Will County, Illinois
Encyclopedia
As of the census
of 2000, there were 502,266 people, 167,542 households, and 131,017 families residing in the county. The population density
was 600 people per square mile (232/km²). There were 175,524 housing units at an average density of 210 per square mile (81/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 81.83% White
, 10.45% Black
or African American
, 0.21% Native American
, 2.21% Asian
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
, 3.63% from other races
, and 1.63% from two or more races. 8.71% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 18.1% were of German, 12.8% Irish
, 10.1% Polish and 9.8% Italian
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 167,542 households out of which 42.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.80% were married couples
living together, 9.60% had a female householder with no husband
present, and 21.80% were non-families. 17.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.36.
In the county the population was spread out with 30.00% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 32.90% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 8.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 99.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $62,238, and the median income for a family was $69,608 (these figures had risen to $73,159 and $82,082 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $50,152 versus $31,345 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $24,613. About 3.40% of families and 4.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.60% of those under age 18 and 5.50% of those age 65 or over.
:
pipeline grid where pipelines from Canada
and the Gulf of Mexico
meet and then fan out to serve the Midwest.
Major highways in the county include Interstate 55
, Interstate 57
and Interstate 80
. The Interstate 355
toll road extension has been completed and now connects with Interstate 80
.
Four different Metra
commuter rail lines (Metra Electric Main Line
, Southwest Service
, Rock Island District
and Heritage Corridor
) connect the parts of the county with the Chicago Loop
.
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 502,266 people, 167,542 households, and 131,017 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 600 people per square mile (232/km²). There were 175,524 housing units at an average density of 210 per square mile (81/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 81.83% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 10.45% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.21% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.21% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 3.63% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.63% from two or more races. 8.71% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 18.1% were of German, 12.8% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 10.1% Polish and 9.8% Italian
Italian people
The Italian people are an ethnic group that share a common Italian culture, ancestry and speak the Italian language as a mother tongue. Within Italy, Italians are defined by citizenship, regardless of ancestry or country of residence , and are distinguished from people...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 167,542 households out of which 42.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.80% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.60% had a female householder with no husband
Husband
A husband is a male participant in a marriage. The rights and obligations of the husband regarding his spouse and others, and his status in the community and in law, vary between cultures and has varied over time...
present, and 21.80% were non-families. 17.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.36.
In the county the population was spread out with 30.00% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 32.90% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 8.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 99.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $62,238, and the median income for a family was $69,608 (these figures had risen to $73,159 and $82,082 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $50,152 versus $31,345 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $24,613. About 3.40% of families and 4.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.60% of those under age 18 and 5.50% of those age 65 or over.
Government
Will County is governed via a 27 member county board who are elected from one of 9 wards. Each ward elects 3 members. The County Executive, County Clerk, Coroner, Auditor, Treasurer, Recorder of Deeds and Sheriff are all elected in a countywide vote.Townships
Will County is divided into these townshipsCivil township
A civil township is a widely used unit of local government in the United States, subordinate to, and geographic divisions of, a county. Specific responsibilities and the degree of autonomy vary based on each state. Civil townships are distinct from survey townships, but in states that have both,...
:
- ChannahonChannahon Township, Will County, IllinoisChannahon Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 8,339 at the 2000 census.- External links :****...
- CreteCrete Township, Will County, IllinoisCrete Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 23,589 at the 2000 census. Washington Township was formed from a portion of Crete.- External links :****...
- CusterCuster Township, Will County, IllinoisCuster Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 1,463 at the 2000 census. Custer Township was formed from Reed Township and Wilmington Township at an unknown date....
- DuPageDuPage Township, Will County, IllinoisDuPage Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 71,745 at the 2000 census.- External links :****...
- FlorenceFlorence Township, Will County, IllinoisFlorence Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 642 at the 2000 census. Florence Township was formed from a portion of Wilmington Township at an unknown date.- External links :****...
- FrankfortFrankfort Township, Will County, IllinoisFrankfort Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 41,292 at the 2000 census.- External links :****...
- Green GardenGreen Garden Township, Will County, IllinoisGreen Garden Township is located between the villages of Manhattan and Monee and straight south of Frankfort. The center of the township is the intersection of Manhattan-Monee and Center roads. From the center, the township extends three miles in each direction; north, west, south, and east, for a...
- HomerHomer Township, Will County, IllinoisHomer Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 28,992 at the 2000 census. In 2001, the village of Homer Glen was incorporated within area that is Homer Township. This region was formerly an unincorporated census-designated place known as Goodings Grove, Illinois...
- JacksonJackson Township, Will County, IllinoisJackson Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 3,541 at the 2000 census.- External links :****...
- JolietJoliet Township, Will County, IllinoisJoliet Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 86,468 at the 2000 census.- External links :****...
- LockportLockport Township, Will County, IllinoisLockport Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 42,048 at the 2000 census.- External links :****- Academic Institutions :* Lockport Township High School...
- ManhattanManhattan Township, Will County, IllinoisManhattan Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 5,615 at the 2000 census. Manhattan Township was formed from the western half of Trenton Township at an unknown date.- External links :****...
- MoneeMonee Township, Will County, IllinoisMonee Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 13,294 at the 2000 census. Monee Township used to be known as Carcy Township, but the name was changed at an unknown date.- External links :****...
- New LenoxNew Lenox Township, Will County, IllinoisNew Lenox Township is located in the heart Will County, Illinois on US Route 30 and Interstate 80. The population was 29,730 at the 2000 census. New Lenox Township has thirty-six square miles within its jurisdiction...
- PeotonePeotone Township, Will County, IllinoisPeotone Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 3,938 at the 2000 census. Peotone was formed from the eastern half of Wilton Township at an unknown date.It has towns of Andres and Peotone. Interstate 57, Route 50, Route 45, and Route 52 are major routes.-Geography:Peotone...
- PlainfieldPlainfield Township, Will County, IllinoisPlainfield Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 45,691 at the 2000 census. See also Plainfield Public Library District-External links:* * *...
- ReedReed Township, Will County, IllinoisReed Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 6,051 at the 2000 census. Reed Township was originally named Clinton Township, but was changed on June 10, 1850.- External links :****...
- TroyTroy Township, Will County, IllinoisTroy Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 27,970 at the 2000 census. It contains the western edge of the city of Joliet and the entirety of the village of Shorewood.- External links :****...
- WashingtonWashington Township, Will County, IllinoisWashington Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 3,948 at the 2000 census. Washington Township was formed from Crete Township and Sherburn Township on an unknown date.-Bodies of Water:...
- WesleyWesley Township, Will County, IllinoisWesley Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 2,568 at the 2000 census. Wesley Township was formed from the southeastern part of Wilmington Township on an unknown date.Wesley Township Hall21333 W Ballou RoadWilmington, Il 60481...
- WheatlandWheatland Township, Will County, IllinoisWheatland Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 44,349 at the 2000 census.As of 2008, Wheatland Township had over 27,000 parcels located within its boundaries...
- WillWill Township, Will County, IllinoisWill Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 1,568 at the 2000 census. Will Township was formed from the former township of Carey, which included modern day Monee Township and Will Township, in January 1859.-Township Headquarters:...
- WilmingtonWilmington Township, Will County, IllinoisWilmington Township is located in Will County, Illinois, USA. The population was 6,050 at the 2000 census.- External links :****...
- WiltonWilton Township, Will County, IllinoisWilton Township is located in Will County, Illinois. The population was 819 at the 2000 census.- Geography:There are small towns of Wilton Center, Wilton, and Wallingford. There used to be a small town of Pierce. Major roads are Wilmington-Peotone Rd., Route 52., Elevator Rd., Tulley Rd., and Cedar...
Municipalities
- AuroraAurora, IllinoisAurora is the second most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois, and the 112th largest city in the United States. A suburb of Chicago, located west of the Loop, its population in 2010 was 197,899. Originally founded within Kane County, Aurora's city limits have expanded greatly over the past...
- partly in DuPageDuPage County, IllinoisAs of the 2010 Census, the population of the county was 916,924, White Americans made up 77.9% of Dupage County's population; non-Hispanic whites represented 70.5% of the population. Black Americans made up 4.6% of the population. Native Americans made up 0.3% of Dupage County's population...
, KaneKane County, IllinoisKane County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 515,269, which is an increase of 27.5% from 404,119 in 2000. Its county seat is Geneva, and its largest city is Aurora.- Geography :...
, and Kendall CountyKendall County, IllinoisKendall County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois, about 40 miles southwest of Chicago. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 114,736, which is an increase of 110% from 54,544 in 2000. It was the fastest-growing county in the United States between the years 2000 and... - BeecherBeecher, IllinoisBeecher is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. It is located on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad and the Dixie Highway. Situated in the center of Washington Township, it was originally named Washington Center. The population was 4,359 at the 2010 census. Named for Henry...
- BolingbrookBolingbrook, IllinoisBolingbrook is a large village in Will and DuPage Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. As of the 2010 US Census, the population is 73,366...
- small sections in DuPageDuPage County, IllinoisAs of the 2010 Census, the population of the county was 916,924, White Americans made up 77.9% of Dupage County's population; non-Hispanic whites represented 70.5% of the population. Black Americans made up 4.6% of the population. Native Americans made up 0.3% of Dupage County's population...
and CookCook County, IllinoisCook County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its county seat in Chicago. It is the second most populous county in the United States after Los Angeles County. The county has 5,194,675 residents, which is 40.5 percent of all Illinois residents. Cook County's population is larger than...
County - BraidwoodBraidwood, IllinoiseBraidwood is a city in Will County, Illinois, United States, approximately southwest of Chicago and south of Joliet. The population was 5,203 at the 2000 census....
- ChannahonChannahon, IllinoisChannahon is a village in Grundy and Will counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 12,560 at the 2010 census. Channahon is also the name of the township in which most of the village resides...
- Coal CityCoal City, IllinoisCoal City is a village located in Braceville and Felix Townships in Grundy County, and a small portion in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 5,587 at the 2010 census. The Santa Fe Railway formerly served Coal City at Coal City Station....
- primarily in Grundy County, very small parcel in Will County - Crest HillCrest Hill, IllinoisCrest Hill is a city in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 13,329 at the 2000 census and the 2010 census population estimate was 20,867.-Geography:Crest Hill is located at...
- CreteCrete, IllinoisCrete is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 7,346 at the 2000 census. Originally named Wood's Corner, it was founded in 1836 by Vermonters Dyantha and Willard Wood.-Geography:Crete is located at ....
- DiamondDiamond, IllinoisDiamond is a village in Grundy and Will Counties, Illinois. The population was 2,527 at the 2010 census. Terry Kernc is the current mayor of Diamond.-Geography:Diamond is located at ....
- primarily in Grundy County, very small parcel in Will County - ElwoodElwood, IllinoisElwood is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,300 at the 2006 population estimation.-Geography:Elwood is located at . The nearest major highways are Interstate 80 to the north and Interstate 55 to the west. The former Route 66 highway passes through the...
- FrankfortFrankfort, IllinoisFrankfort is a village in Will and Cook Counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 17,782 at the 2010 census. According to Forbes.com, in 2007 the village ranked as the 36th fastest growing suburb in the United States. - Previous spelling :...
- GodleyGodley, IllinoisGodley is a village in Grundy and Will Counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 601 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Godley is located at ....
- small section in Grundy County - Homer GlenHomer Glen, IllinoisHomer Glen is a village, located southwest of Chicago, in Homer Township, Will County, Illinois. As of a 2004 special census, the village had a total population of 24,083...
- JolietJoliet, IllinoisJoliet is a city in Will and Kendall Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois, located southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. As of the 2010 census, the city was the fourth-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 147,433. It continues to be Illinois' fastest growing...
- small section in Kendall CountyKendall County, IllinoisKendall County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois, about 40 miles southwest of Chicago. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 114,736, which is an increase of 110% from 54,544 in 2000. It was the fastest-growing county in the United States between the years 2000 and... - LemontLemont, IllinoisLemont is a village located in Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois, and is roughly southwest of Chicago. The population was 16,625 at the 2007 Special Census.-History:...
- primarily in Cook CountyCook County, IllinoisCook County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its county seat in Chicago. It is the second most populous county in the United States after Los Angeles County. The county has 5,194,675 residents, which is 40.5 percent of all Illinois residents. Cook County's population is larger than...
, very small parcel in Will County - LockportLockport, IllinoisLockport is a city in Will County, Illinois, United States, that incorporated in 1853. Lockport is located in northeastern Illinois, 30 miles southwest of Chicago, and north of Joliet, at locks connecting Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal with the Des Plaines River via the Lockport...
- ManhattanManhattan, IllinoisManhattan is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 6,071 at the 2006 special census. The city is located in northeastern Illinois approximately 50 miles southwest of Chicago.- History :...
- MinookaMinooka, IllinoisMinooka is a village in Grundy, Kendall, and Will Counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 10,924 at the 2010 census. Minooka currently has two high schools in its district, a campus for juniors and seniors and a newer campus for freshman and sophomores. Minooka School District 201 ...
- primarily in Grundy County and Kendall CountyKendall County, IllinoisKendall County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois, about 40 miles southwest of Chicago. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 114,736, which is an increase of 110% from 54,544 in 2000. It was the fastest-growing county in the United States between the years 2000 and...
- MokenaMokena, IllinoisMokena is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 14,583 at the 2000 census, with a special census conducted in 2007. The 2007 census showed that the population of the village increased to 18,669 people residing within the corporate limits...
- MoneeMonee, IllinoisMonee is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,924 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Monee is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land....
- NapervilleNaperville, IllinoisNaperville is a city in DuPage and Will Counties in Illinois in the United States, voted the second best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine in 2006. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 141,853. It is the fifth largest city in the state, behind Chicago,...
- primarily in DuPage CountyDuPage County, IllinoisAs of the 2010 Census, the population of the county was 916,924, White Americans made up 77.9% of Dupage County's population; non-Hispanic whites represented 70.5% of the population. Black Americans made up 4.6% of the population. Native Americans made up 0.3% of Dupage County's population... - New LenoxNew Lenox, IllinoisNew Lenox is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The village population is estimated to be 24,938 as of 2006. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning forecasts New Lenox will have a population of 90,652 in 2030.-Geography:...
- Orland ParkOrland Park, IllinoisOrland Park is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States; it also extends slightly into Will County. The population was 56,767 at the 2010 census. The office of the Assistant Village Manager, Ellen Baer, states that the Will County section of Orland Park is industrial while the Cook County...
- primarily in Cook CountyCook County, IllinoisCook County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its county seat in Chicago. It is the second most populous county in the United States after Los Angeles County. The county has 5,194,675 residents, which is 40.5 percent of all Illinois residents. Cook County's population is larger than...
, very small parcel in Will County - Park ForestPark Forest, IllinoisPark Forest is a village located south of Chicago in Cook County and Will County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2000 census, the village had a total population of 23,462...
- primarily in Cook CountyCook County, IllinoisCook County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its county seat in Chicago. It is the second most populous county in the United States after Los Angeles County. The county has 5,194,675 residents, which is 40.5 percent of all Illinois residents. Cook County's population is larger than... - PeotonePeotone, IllinoisPeotone is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,385 at the 2000 census. The city is about south of Chicago...
- PlainfieldPlainfield, IllinoisPlainfield is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2007 special census, the population is 37,334.The Village includes land in Plainfield and Wheatland townships. Part of Plainfield is located in Kendall County...
- RockdaleRockdale, IllinoisRockdale is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,888 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Rockdale is located at...
- RomeovilleRomeoville, IllinoisRomeoville is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 21,153 at the 2000 census. As of 2006 the population has grown to 36,837. It is located in the southwest suburban area of Chicago near the newly constructed I-355 extension south from the Stevenson Expressway to I-80...
- Sauk VillageSauk Village, IllinoisSauk Village is a village in Cook County and small parcel south of 231st St. in Will County, Illinois. The population was 10,411 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Sauk Village is located at ....
- primarily in Cook CountyCook County, IllinoisCook County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its county seat in Chicago. It is the second most populous county in the United States after Los Angeles County. The county has 5,194,675 residents, which is 40.5 percent of all Illinois residents. Cook County's population is larger than...
, very small parcel in Will County - ShorewoodShorewood, IllinoisShorewood is a village in Troy Township, Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 7,686 at the 2000 census, and estimated to be 15,521 as of 2008.- Presidents :...
- StegerSteger, IllinoisThe village of Steger lies along the dividing line on the south end of Cook County and north end of Will County in the U.S. state of Illinois...
- partly in Cook CountyCook County, IllinoisCook County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its county seat in Chicago. It is the second most populous county in the United States after Los Angeles County. The county has 5,194,675 residents, which is 40.5 percent of all Illinois residents. Cook County's population is larger than... - SymertonSymerton, IllinoisSymerton is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 106 at the 2000 census. In 2003, the estimated population was 111. By population, it is the smallest village in Will County.-Geography:...
- Tinley ParkTinley Park, IllinoisTinley Park is a village located primarily in Cook County, Illinois, United States with a small portion in Will County. The population was 48,401 at the 2000 census, and 58,322 in the 2007 census. It is one of the fastest growing suburbs south of Chicago...
- primarily in Cook CountyCook County, IllinoisCook County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its county seat in Chicago. It is the second most populous county in the United States after Los Angeles County. The county has 5,194,675 residents, which is 40.5 percent of all Illinois residents. Cook County's population is larger than... - University ParkUniversity Park, IllinoisUniversity Park is a village in Will County, Illinois. A very small parcel is in Cook County. University Park has been the home of Governors State University since 1969...
- partly in Cook CountyCook County, IllinoisCook County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its county seat in Chicago. It is the second most populous county in the United States after Los Angeles County. The county has 5,194,675 residents, which is 40.5 percent of all Illinois residents. Cook County's population is larger than... - WilmingtonWilmington, Will County, IllinoisOne of Wilmington's most notable geographical features is a large island in the Kankakee River, much of which is occupied by a city park. This island divides the river into a large channel and a smaller one which was used as a natural mill race during the early years of the city...
- WoodridgeWoodridge, IllinoisWoodridge is a suburb of Chicago, located primarily in DuPage County, Illinois with portions in Will County and Cook County. It uses the 630 and 331 area codes. The population was 30,934 at the 2000 census. A special census commissioned in 2003 put the population at 33,253...
- partly in DuPageDuPage County, IllinoisAs of the 2010 Census, the population of the county was 916,924, White Americans made up 77.9% of Dupage County's population; non-Hispanic whites represented 70.5% of the population. Black Americans made up 4.6% of the population. Native Americans made up 0.3% of Dupage County's population...
and a small parcel in Cook CountyCook County, IllinoisCook County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its county seat in Chicago. It is the second most populous county in the United States after Los Angeles County. The county has 5,194,675 residents, which is 40.5 percent of all Illinois residents. Cook County's population is larger than...
Unincorporated areas
- Andres
- Crystal LawnsCrystal Lawns, IllinoisCrystal Lawns is a census-designated place in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,872 at the 2010 census.-Geography:...
- Pue
- FairmontFairmont, IllinoisFairmont is a census-designated place in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,459 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Fairmont is located at ....
- Frankfort SquareFrankfort Square, IllinoisFrankfort Square is a census-designated place in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 9,276 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Frankfort Square is located at ....
- Goodings GroveGoodings Grove, IllinoisGoodings Grove was a census-designated place in northern Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 17,084 at the 2000 census. It ceased to exist as an entity upon the incorporation of the village of Homer Glen, Illinois in 2001.-Geography:...
- GoodenowGoodenowGoodenow is an unincorporated community near where the Calumet Expressway and Illinois Route 1 combine in Will County, Illinois, USA. It is in a semi-rural area with the closest town being Crete to the north and Beecher to the south. It is very wooded and contains many houses on wooded lots with a...
- Ingalls ParkIngalls Park, IllinoisIngalls Park is a census-designated place and subdivision of Joliet, IL in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,314 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Ingalls Park is located at ....
- Lakewood ShoresLakewood Shores, IllinoisLakewood Shores is a census-designated place in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,347 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Lakewood Shores is located at ....
- Preston HeightsPreston Heights, IllinoisPreston Heights is a census-designated place in Will County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census, the CDP population was 2,575.-Geography:Preston Heights is located at ....
- Ridgewood
- WillowbrookWillowbrook, Will County, IllinoisWillowbrook is an unincorporated census-designated place in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,076 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Willowbrook is located at ....
- not to be confused with the Village of Willowbrook, Illinois.Willowbrook, DuPage County, IllinoisWillowbrook is a village in DuPage County, Illinois, United States. The population was 8,967 at the 2000 census.-History:Willowbrook grew from the Ridgemoor subdivision... - Wilton CenterWilton Center, IllinoisWilton Center is an unincorporated community in southern Will County, Illinois, in the United States. It is located on flat land 10 miles northeast of Wilmington, 5 miles south of Manhattan and 8 miles west of Peotone. It has a population of about 150....
Higher Education
- Governors State UniversityGovernors State UniversityGovernors State University is a public university located in University Park, Illinois. The campus is located south of Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1969, GSU is an upper-division university, offering undergraduate courses at the junior and senior levels as well as graduate level coursework at...
is a 6,000-student two-year Junior/Senior public university located in University Park, IllinoisUniversity Park, IllinoisUniversity Park is a village in Will County, Illinois. A very small parcel is in Cook County. University Park has been the home of Governors State University since 1969...
. - Lewis UniversityLewis UniversityLewis University is a private Roman Catholic and Lasallian university located in Romeoville, Illinois, United States . The enrollment is currently around 6,800 students...
is a 5,200-student four-year private university located in Romeoville, IllinoisRomeoville, IllinoisRomeoville is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 21,153 at the 2000 census. As of 2006 the population has grown to 36,837. It is located in the southwest suburban area of Chicago near the newly constructed I-355 extension south from the Stevenson Expressway to I-80...
. - University of St. Francis is a 3,300-student four-year private university located in Joliet, IllinoisJoliet, IllinoisJoliet is a city in Will and Kendall Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois, located southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. As of the 2010 census, the city was the fourth-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 147,433. It continues to be Illinois' fastest growing...
. - Rasmussen College - Romeoville / Joliet is a private, 4 year, regionally accredited online college with support campuses.
- The county is in Community College District 525 and is served by Joliet Junior CollegeJoliet Junior CollegeJoliet Junior College , a community college based in Joliet, Illinois, was the first public community college founded in the United States. JJC offers pre-baccalaureate programs for students planning to transfer to a four-year university, as well as occupational education leading directly to...
in JolietJoliet, IllinoisJoliet is a city in Will and Kendall Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois, located southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. As of the 2010 census, the city was the fourth-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 147,433. It continues to be Illinois' fastest growing...
. Joliet Junior College was the first two year higher education institution in the United States.
Infrastructure
The county is a major hub in the United States natural gasNatural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
pipeline grid where pipelines from Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and the Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked ocean basin largely surrounded by the North American continent and the island of Cuba. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the southwest and south by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba. In...
meet and then fan out to serve the Midwest.
Major highways in the county include Interstate 55
Interstate 55
Interstate 55 is an Interstate Highway in the central United States. Its odd number indicates that it is a north–south Interstate Highway. I-55 goes from LaPlace, Louisiana at Interstate 10 to Chicago at U.S. Route 41 , at McCormick Place. A common nickname for the highway is "double...
, Interstate 57
Interstate 57
Interstate 57 is an Interstate Highway in Missouri and Illinois that parallels the old Illinois Central rail line for much of its route. It goes from Miner, Missouri, at Interstate 55 to Chicago, Illinois, at Interstate 94. I-57 essentially serves as a shortcut route for travelers headed between...
and Interstate 80
Interstate 80
Interstate 80 is the second-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, following Interstate 90. It is a transcontinental artery running from downtown San Francisco, California to Teaneck, New Jersey in the New York City Metropolitan Area...
. The Interstate 355
Interstate 355
Interstate 355 , also known as the Veterans Memorial Tollway, is an Interstate Highway and tollway in the western and southwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Like most other toll roads in the northeastern portion of the state, I-355 is maintained by a State Highway Authority...
toll road extension has been completed and now connects with Interstate 80
Interstate 80
Interstate 80 is the second-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, following Interstate 90. It is a transcontinental artery running from downtown San Francisco, California to Teaneck, New Jersey in the New York City Metropolitan Area...
.
Four different Metra
Metra
Metra is the commuter rail division of the Illinois Regional Transportation Authority. The system serves Chicago and its metropolitan area through 240 stations on 11 different rail lines. Throughout the 21st century, Metra has been the second busiest commuter rail system in the United States by...
commuter rail lines (Metra Electric Main Line
Metra Electric Line
The Metra Electric District is an electrified commuter rail line owned and operated by Metra which connects Millennium Station in downtown Chicago, with the city's southern suburbs...
, Southwest Service
SouthWest Service
The SouthWest Service is an American commuter rail line owned and operated by Metra, running southwest from Union Station in downtown Chicago, Illinois, to Manhattan, Illinois...
, Rock Island District
Rock Island District
The Rock Island District is a commuter rail line operated by Metra from Chicago, Illinois, United States, southwest to Joliet. While Metra does not specifically refer to any of its lines by a particular color, the timetable accents for the Rock Island District line are printed in "Rocket Red"...
and Heritage Corridor
Heritage Corridor
The Heritage Corridor Line is a commuter rail line provided and operated by Metra in Chicago, Illinois, and its surrounding suburbs. While Metra does not specifically refer to any of its lines by a particular color, the timetable accents for the Heritage Corridor line are printed in dark "Alton...
) connect the parts of the county with the Chicago Loop
Chicago Loop
The Loop or Chicago Loop is one of 77 officially designated Chicago community areas located in the City of Chicago, Illinois. It is the historic commercial center of downtown Chicago...
.
Historic sites
The following sites are on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Will County, Illinois:| Place | Address | City | Date Listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternate Route 66, Wilmington to Joilet | IL 53 between Wilmington and Joilet | Joliet Joliet, Illinois Joliet is a city in Will and Kendall Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois, located southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. As of the 2010 census, the city was the fourth-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 147,433. It continues to be Illinois' fastest growing... |
2006-05-05 |
| Briscoe Mounds | Front Street | Channahon Channahon, Illinois Channahon is a village in Grundy and Will counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 12,560 at the 2010 census. Channahon is also the name of the township in which most of the village resides... |
1978-12-22 |
| Christ Episcopal Church | 75 W. Van Buren St. | Joliet | 1982-08-12 |
| Downtown Peotone Historic District | Roughly N. First St. and both sides of N. Second St., roughly bounded by the alley S of Main and N by North St. | Peotone Peotone, Illinois Peotone is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,385 at the 2000 census. The city is about south of Chicago... |
2005-11-16 |
| Eagle Hotel | 100-104 Water St. | Wilmington Wilmington, Will County, Illinois One of Wilmington's most notable geographical features is a large island in the Kankakee River, much of which is occupied by a city park. This island divides the river into a large channel and a smaller one which was used as a natural mill race during the early years of the city... |
1994-02-16 |
| Fitzpatrick House | IL 53 | Lockport Lockport, Illinois Lockport is a city in Will County, Illinois, United States, that incorporated in 1853. Lockport is located in northeastern Illinois, 30 miles southwest of Chicago, and north of Joliet, at locks connecting Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal with the Des Plaines River via the Lockport... |
1984-02-09 |
| Flanders House | 405 W. Main St. | Plainfield Plainfield, Illinois Plainfield is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2007 special census, the population is 37,334.The Village includes land in Plainfield and Wheatland townships. Part of Plainfield is located in Kendall County... |
1991-11-14 |
| George, Ron, Round Barn | NE of Romeoville off US 66 | Romeoville Romeoville, Illinois Romeoville is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 21,153 at the 2000 census. As of 2006 the population has grown to 36,837. It is located in the southwest suburban area of Chicago near the newly constructed I-355 extension south from the Stevenson Expressway to I-80... |
1982-12-07 |
| Heck, John, House | 1225 S. Hamilton St. | Lockport | 1994-08-16 |
| Henry, Jacob H., House | 20 S. Eastern Ave. | Joliet | 1979-05-14 |
| Illinois and Michigan Canal | 7 mi (11.3 km). SW of Joliet on U.S. 6, in Channahon State Park | Joliet | 1966-10-15 |
| Joliet YMCA | 215 N. Ottawa St. | Joliet | 2006-02-09 |
| Joliet East Side Historic District | Roughly bounded by Washington and Union Sts., 4th and Eastern Aves. | Joliet | 1980-08-15 |
| Joliet Municipal Airport | 4000 W. Jefferson St. | Joliet | 1980-12-10 |
| Joliet Steel Works | 927 Collins St. | Joliet | 1991-02-28 |
| Joliet Township High School | 201 E. Jefferson St. | Joliet | 1982-08-12 |
| Joliet, Louis, Hotel | 22 E. Clinton St. | Joliet | 1990-02-09 |
| Lockport Historic District | Area between 7th and 11th Sts. and Canal and Washington Sts. | Lockport | 1975-05-12 |
| McGovney-Yunker Farmstead | 10824 LaPorte Rd. | Mokena Mokena, Illinois Mokena is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 14,583 at the 2000 census, with a special census conducted in 2007. The 2007 census showed that the population of the village increased to 18,669 people residing within the corporate limits... |
2006-05-31 |
| Milne, Robert, House | 535 E. 7th St. | Lockport | 1979-12-17 |
| Ninth Street Seven Arch Stone Bridge | Ninth St. spanning Deep Run Creek | Lockport | 2004-08-20 |
| Peotone Mill | 433 W. Corning Ave. | Peotone | 1982-03-19 |
| Plainfield Halfway House | 503 Main St. | Plainfield | 1980-09-29 |
| Rubens Rialto Square Theater | 102 N. Chicago St. | Joliet | 1978-07-24 |
| Scutt, Hiram B., Mansion | 206 N Broadway | Joliet | 2003-02-05 |
| Small-Towle House | 515 County Rd. | Wilmington | 2004-05-12 |
| Standard Oil Gasoline Station | 600 W. Lockport St. | Plainfield | 1984-11-13 |
| Stone Manor | SE of Lockport | Lockport | 1980-11-26 |
| U.S. Post Office | 150 N. Scott St. | Joliet | 1981-08-20 |
| Union Station | 50 E. Jefferson St. | Joliet | 1978-08-01 |
| Upper Bluff Historic District | Roughly bounded by Taylor, Center and Campbell Sts. and Raynor Ave. | Joliet | 1991-06-05 |
| Will County Historical Society Headquarters | 803 S. State St. | Lockport | 1972-05-17 |