Naperville
cityNaperville, Illinois, is a vibrant city located in both DuPage and Will counties, approximately 28 miles west of Chicago. Founded in 1831 by Joseph Naper, it began as Naper's Settlement along the DuPage River. Today, Naperville is the fourth-largest city in Illinois, with a population of approximately 154,969 in 2026. Known for its high quality of life, Naperville boasts nationally acclaimed schools, a top-rated public library system, and a low crime rate. Naperville's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including healthcare, technology, retail, and education. Several national and multinational companies have established corporate headquarters in the city, contributing to its strong economic environment. Edward Hospital is the city's largest employer. Naperville is also part of the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor. Naperville offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The Naperville Riverwalk, a scenic path along the DuPage River, is a popular attraction. The city's extensive park system and recreational opportunities, including Centennial Beach and the Millennium Carillon, enhance its appeal as a desirable place to live.
Naperville, Illinois
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- DuPage / Will
- Region
- Northeastern Illinois
- Elevation
- 709 ft
- Total Area
- 39.68 sq mi
- Land Area
- 39.1 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.59 sq mi
- Latitude
- 41.7503
- Longitude
- -88.1536
- Climate
- Humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.
- Notable Features
- DuPage River · Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve · Greene Valley Hill
- Neighboring Areas
- Aurora · Lisle · Woodridge · Wheaton · Downers Grove
- Population (2020)
- 149,540
- Est. Population (2026)
- 154,969
- Median Age
- 40.4
- Median Income
- $155,105
- Poverty Rate
- 4.45%
- Family Households
- 73.9%
- Owner-Occupied
- 74.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 62.84% White, 22.45% Asian, 4.32% Black or African American, 7.59% Hispanic or Latino
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 8 members
- School District
- Naperville Community Unit School District 203, Indian Prairie School District 204
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library



















- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Healthcare · Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Retail Trade · Education
- Major Employers
- Edward Hospital · Nokia · BP · Ineos · Calamos · Nicor · Mondelez International
- Students
- 16,000
- School Districts
- Naperville Community Unit School District 203 · Indian Prairie School District 204
- Colleges & Universities
- North Central College · Northern Illinois University - Naperville Campus · College of DuPage - Naperville Center
- Transportation
- Interstate access · Metra Rail · Pace Bus · Bike trails
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Endeavor Health Edward Hospital · Naperville Municipal Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Naperville Riverwalk · Centennial Beach · Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve · Knoch Knolls Nature Center
- Parks & Trails
- Naperville Park District (over 2,400 acres) · DuPage River Trail
- Founded
- 1831
- Incorporated
- 1857
- Named After
- Joseph Naper
- Historical Significance
- One of the oldest communities in DuPage County, grew from a small settlement to a major suburban city.
- Key Events
- Founded by Joseph Naper in 1831 · Became DuPage County seat in 1839 · Experienced population boom in the 1960s-1990s · 1996 Flood
