Elgin, Illinois
Elgin: The second most populous city in Kane County, Illinois.
About
Elgin is a city located in the county of Kane in the U.S. state of Illinois. Its population at the 2010 census was 108,188 and a population density of 1,101 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 110,196 inhabitants.
The city was created 191 years ago in 1834.
Elgin is a city located 35 miles northwest of Chicago in Kane County, Illinois. With over 110,000 residents, it is the eighth-largest city in the state.
History
Elgin was first settled along the Fox River in the 1830s. It grew significantly following the arrival of the railroad and establishment of the Elgin National Watch Company, which operated from 1864 to 1964. The city has a long tradition of manufacturing and innovation.
Economy
Major local employers include Sherman Health, Elgin Community College, School District U46, and the Grand Victoria Casino. Recent business growth areas include distribution, biotech, automation, and tourism. The city works to revitalize its downtown and riverfront.
Things to Do
Popular attractions include the Elgin Public Museum, Hemmens Cultural Center, Metra train station, unspoiled nature areas, and famous Festival Park along the river. There are also hiking trails, golf courses, entertainment venues, and summer festivals.
Cost of Living
Elgin has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to the Chicago metro area while still offering proximity to jobs and amenities. Median home prices are reasonable, making Elgin an attractive option for first-time buyers and families.
Community
Elgin prides itself on strong civic groups, diversity, community spirit, and family-friendly offerings. Good schools, recreation, event calendar and engaged residents make Elgin a vibrant city with Midwestern charm.
Quick Facts about Elgin
| Population | 110,196 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Illinois (United States) |
| County | Kane County |
| Postal code | 60120–60125 |
| Phone Area Codes | 847 - 224 |
| Area | 98.25 km2 |
| Official name | Elgin |
| Latitude & Longitude | 42.0373,-88.2812 |
| Altitude | 899 feet / 274 meters |
| Establishment | January 01, 1835 (191 years ago) |
| Time Zone | UTC−05:00, UTC−06:00 |
| Local time | 16:48:52 (22nd April 2026) |
| Density | 1,122 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 1.82% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 73℉ Sunny 7-days weather |
Geography
Elgin is located at 42°2'14"N 88°16'52"W (42.0372500, -88.2811900).
Elgin map
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Official website of Elgin
Official WebsiteDemographics
The population of Elgin increased by 1.82% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 108,188 | - | census |
| 2011 | 109,218 | 0.94% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 109,699 | 0.44% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 110,126 | 0.39% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 111,027 | 0.81% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 111,949 | 0.82% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 112,223 | 0.24% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 112,056 | -0.15% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 111,487 | -0.51% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 110,785 | -0.63% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 110,196 | -0.53% | estimation process |
Best Things to Do in Elgin
1Lords Park
100 Oakwood Blvd, Elgin, IL 60120, United States View details
Phone: +18475317000 | Website available
2Arthur L. Janura Preserve
IL-58, Elgin, IL 60120, United States View details
Phone: +18008703666 | Website available
3Festival Park
132 S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120, United States View details
Phone: +18479316100
4Walton Island Park
Fox River Trail (Algonquin to Aurora), Elgin, IL 60120, United States View details
Phone: +18479316123 | Website available
5Rolling Knolls Forest Preserve
11N260 Rohrssen Rd, Elgin, IL 60120, United States View details
Phone: +18008703666 | Website available
People born in Elgin (85)
People born in Elgin, including environmental scientist, teacher, and writer Donella Meadows, professional wrestler, lawyer, and actor David Otunga, actor, science fiction and suspense writer Bruce Boxleitner, .
More notable people
- Bobby Rosengarden (American drummer) he was born in 23/04/1924
- Dan Andriano (American musician) he was born in 27/06/1977
- William LeBaron (American film producer) he was born in 16/02/1883
- Earl Muetterties (American chemist) he was born in 23/06/1927
- Peter Fitzgerald (United States Senator from Illinois) he was born in 20/10/1960
- Laurel Hester (American activist and police officer) she was born in 15/08/1956
- Kevin Martin (American hard rock singer) he was born in 09/04/1969
- Madman Muntz (American businessman and engineer) he was born in 03/01/1914
- Flynn Robinson (American basketball player) he was born in 28/04/1941
- Brian Oldfield (American shot putter) he was born in 01/06/1945
- Douglas J. Mink (American astronomer and theoretical computing) was born in 01/02/1951
- Chelsea Brummet (American actress) she was born in 28/01/1987
- Lloyd Hall (American chemist) he was born in 20/06/1894
- Harry Chamberlin (Equestrian and Army Brigadier General) he was born in 19/05/1887
- Jack Burmaster (American basketball player-coach) he was born in 23/12/1926
- John C. Platt (computer scientist) he was born in 01/01/1963
- Alfred Younges Kirkland, Sr. (United States federal judge) he was born in 06/10/1917
- Allen Britton (American music educator) he was born in 25/05/1914
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Elgin, IL. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 146339 | Judson University | Elgin (IL) | 60123-1498 |
| 144944 | Elgin Community College | Elgin (IL) | 60123-7193 |
| 462309 | J Renee College | Elgin (IL) | 60123 |
| 487533 | Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Elgin | Elgin (IL) | 60123-9412 |
| 457527 | Ambria College of Nursing | Hoffman Estates (IL) | 60192 |
Nearby Transit Stations (21)
Rail and bus stations connected to Elgin, IL. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| NPV | Naperville | 105 E. Fourth Ave. | RAIL |
| GLN | Glenview station | 1116 Depot St. | RAIL |
| LAG | La Grange Road | 25 West Burlington St. | RAIL |
| SMT | Summit | Archer Ave. and South Center Ave. | RAIL |
| PLO | Plano | 101 West Main Street | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to Elgin.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Elgin Post Office | Elgin (IL) | 60120 |
| Elgin West Sid Post Office | Elgin (IL) | 60123 |
| Elgin West Side Annex Post Office | Elgin (IL) | 60123 |
| South Elgin Post Office | South Elgin (IL) | 60177 |
| Dund Post Office | West Dundee (IL) | 60118 |
Other places with the same name (11)
- Elgin, Texas city in Bastrop and Travis Counties in the U. with a population of 10,756 people.
- Elgin, Oklahoma City in Comanche County, Oklahoma, United States with a population of 3,236 people.
- Elgin, Oregon city in Oregon, USA with a population of 1,801 people.
- Elgin, South Carolina human settlement in Kershaw County, South Carolina, United States of America with a population of 1,585 people.
- Elgin, Minnesota city in Wabasha County, Minnesota, United States with a population of 734 people.
- Elgin, Iowa city in Fayette County, Iowa, United States with a population of 620 people.
- Elgin, Nebraska city in Antelope County, Nebraska, United States with a population of 613 people.
- Elgin, North Dakota city in North Dakota, United States with a population of 583 people.
- Elgin, Pennsylvania borough of Pennsylvania with a population of 204 people.
- Elgin, Kansas human settlement in Chautauqua County, Kansas, United States of America with a population of 79 people.
- Elgin, Ohio village in Ohio, United States with a population of 55 people.
Other cities in Kane County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Kane County , IL. (more)
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora | 196,383 | The second most populous city in Illinois. |
| Carpentersville | 36,940 | Village in Kane County, Illinois |
| St. Charles | 32,974 | Chicago suburb in Kane and DuPage counties of Illinois, United States |
| Batavia | 26,442 | City in Illinois USA |
| South Elgin | 24,646 | City in Illinois, United States of America |
| Geneva | 21,674 | County seat of Kane County, Illinois |
| Montgomery | 20,181 | Village in Kane and Kendall counties, Illinois, USA |
| North Aurora | 18,144 | City in Illinois, United States of America |
| Pingree Grove | 9,986 | Village in the United States |
| Sugar Grove | 9,884 | City in Kane County, Illinois, United States of America |
| West Dundee | 8,768 | City in Illinois, United States of America |
| Gilberts | 8,071 | Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America |
| Hampshire | 6,207 | Village in Illinois, United States |
| Elburn | 6,098 | City in Illinois, United States of America |
| Brookside | 5,328 | Township in Clinton County, Illinois |
| East Dundee | 3,186 | Village in United States of America |
Distance to Other Cities
Elgin distances to largest Illinois cities