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St. Charles

city

St. Charles, Illinois, nestled in Kane and DuPage Counties, is a vibrant city located approximately 35 miles west of Chicago. Known as the "Pride of the Fox" after the Fox River that gracefully flows through its center, St. Charles is part of a tri-city area that includes Geneva and Batavia. As of 2024, the city's population was estimated to be around 33,482. St. Charles offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live and visit. St. Charles has a diverse economy with key industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The city's strategic location and access to major transportation routes have supported its growth as a commercial and residential hub. St. Charles also boasts a strong sense of community, supported by a wide array of local businesses and major employers. What makes St. Charles distinctive is its rich history, cultural attractions, and high quality of life. The city is home to historic landmarks like the Arcada Theatre and Hotel Baker, as well as beautiful parks and recreational areas along the Fox River. St. Charles is known for its community events, arts scene, and commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing future development.

St. Charles, Illinois

Overview
Classification
City
Country
United States
County
Kane, DuPage
Geography
Region
Chicago Metropolitan Area
Elevation
750 ft
Total Area
15.058 sq mi
Land Area
14.463 sq mi
Water Area
0.596 sq mi
Latitude
41.919447
Longitude
-88.310743
Climate
Hot-summer humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and mild shoulder seasons
Notable Features
Fox River · Pottawatomie Park
Neighboring Areas
Geneva · Batavia · South Elgin · Wayne · West Chicago
Demographics
Population (2020)
33,081
Est. Population (2024)
33,482
Median Age
41.6
Median Income
$115,350
Poverty Rate
3.9%
Family Households
74.3%
Owner-Occupied
70.3%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
75.7% White, 4.79% Asian, 4.37% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), 3.76% White (Hispanic), 3.23% Other (Hispanic)
Governance
Government Type
Mayor-Council
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
10 members
School District
St. Charles Community Unit School District 303
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Electric Utility
Economy
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Economic Profile
Residential/suburban · Commercial
Employment Sectors
Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services
Education
Schools
18
Students
11,699
Teachers
881
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
Graduation Rate
95%
School Districts
St. Charles Community Unit School District 303
Infrastructure
Transportation
Illinois Routes 64, 38, 25, and 31 · Randall Road · Kirk Road
Utilities
Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
Major Facilities
Delnor Hospital · Public Safety Training Center
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Pottawatomie Park · Fox River Trail · Great Western Trail
Parks & Trails
Pottawatomie Park · Mt. St. Mary Park · East Side Sports Complex · James O. Breen Community Park · Primrose Farm Park · Norris Recreation Center · River Bend Community Park
History
Founded
1834
Incorporated
1839
Named After
Suggested by S.S. Jones, a lawyer, in 1839 because another town was already named Charleston
Historical Significance
St. Charles played a role in the Civil War and has a legacy of influential people and landmarks
Key Events
Settled by Evan Shelby and William Franklin in 1833 · Camp Kane established as a Union training facility during the Civil War · Arcada Theatre opened in 1926 · Hotel Baker opened in 1928 · Pottawatomie Park opened in 1912