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Wheaton

city

Wheaton, Illinois, is a vibrant suburban city located approximately 25 miles west of Chicago in DuPage County. As the county seat, Wheaton blends big-city conveniences with a small-town atmosphere, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit. The city's population was 53,970 at the 2020 census, and current estimates place it around 53,557. Wheaton is known for its top-rated schools, picturesque downtown area, and historic neighborhoods. Wheaton's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including educational services, professional, scientific, and technical services, and healthcare. The city is home to Wheaton College, a prominent evangelical Christian liberal arts college, and serves as headquarters for numerous religious publishers and organizations. Economic development efforts focus on attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, particularly in the downtown area. Wheaton distinguishes itself through its rich history, strong community spirit, and commitment to quality of life. Founded in the 1830s, the city has preserved its historical roots while adapting to modern growth. With numerous parks, recreational facilities, and a walkable urban environment, Wheaton offers a high quality of life for its residents.

Wheaton, Illinois

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
17-81048
Country
United States
County
DuPage County
Geography
Region
Northeastern Illinois
Elevation
748 ft
Total Area
11.49 sq mi
Land Area
11.32 sq mi
Water Area
0.17 sq mi
Latitude
41.85611
Longitude
-88.10833
Climate
Continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters
Neighboring Areas
Glen Ellyn · Winfield · Carol Stream · Glendale Heights · Warrenville · Lisle · West Chicago · Lombard · Naperville · Villa Park
Demographics
Population (2020)
53,970
Est. Population (2024)
53,557
Median Age
36.8
Median Income
$120,008
Poverty Rate
5.6%
Owner-Occupied
71.7%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of the city is 76.3% White, 8.9% Hispanic, and 5.8% Asian.
Governance
Government Type
Council-Manager
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
7 members
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Building · Code Enforcement · Communications · Economic Development · Engineering · Finance · Human Resources · Planning
Economy
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
Economic Profile
Residential / suburban · Commercial growth
Employment Sectors
Educational Services · Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Health Care & Social Assistance
Education
Colleges & Universities
Wheaton College
Infrastructure
Transportation
Interstate access · Rail service
Utilities
Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
Major Facilities
Hospital
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
History
Founded
1831
Incorporated
1890
Named After
Brothers Jesse and Warren Wheaton
Historical Significance
Wheaton played a significant role in the development of DuPage County and is known for its educational institutions and religious organizations.
Key Events
Erastus Gary and the Wheaton brothers claimed land in the 1830s. · The Galena and Chicago Union Railroad arrived in 1849, stimulating growth. · Wheaton became the county seat in 1867. · Wheaton College was established in 1860.