East Peoria, Illinois
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| East Peoria, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Name | East Peoria, Illinois |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The River City" |
| Pushpin label | East Peoria |
| Coordinates | 40, 40, 0, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Tazewell |
| Subdivision type3 | Township |
| Subdivision name3 | Cincinnati |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1884 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1884 |
| Government type | Council-Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | John Kahl |
| Area total km2 | 57.78 |
| Area total sq mi | 22.31 |
| Area land km2 | 52.99 |
| Area land sq mi | 20.46 |
| Area water km2 | 4.79 |
| Area water sq mi | 1.85 |
| Elevation m | 153 |
| Elevation ft | 502 |
| Population total | 22638 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 61611 |
| Area code | 309 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-22152 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2394599 |
| Website | www.cityofeastpeoria.com |
East Peoria, Illinois. A city in Tazewell County, it is a principal community of the Peoria metropolitan area, situated directly across the Illinois River from its larger neighbor. Historically an industrial and manufacturing hub, the city is known for the Caterpillar Inc. manufacturing complex, the Par-a-Dice Hotel Casino, and the annual Festival of Lights celebration. Its landscape is defined by the river valley, bluffs, and the Fondulac District Library.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Illinois Confederation and later saw French exploration along the Illinois River. Settlement began in earnest in the 19th century, with the community initially known as Bluetown and later Birkbeck. It was officially incorporated in 1884, spurred by the arrival of the Pekin and Peoria Railway and the establishment of the LeTourneau and later Caterpillar Inc. plants, which became the economic cornerstone. The construction of the McClugage Bridge and the Bob Michel Bridge solidified its connection to Peoria, while the 20th century saw growth around the East Peoria Downtown Historic District and the development of the Levee District.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.31 square miles, with significant portions fronting the Illinois River. The terrain features steep bluffs, with prominent landmarks like Camp Wokanda and Fondulac Park. It is part of Cincinnati Township and is bordered by the communities of Creve Coeur and Morton. Major waterways include Farm Creek and the Sankoty Lakes.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 22,638. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with significant communities identifying as African American and Hispanic or Latino. The Census Bureau reports a median household income slightly below the state average, with a notable percentage of residents employed in manufacturing, largely due to the presence of Caterpillar Inc..
Economy
The economy has long been dominated by heavy manufacturing, centered on the massive Caterpillar Inc. complex, which includes global headquarters functions for its Defense & Federal Products division. Other major employers include Morton-based Liberty Mutual, the Par-a-Dice Hotel Casino, and Illinois Central College. The Levee District serves as a major commercial and entertainment hub, while the East Peoria Downtown Historic District reflects its earlier commercial history.
Government
The city operates under a Council-Manager system. The current mayor is John Kahl, and the city manager oversees daily operations. It falls within Illinois's 18th congressional district and is represented in the Illinois General Assembly by members from the 37th Illinois Senate district and 91st House district. Local services include the Fondulac District Library and the East Peoria Police Department.
Education
Public education is administered by East Peoria Community High School District 309, which operates East Peoria Community High School. Elementary and middle school students attend schools in Creve Coeur-based District 76 or Pekin-based District 108. Illinois Central College, a major community college, has its main campus in the city. The Fondulac District Library is the primary public library.
Infrastructure
Key transportation routes include Interstate 74, which crosses the Illinois River via the Murray Baker Bridge, and Illinois Route 116. River crossings are facilitated by the Bob Michel Bridge and the McClugage Bridge. Public transit is provided by the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District (CityLink). The city's utilities are managed by the East Peoria Sanitary District, and major medical services are provided by the nearby OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center.
Category:Cities in Illinois Category:Cities in Tazewell County, Illinois Category:Peoria metropolitan area