Peoria Heights, Illinois
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| Peoria Heights, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Name | Peoria Heights |
| Settlement type | Village |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Peoria |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Michael Phelan |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1896 |
| Area total km2 | 6.27 |
| Area total sq mi | 2.42 |
| Area land km2 | 5.95 |
| Area land sq mi | 2.30 |
| Area water km2 | 0.32 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.12 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 5,848 |
| Population density km2 | 983.0 |
| Population density sq mi | 2,545.2 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Coordinates | 40, 44, 47, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 61616 |
| Area code | 309 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-59028 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2399641 |
| Website | www.peoriaheights.org |
Peoria Heights, Illinois. An independent village within Peoria County, it is a distinct municipality completely surrounded by the larger city of Peoria. Known for its elevated topography, scenic Illinois River bluffs, and vibrant commercial corridor along War Memorial Drive, Peoria Heights combines residential charm with a notable concentration of dining and retail establishments. The village is governed under the trustee-village system and is part of the Peoria metropolitan statistical area.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Illinois Confederation and later became part of the French colonial territory of New France. Following the American Revolutionary War, the region was included in the Illinois Territory before Illinois achieved statehood in 1818. The village itself was platted in 1893 by developers from the Peoria and Eastern Railway and officially incorporated in 1896. Its development was significantly influenced by the streetcar lines extending from Peoria, promoting it as a suburban retreat. A key historical landmark is the Peoria Heights Tower, constructed in 1930 by the Works Progress Administration and now a symbol of the community located in Tower Park.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.42 square miles, of which 2.30 square miles is land and 0.12 square miles is water. It is situated on the western bluffs overlooking the Illinois River, providing significant elevation changes and scenic views. The village's geography is defined by its position within the larger Peoria area and its borders with Peoria on all sides. Major thoroughfares include War Memorial Drive, North Prospect Road, and East Glen Avenue, which connect it to Interstate 74 and the rest of the metropolitan region.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 5,848. The Census Bureau reported a population density of approximately 2,545.2 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income historically exceeds the averages for both Peoria County and the State of Illinois, reflecting its status as an affluent suburb within the Peoria MSA.
Economy
The village's economy is characterized by a strong commercial base concentrated along the War Memorial Drive corridor, featuring a high density of locally-owned restaurants, boutique shops, and service businesses. It is notably home to the Pour Brothers Craft Taproom and the long-standing Thanh Linh Restaurant. While not a major industrial center like neighboring Peoria, which was historically dominated by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria Heights benefits from its role as a retail and dining destination for the wider region. The Peoria Heights Tower and surrounding Tower Park also support tourism and community events.
Government
Peoria Heights operates under a village trustee form of government, with a mayor and a six-member board of trustees elected at-large. The current mayor is Michael Phelan. The village provides its own police and public works services but contracts with the City of Peoria for fire protection. As part of Peoria County, it falls within Illinois's 17th congressional district and is represented in the Illinois General Assembly by members from the 37th and 92nd districts.
Education
Public education is served by Peoria Heights School District 325, which includes Peoria Heights Grade School and Peoria Heights High School. The high school's athletic teams, known as the Patriots, compete in the Interstate 8 Conference. Some areas on the village's periphery are within the boundaries of Peoria Public Schools District 150. The village is also proximate to several institutions of higher education, including Bradley University and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with Peoria Heights include Richard Pryor, the legendary comedian and actor who spent part of his childhood in the area; Bob Erickson, a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals; and David R. Leitch, a film director and second unit director known for his work on the *John Wick* franchise and *Deadpool 2*. The village has also been home to various local business leaders and civic figures influential in the Greater Peoria community.
Category:Villages in Illinois Category:Villages in Peoria County, Illinois Category:1896 establishments in Illinois