Park Ridge, Illinois

Park Ridge, Illinois
Name	Park Ridge
Settlement type	City
Pushpin label	Park Ridge
Coordinates	42, 0, 46, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Illinois
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Cook
Subdivision type3	Township
Subdivision name3	Maine
Established title	Settled
Established date	1830s
Established title1	Incorporated
Established date1	1873
Government type	Council–Manager
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Marty Maloney
Area total km2	18.45
Area total sq mi	7.12
Area land km2	18.45
Area land sq mi	7.12
Area water km2	0.00
Area water sq mi	0.00
Elevation m	195
Elevation ft	640
Population total	39056
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	CST
Utc offset	-6
Timezone DST	CDT
Utc offset DST	-5
Postal code type	ZIP Code(s)
Postal code	60068
Area code	847 & 224
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	17-57825
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	2396159
Website	www.parkridge.us

Park Ridge, Illinois. Park Ridge is a city in Cook County, Illinois, located approximately 15 miles northwest of Downtown Chicago. A primarily residential suburb, it is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and is known for its historic Uptown Park Ridge business district, quality public schools, and extensive park system. The city was the childhood home of several notable figures, including former First Lady Hillary Clinton.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi people before European settlement began in the 1830s. Initially known as Pennyville and later Brickton, the community was incorporated as Park Ridge in 1873, a name inspired by its location on a ridge overlooking the Des Plaines River valley. The arrival of the Chicago and North Western Railway in the 1850s spurred growth, transforming it from a farming community into a commuter town. Significant 20th-century development included the construction of the Pickwick Theatre, a noted Art Deco landmark, and the establishment of the Maine Township High School system. The city's proximity to O'Hare International Airport, developed after World War II, further cemented its role as a suburban hub.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.12 square miles, all land. It is bordered by Des Plaines to the west and south, Niles to the east, and the Chicago neighborhood of Edison Park to the southeast. The geography is characterized by a gentle ridge, part of the Valparaiso Moraine, which provides a subtle topographic variation in the otherwise flat glacial plain of northeastern Illinois. Several small waterways, including Higgins Creek, flow through the community.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 39,056. The racial makeup was predominantly White (84.1%), with significant populations of Asian (8.5%) and Hispanic or Latino (6.4%) residents. The median household income is substantially higher than the national average, reflecting its status as an affluent suburb. Housing is primarily single-family homes, with a high rate of homeownership. The population is well-educated, with a large percentage of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

Economy

Park Ridge has a strong local economy centered on its Uptown and South Park commercial districts, featuring a mix of independent retailers, restaurants, and professional services. Major employers include Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, a Level I trauma center and one of the largest medical facilities in the region. The city's economic base is also supported by its proximity to O'Hare International Airport and the corporate offices located along the nearby Tri-State Tollway. There is no major industrial sector, aligning with its residential character.

Education

Public education is provided by Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 for elementary and middle schools and Maine Township High School District 207. Students typically attend Maine South High School, whose alumni include Harrison Ford and Sean Payton. The city is also served by several private institutions, including Mary, Seat of Wisdom School. The Park Ridge Public Library serves as a community hub for lifelong learning and programming. Higher education opportunities are accessible at nearby institutions like Oakton College and DePaul University.

Notable people

Park Ridge is the childhood home of former United States Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton. Other notable former residents include actor Harrison Ford, actress Ann-Margret, NFL coach Sean Payton, actress Michele Lee, and Academy Award-winning film editor Daniel Mandell. The city was also the long-time residence of renowned cardiologist and Polygraph inventor John Larson.

Category:Cities in Illinois Category:Cook County, Illinois