St. Charles
citySt. 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
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Kane, DuPage
- 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
- 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)
- 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



















- Unemployment Rate
- 4.6%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services
- Schools
- 18
- Students
- 11,699
- Teachers
- 881
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- Graduation Rate
- 95%
- School Districts
- St. Charles Community Unit School District 303
- 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
- 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
- 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
