	32.46	8.06

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

DuPage County		38.78	14.32	12.84	50.13	103.95	43.15	70.41	34.89	41.47	42.69	32.10
Illinois		64.62	19.33	12.67	61.63	125.10	41.69	62.94	48.03	113.98	118.94	109.04
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
Cook County		24.57	16.38	10.37	97.84	175.65	59.61	102.07	63.20	182.27	194.78	191.64
Will County		40.36	16.78	5.62	44.32	140.44	23.88	41.23	37.39	94.42	125.55	64.21
Kane County		45.26	15.64	11.72	73.86	238.77	59.28	65.30	88.29	42.90	39.18	36.19
Kendall County		39.32	12.26	4.56	72.04	155.46	15.48	24.75	29.11	89.20	38.61	8.79

Ancestry Report Part II
Description	Total Population	Canadian	British	Dutch	French	German	Italian	Polish	Scandinavian	Scotish/ Irish	Spanish	Other European

DuPage County	943,022	1,808	30,951	6,596	6,897	80,331	49,035	48,791	20,939	68,813	2,207	55,469
Illinois (in 000's)	12,784	20	481	69	106	1,207	364	423	233	789	22	459
National (in 000's)	343,251	1,350	18,069	1,828	3,642	24,708	9,027	4,667	5,969	20,625	1,140	9,563
Cook County	5,233,701	5,428	83,111	16,180	21,349	215,670	126,516	198,077	54,249	225,370	8,223	198,344
Will County	711,574	1,200	19,353	5,824	4,208	61,233	32,096	41,109	11,173	50,921	2,289	30,639
Kane County	523,464	1,243	17,260	2,442	4,725	50,010	19,185	18,134	13,683	29,504	1,179	17,507
Kendall County	144,249	238	5,142	643	1,207	14,117	4,087	4,883	3,584	8,896	274	6,099

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

DuPage County	7.66	0.19	3.28	0.70	0.73	8.52	5.20	5.17	2.22	7.30	0.23	5.88
Illinois	8.32	0.16	3.77	0.54	0.83	9.44	2.85	3.31	1.82	6.17	0.18	3.59
National	7.83	0.39	5.26	0.53	1.06	7.20	2.63	1.36	1.74	6.01	0.33	2.79
Cook County	9.36	0.10	1.59	0.31	0.41	4.12	2.42	3.78	1.04	4.31	0.16	3.79
Will County	8.52	0.17	2.72	0.82	0.59	8.61	4.51	5.78	1.57	7.16	0.32	4.31
Kane County	12.04	0.24	3.30	0.47	0.90	9.55	3.67	3.46	2.61	5.64	0.23	3.34
Kendall County	11.02	0.16	3.56	0.45	0.84	9.79	2.83	3.39	2.48	6.17	0.19	4.23

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

DuPage County		121.36	87.16	130.03	88.57	90.21	182.61	156.45	121.85	118.26	133.70	163.74
Illinois		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		248.99	139.80	99.00	128.48	76.23	92.36	41.11	95.42	97.38	189.77	77.56
Cook County		65.65	42.17	57.47	49.40	43.64	84.89	114.44	56.88	69.79	89.75	105.49
Will County		106.75	72.23	152.15	71.61	91.12	158.40	174.69	86.16	115.98	183.76	119.86
Kane County		150.31	87.57	86.72	109.31	101.17	128.71	104.75	143.44	91.35	128.67	93.10
Kendall County		104.44	94.67	82.86	101.33	103.63	99.50	102.36	136.34	99.95	108.51	117.70

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

DuPage County		48.74	62.35	131.34	68.93	118.34	197.71	380.55	127.69	121.44	70.45	211.12
Illinois		40.16	71.53	101.01	77.83	131.19	108.27	243.24	104.80	102.69	52.70	128.94
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
Cook County		26.37	30.17	58.05	38.45	57.25	91.92	278.36	59.61	71.67	47.30	136.02
Will County		42.87	51.67	153.69	55.74	119.55	171.51	424.92	90.30	119.10	96.84	154.54
Kane County		60.37	62.64	87.60	85.08	132.72	139.36	254.80	150.33	93.80	67.80	120.04
Kendall County		41.95	67.72	83.70	78.87	135.96	107.73	248.98	142.89	102.64	57.18	151.75

Ancestry Report Part III
Description	Total Population	Chinese	Filipino	Japanese	Korean	Vietnamese	South Central Asian	South East Asian	Other Asian	Middle Eastern	Other Ancestry	Unknown

DuPage County	943,022	15,651	16,923	1,413	4,833	3,482	64,585	8,100	4,202	7,783	137,698	99,112
Illinois (in 000's)	12,784	137	130	18	60	27	291	49	33	75	1,581	1,775
National (in 000's)	343,251	4,461	3,010	793	1,541	1,913	5,452	1,643	1,229	1,931	47,322	51,000
Cook County	5,233,701	84,529	70,770	12,494	37,513	15,877	138,287	25,523	18,667	48,063	674,404	359,831
Will County	711,574	5,436	9,501	224	1,601	999	21,816	2,068	2,028	3,497	91,173	86,568
Kane County	523,464	1,231	6,110	314	1,201	511	8,655	2,326	929	1,579	63,117	57,299
Kendall County	144,249	582	887	66	158	63	2,287	347	228	329	17,705	28,596

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

DuPage County	7.66	1.66	1.79	0.15	0.51	0.37	6.85	0.86	0.45	0.83	14.60	10.51
Illinois	8.32	1.07	1.01	0.14	0.47	0.21	2.27	0.39	0.26	0.59	12.37	13.89
National	7.83	1.30	0.88	0.23	0.45	0.56	1.59	0.48	0.36	0.56	13.79	14.86
Cook County	9.36	1.62	1.35	0.24	0.72	0.30	2.64	0.49	0.36	0.92	12.89	6.88
Will County	8.52	0.76	1.34	0.03	0.22	0.14	3.07	0.29	0.29	0.49	12.81	12.17
Kane County	12.04	0.24	1.17	0.06	0.23	0.10	1.65	0.44	0.18	0.30	12.06	10.95
Kendall County	11.02	0.40	0.61	0.05	0.11	0.04	1.59	0.24	0.16	0.23	12.27	19.82

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

DuPage County		155.39	176.88	104.38	108.97	172.12	301.05	222.97	170.30	140.30	118.08	75.69
Illinois		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		121.68	86.44	160.91	95.48	259.78	69.82	124.24	136.89	95.61	111.49	107.00
Cook County		151.21	133.28	166.30	152.40	141.41	116.15	126.59	136.31	156.11	104.20	49.51
Will County		71.52	131.61	21.93	47.84	65.44	134.77	75.44	108.92	83.54	103.61	87.61
Kane County		22.02	115.05	41.79	48.78	45.51	72.68	115.35	67.83	51.28	97.51	78.83
Kendall County		37.78	60.61	31.87	23.29	20.36	69.69	62.44	60.41	38.77	99.26	142.77

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

DuPage County		127.70	204.62	64.87	114.13	66.26	431.20	179.46	124.41	146.73	105.91	70.74
Illinois		82.18	115.68	62.15	104.74	38.49	143.23	80.49	73.05	104.59	89.70	93.46
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
Cook County		124.27	154.18	103.35	159.62	54.44	166.36	101.89	99.58	163.27	93.47	46.27
Will County		58.78	152.24	13.63	50.10	25.19	193.03	60.72	79.57	87.37	92.94	81.88
Kane County		18.09	133.09	25.97	51.09	17.52	104.10	92.84	49.55	53.63	87.46	73.67
Kendall County		31.04	70.11	19.81	24.39	7.84	99.82	50.26	44.13	40.55	89.03	133.42

Sources: STI: PopStats, Circa April 2025

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