Highwood
cityHighwood is a vibrant North Shore suburb of Chicago, located in Lake County, Illinois. As of 2020, the city had a population of 5,074. Known for its rich history and strong Italian heritage, Highwood offers a unique blend of residential charm and bustling commercial activity. Highwood's economy is diverse, with key industries including manufacturing, education, and hospitality. The city's business district is filled with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a popular destination for dining and nightlife on the North Shore. Its location near Fort Sheridan has historically influenced its economic development. What sets Highwood apart is its unique history, shaped by waves of immigration and its proximity to Fort Sheridan. From its early days as a railroad town to its reputation as "Whiskey Junction," Highwood has evolved into a welcoming community known for its cultural festivals and strong sense of community.
Highwood, Illinois
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 17-34865
- Country
- United States
- County
- Lake
- Region
- North Shore of Chicago
- Elevation
- 689 ft
- Total Area
- 0.72 sq mi
- Land Area
- 0.72 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 42.20611
- Longitude
- -87.81306
- Climate
- Typical Midwestern climate with cold winters and warm summers
- Notable Features
- Skokie Ravine · Proximity to Lake Michigan
- Neighboring Areas
- Highland Park · Fort Sheridan · Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
- Population (2020)
- 5,074
- Est. Population (2026)
- 5,493
- Median Age
- 41
- Median Income
- $107,875
- Poverty Rate
- 15.98%
- Family Households
- 70.9%
- Owner-Occupied
- 56%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the city was 61.57% White, 2.27% African American, 2.35% Native American, 2.90% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 29.68% from other races, and 16.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 51.20% of the population.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- North Shore School District 112, Township High School District 113
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Educational Services · Manufacturing · Accommodation & Food Services
- Students
- 1,715
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- School Districts
- North Shore School District 112 · Township High School District 113
- Transportation
- Metra Union Pacific North Line · Green Bay Road · Walking and biking paths
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Broadband/fiber
- Major Facilities
- Don Skrinar Recreation Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Don Skrinar Recreation Center · Highwood Ball Park
- Parks & Trails
- Green Bay Trail
- Founded
- 1846
- Incorporated
- 1887
- Named After
- The name High Woods, suggested because the land was the highest ground between Chicago and Milwaukee and was covered with trees.
- Historical Significance
- Highwood's history is marked by its strategic location, waves of immigration, and its relationship with Fort Sheridan, shaping its diverse cultural identity and economic development.
- Key Events
- First non-Native American settlement in 1846 · Headquarters of the Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad in 1851 · Establishment of Camp Highwood, later Fort Sheridan, in 1887-1888 · Influx of Italian immigrants in the 1920s