Lyons Township, Cook County, Illinois
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| Lyons Township, Cook County, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lyons Township |
| Settlement type | Civil township |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | U.S. state |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Cook |
| Government type | Township |
| Leader title | Township Supervisor |
| Leader name | Christopher Getty |
| Established title | Organized |
| Established date | 1850 |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total sq mi | 36.28 |
| Area land sq mi | 35.50 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.78 |
| Area water percent | 2.15 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 113,850 |
| Population density sq mi | 3207.0 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Coordinates | 41, 48, 15, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 60504, 60513, 60525, 60534, 60558, 60402, 60457, 60480 |
| Area code | 708, 630, 331 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-45322 |
| Website | lyonstownship.org |
Lyons Township, Cook County, Illinois is a civil township located in eastern Cook County, Illinois. Organized in 1850, it is a distinct governmental entity encompassing several vibrant Chicago suburbs and unincorporated areas. The township is known for its strong public services, including a renowned high school district, and its diverse communities situated along the Des Plaines River.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi people before European settlement accelerated following the Treaty of Chicago (1833). Named for early settler Deacon John Lyons, the township was officially organized in 1850, with its early economy centered on agriculture, Illinois and Michigan Canal trade, and Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad transportation. The arrival of the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad in the early 20th century spurred the growth of streetcar suburbs like La Grange and Western Springs. Significant development occurred post-World War II, transforming much of its farmland into residential communities, while institutions like the Cook County Forest Preserve District helped preserve natural areas along the Des Plaines River.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.28 square miles, of which 35.50 square miles is land and 0.78 square miles is water, primarily from the Des Plaines River which flows north-to-south through its center. It contains all or large parts of several incorporated municipalities, including Brookfield, Countryside, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lyons, McCook, Western Springs, and Willow Springs. The Cook County Forest Preserve District maintains significant natural areas within the township, such as Salt Creek and the Tri-State Tollway corridors.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the township had a population of 113,850. The racial makeup was predominantly Non-Hispanic White (77.1%), with significant Hispanic or Latino (11.5%), African American (4.5%), and Asian (4.3%) populations. The median household income was notably higher than state and national averages, reflecting the affluent character of many of its communities. Population centers are concentrated in villages like La Grange and Western Springs, with the Chicago metropolitan area providing major employment opportunities.
Government
Lyons Township operates under the Illinois Township Code and is governed by an elected Board of Trustees led by a Township Supervisor, currently Christopher Getty. Key services administered include general assistance, property tax assessment assistance through the Township Assessor, and youth services. The township also maintains a Road District for unincorporated areas and operates the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission. Voters within the township also participate in elections for the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Illinois General Assembly.
Education
Public secondary education is provided by the highly regarded Lyons Township High School District 204, which operates Lyons Township High School campuses in La Grange and Western Springs. Elementary and middle school students attend various Cook County school districts, including La Grange School District 102, La Grange School District 105, and Western Springs School District 101. The township is also served by the Lyons Township Public Library District and is home to private institutions like Nazareth Academy and Fenwick High School just beyond its borders.
Notable people
Numerous notable individuals have resided within the township, including Bob Newhart, the famed comedian and actor; John Belushi, the original cast member of Saturday Night Live; and Ronald Reagan's press secretary, James Brady. Sports figures include Major League Baseball player Jake Arrieta and National Football League coach Dave Wannstedt. Other distinguished residents have been Illinois Supreme Court Justice Charles E. Freeman and astronaut Michael J. Massimino, who served on Space Shuttle missions to the Hubble Space Telescope.
Category:Townships in Cook County, Illinois Category:1850 establishments in Illinois