Elmwood Park
cityElmwood Park is a village located in Cook County, Illinois, a near-west suburb of Chicago. As of 2020, the population was 24,521. The community has a long-standing Italian American heritage, with a growing Hispanic and Latino population. Elmwood Park offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with many residents owning their homes. The village's economy includes healthcare, manufacturing, and retail trade sectors. Elmwood Park is primarily a residential community, but it also has a variety of local businesses and restaurants. Transportation options include Metra rail service to downtown Chicago and bus services. Elmwood Park was incorporated in 1914 to avoid annexation by Chicago. The village was named after the Elmwood Cemetery and the native elm trees in the area. The village has a strong sense of community, with active participation in local events and festivals.
Elmwood Park, Illinois
- Classification
- Village
- FIPS Code
- 17-23724
- Country
- United States
- County
- Cook County
- Region
- Greater Chicago
- Total Area
- 1.91 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1.91 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 41.9225
- Longitude
- -87.81556
- Climate
- Continental climate with warm summers and cold winters
- Notable Features
- Des Plaines River
- Neighboring Areas
- River Grove · Chicago · River Forest · Oak Park · Harwood Heights · Melrose Park
- Population (2020)
- 24,521
- Est. Population (2026)
- 23,333
- Median Age
- 41.5
- Median Income
- $91,955
- Poverty Rate
- 7.97%
- Family Households
- 65.8%
- Owner-Occupied
- 62.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the village was 63.68% White, 3.02% African American, 0.98% Native American, 3.18% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 15.65% from other races, and 13.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 35.07% of the population.
- Government Type
- Council–manager
- Governing Body
- Village Board
- School District
- Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 7.1%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Suburban
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Manufacturing · Retail Trade
- Schools
- 4
- Students
- 2,880
- Teachers
- 215
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19:1
- Graduation Rate
- 86.1%
- School Districts
- Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401
- Transportation
- Metra Rail · Pace and CTA Bus Service · Grand Avenue
- Utilities
- Municipal water
- Major Facilities
- None
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Elmwood Park Community & Recreation Center
- Incorporated
- 1914
- Named After
- Elmwood Cemetery and elm trees
- Historical Significance
- Evolved from farmland to a suburban village with a strong Italian American heritage
- Key Events
- Incorporated to prevent annexation by Chicago · Residential development in the early 20th century · Post-World War II population boom