Brookfield
cityBrookfield is a village located in Cook County, Illinois, approximately 13 miles west of downtown Chicago. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 19,476. Brookfield is a residential suburb known for its community feel, parks, and the famous Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield's economy is primarily residential and suburban, with a growing commercial sector. Key employment sectors for residents include healthcare, manufacturing, and professional, scientific, and technical services. While there isn't significant industry within the village itself, its proximity to Chicago provides access to a wide range of economic opportunities. What makes Brookfield distinctive is its blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The village features a range of housing stock, from Victorian homes to modern constructions. Brookfield also prides itself on its community events, parks and recreation, and convenient transportation options, including three Metra commuter rail stations.
Brookfield, Illinois
- Classification
- Village
- FIPS Code
- 17-08576
- Country
- United States
- County
- Cook County
- Region
- Chicagoland
- Total Area
- 3.07 sq mi
- Land Area
- 3.06 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.007 sq mi
- Latitude
- 41.82278
- Longitude
- -87.8475
- Climate
- Brookfield has a humid continental climate with warm, wet summers and freezing, snowy, and windy winters. The temperature typically varies from 19°F to 84°F, and it is partly cloudy year-round.
- Notable Features
- Salt Creek · Oak Savannas
- Neighboring Areas
- Riverside · La Grange · Berwyn
- Population (2020)
- 19,476
- Est. Population (2024)
- 19,331
- Median Age
- 41.6
- Median Income
- $110,295
- Poverty Rate
- 5.4%
- Owner-Occupied
- 81.8%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2020, the racial makeup of the village was 70.82% White, 3.30% African American, 0.95% Native American, 1.92% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 9.08% from other races, and 13.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 25.78% of the population.
- Government Type
- Village-manager
- Governing Body
- Village Board
- School District
- Brookfield School District 95, LaGrange School District 102, Lyons School District 103, Riverside School District 96
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 8.4%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Manufacturing · Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Students
- 1,365
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- School Districts
- Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District 95 · Riverside School District 96 · LaGrange Elementary School District 102 · Lyons School District 103
- Transportation
- Metra BNSF Line · Pace Bus · Salt Creek Trail
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Sewer utilities
- Major Facilities
- Brookfield Zoo · Hospitals in surrounding areas
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Brookfield Zoo · Ehlert Park · Kiwanis Park
- Parks & Trails
- Salt Creek Trail · Various village parks
- Founded
- 1889
- Incorporated
- 1893
- Named After
- Salt Creek
- Historical Significance
- Brookfield's history is tied to its development as a commuter suburb of Chicago and the establishment of the world-renowned Brookfield Zoo.
- Key Events
- Settlement by Samuel Eberly Gross (1889) · Incorporation as Grossdale (1893) · Name change to Brookfield (1905) · Opening of Brookfield Zoo (1934)