while most of chicago and its surrounding residential areas are generally regarded as being somewhat racially segregated, the city's unique culture arises from its being a melting pot, with nearly even percentages of european americans, african americans, and latinos as well as sizable populations of asians. the white, black and hispanic communities extend radially outward from the center of the city. the racial makeup of the city in 2010 was 45.3% white (31.7% non-hispanic white), 32% black, 5% asian, and 3% from two or more races. the ethnic makeup of the population is 28% hispanic and 72% belong to non hispanic background.