Wheaton
cityWheaton, 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
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 17-81048
- Country
- United States
- County
- DuPage County
- 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
- 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.
- 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



















- Unemployment Rate
- 3.5%
- Economic Profile
- Residential / suburban · Commercial growth
- Employment Sectors
- Educational Services · Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Colleges & Universities
- Wheaton College
- Transportation
- Interstate access · Rail service
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- 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.
