Oak Park
cityOak Park, Illinois, a village adjacent to Chicago in Cook County, offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. As the 26th most populous municipality in Illinois, Oak Park had a population of 54,318 in 2020. The village is known for its progressive values, diverse community, historic architecture, and convenient access to Chicago. Oak Park's economy is supported by a mix of commercial and residential sectors. Key industries include healthcare, education, and professional services. The village is home to a variety of local businesses and benefits from its proximity to Chicago's major employment centers. What truly sets Oak Park apart is its rich history and cultural significance. It boasts the world's largest collection of buildings designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, including the Unity Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Oak Park is also the birthplace of author Ernest Hemingway and the former residence of Edgar Rice Burroughs. The village's commitment to diversity and sustainability further enhances its appeal.
Oak Park, Illinois
- Classification
- Village
- FIPS Code
- 17-54885
- Country
- United States
- County
- Cook
- Region
- Greater Chicago
- Elevation
- 620 ft
- Total Area
- 4.7 sq mi
- Land Area
- 4.7 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 41.88833
- Longitude
- -87.78944
- Climate
- Temperate climate with distinct seasons
- Notable Features
- Oak Park Spit (glacial ridge)
- Neighboring Areas
- Chicago · Cicero · Berwyn · Forest Park · River Forest
- Population (2020)
- 54,318
- Est. Population (2026)
- 52,133
- Median Age
- 40.3
- Median Income
- $112,296
- Poverty Rate
- 7%
- Family Households
- 55.4%
- Owner-Occupied
- 60%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 63% White, 17.93% Black or African American, 5.39% Asian, 10.78% Two or more races, 9.33% Hispanic or Latino
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- Village Board of Trustees
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- Oak Park Elementary School District 97, Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Health Department · Parks & Recreation · Library
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.9% (Dec 2025)
- Economic Profile
- Residential/Suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care and Social Services · Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Education
- Schools
- 10
- Students
- 5,596
- Teachers
- 459
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12:1
- School Districts
- Oak Park Elementary School District 97 · Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200
- Colleges & Universities
- Triton Community College
- Transportation
- CTA Green Line · CTA Blue Line · Metra Union Pacific West Line · Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) · Bike paths
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Broadband/Fiber
- Major Facilities
- West Suburban Medical Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Scoville Park · Lindberg Park · Andersen Park
- Parks & Trails
- Park District of Oak Park · City-Wide Trail System
- Founded
- 1835
- Incorporated
- 1902
- Named After
- Oak trees in the area; originally named Oak Ridge
- Historical Significance
- Known for its architecture, cultural figures, and commitment to diversity and progressive values
- Key Events
- Settled by Joseph and Betty Kettlestrings in 1835 · Railroad link to Chicago in 1848 · Population boom after the Chicago Fire of 1871 · Home to Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School of Architecture · Enacted Open Housing Ordinance in 1968