Elgin
cityElgin, Illinois, is a city located approximately 35 miles northwest of Chicago, along the Fox River. With a population of around 114,701, Elgin is the sixth-largest city in Illinois. Known as 'The City in the Suburbs', Elgin offers a blend of urban amenities and suburban charm. Elgin's economy is diverse, with key industries including manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and logistics. Major employers contribute to a stable job market. The city also benefits from the Grand Victoria Casino, which, despite increased competition, has historically been a significant source of revenue. Elgin is distinctive for its rich history, reflected in its Victorian-era architecture and landmarks. Founded in 1835 and incorporated in 1854, Elgin has evolved from an agricultural and dairy center to a manufacturing hub, particularly known for the Elgin Watch Company. The city's commitment to the arts, diverse community, and convenient access to Chicago enhance its quality of life.
Elgin, Illinois
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 17-23074
- Country
- United States
- County
- Kane/Cook
- Region
- Chicago metropolitan area
- Elevation
- 745 ft
- Total Area
- 38.6 sq mi
- Land Area
- 38.03 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.57 sq mi
- Latitude
- 42.03833
- Longitude
- -88.32278
- Climate
- Hot-summer humid continental climate with four distinct seasons; cold winters with snow, warm springs with precipitation and storms, hot summers with high precipitation and storms, and cooling temperatures in the fall
- Notable Features
- Fox River · Bluffs along the Fox River
- Neighboring Areas
- South Elgin · West Dundee · Streamwood
- Population (2020)
- 114,797
- Est. Population (2024)
- 114,701
- Median Age
- 36.7
- Median Income
- $90,282
- Poverty Rate
- 9.84%
- Family Households
- 71.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- Diverse, with a significant Hispanic population. The largest racial/ethnic groups are Hispanic (48.7%) followed by White (34.9%) and Asian (6.6%).
- Government Type
- Council–manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Elgin Area School District U46
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · 311 Citizen Advocate
- Unemployment Rate
- 9.9%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/Suburban · Commercial · Manufacturing hub
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Logistics
- Major Employers
- Elgin National Industries · Elgin Mental Health Center · Motorola Solutions
- Schools
- 40
- Students
- 39,000
- Teachers
- 2,426
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.8:1
- Graduation Rate
- 89.7%
- School Districts
- Elgin Area School District U46
- Colleges & Universities
- Elgin Community College · Judson University
- Transportation
- I-90 · Metra Rail Service · Pace Bus Service
- Utilities
- Municipal Water · ComEd electricity · Broadband/Fiber options
- Major Facilities
- Advocate Sherman Hospital · Elgin Mental Health Center · Centre of Elgin
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Fox River Trail · Lord's Park · Gifford Park
- Parks & Trails
- City parks · Fox River Trail System
- Founded
- 1835
- Incorporated
- 1854
- Named After
- Scottish tune "Elgin"
- Historical Significance
- Evolved from an agricultural center to a major industrial city, particularly known for watch manufacturing. Elgin played a role in the development of the automobile through the Elgin National Road Races.
- Key Events
- Settled by James T. and Hezekiah Gifford in 1835 · Became known for butter and dairy production · Elgin National Watch Company became a major employer · Hosted the Elgin National Road Races (1910-1920)