Oglesby
cityOglesby, Illinois, nestled in LaSalle County, is a city with a rich history rooted in the mining and manufacturing industries. Located near the confluence of the Illinois and Vermilion Rivers, Oglesby's population was 3,712 at the 2020 census. The city offers a blend of suburban and rural living, attracting both families and retirees. Historically a hub for coal, limestone, and silica mining, Oglesby has evolved into a community with diverse employment sectors. Key institutions such as Illinois Valley Community College contribute to the local economy and provide educational opportunities. The city's location provides access to major transportation routes, making it an attractive location for business and distribution. Oglesby is perhaps best known for its proximity to Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, offering residents and visitors alike unparalleled access to natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The city's historical roots as a mining center, combined with its access to state parks, make it a unique place to live and visit.
Oglesby, Illinois
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 17-55353
- Country
- United States
- County
- LaSalle
- Region
- North-central Illinois
- Elevation
- 633 ft
- Total Area
- 4.99 sq mi
- Land Area
- 4.99 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 41.29333
- Longitude
- -89.07111
- Climate
- Typical Midwestern climate with four distinct seasons.
- Notable Features
- Illinois River · Vermilion River · Starved Rock State Park · Matthiessen State Park
- Neighboring Areas
- LaSalle · Peru
- Population (2020)
- 3,712
- Est. Population (2026)
- 3,593
- Median Age
- 40.2
- Median Income
- $71,618
- Poverty Rate
- 9.61%
- Family Households
- 59.6%
- Owner-Occupied
- 71%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the city is 83.0% White, 11.9% Hispanic, and 4.6% Two or More Races.
- Government Type
- City commission government
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Oglesby Public School District 125
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Parks & Recreation · Public Works



















- Economic Profile
- Mixed (residential, commercial, industrial)
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Education · Healthcare · Retail
- Major Employers
- Illinois Valley Community College · Lone Star Industries · Illinois Cement Co.
- Schools
- 3
- Students
- 460
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- School Districts
- Oglesby Public School District 125 · LaSalle-Peru Township High School District 120
- Colleges & Universities
- Illinois Valley Community College
- Transportation
- Interstate 39 · Illinois Route 351 · Rail access
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Electricity · Natural gas · Broadband internet
- Major Facilities
- Illinois Valley Community College · Oglesby City Parks
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Starved Rock State Park · Matthiessen State Park · Buffalo Rock State Park · Oglesby City Parks
- Parks & Trails
- McPhedran Park · Courtyard Park · Walking and jogging trails in city parks
- Founded
- 1865
- Incorporated
- 1902
- Named After
- Richard J. Oglesby, a former U.S. Senator and three-time Governor of Illinois
- Historical Significance
- Evolved from a collection of mining villages into a significant industrial and recreational hub in the Illinois Valley
- Key Events
- Originally named Portland due to cement manufacturing · Renamed Oglesby in 1913 · Center for coal, limestone, and silica mining · Home to Marquette Cement Company and Lehigh Portland Cement Company
