Rantoul, Illinois
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| Rantoul, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Name | Rantoul, Illinois |
| Settlement type | Village |
| Pushpin label | Rantoul |
| Coordinates | 40, 18, 29, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Champaign |
| Subdivision type3 | Township |
| Subdivision name3 | Rantoul |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1854 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1874 |
| Government type | Village Board |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Charles Smith |
| Area total km2 | 22.45 |
| Area total sq mi | 8.67 |
| Area land km2 | 22.45 |
| Area land sq mi | 8.67 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation m | 225 |
| Elevation ft | 738 |
| Population total | 12580 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 560.36 |
| Population density sq mi | 1451.21 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 61866 |
| Area code | 217 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-62783 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2399051 |
| Website | www.rantoul.org |
Rantoul, Illinois. Rantoul is a village in Champaign County, Illinois, located approximately 15 miles north of the city of Champaign. The community was founded by land speculator Robert Rantoul and grew significantly with the arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad and the establishment of Chanute Air Force Base. Today, it is known for its aviation history, diverse economy, and role as a regional hub in East Central Illinois.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Kickapoo people before European-American settlement. The village was platted in 1854 by Robert Rantoul, a politician and financier from Massachusetts who was a director of the Illinois Central Railroad. Its growth was directly tied to the railroad, becoming a division point and a vital shipping center for local agricultural products. A transformative event was the establishment of Chanute Air Force Base in 1917, originally known as Chanute Field, which served as a major technical training center for the United States Army Air Corps and later the United States Air Force. The base's presence dominated the local economy and demographics for decades until its closure in 1993 under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, leading to significant community adaptation and redevelopment of the former base property.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 8.67 square miles, all land. Rantoul is situated on the relatively flat terrain of the Grand Prairie region of Illinois. The Vermilion River flows to the east of the village. The climate is classified as humid continental climate, featuring four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm, humid summers, typical of the Midwestern United States. The village is located within Rantoul Township.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 12,580. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant representation of White Americans, African Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The population saw substantial fluctuations in the 20th century, peaking during the active years of Chanute Air Force Base. The median household income has historically been below the state average, a trend influenced by the base closure. The village is part of the Champaign–Urbana metropolitan area and serves as a residential community for commuters to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and employers in Champaign and Urbana.
Economy
Historically centered on agriculture and the military base, Rantoul's economy has diversified. The Rantoul Business District and commercial corridors along U.S. Route 45 and Illinois Route 136 support retail and services. Major industrial and manufacturing employers have included Jeld-Wen, Flex-N-Gate, and Plastic Components, Inc.. The redevelopment of the former Chanute Air Force Base into the Rantoul National Aviation Center and the Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum has aimed to leverage its aviation heritage. The village is also a center for agricultural commerce and hosts facilities for companies like Graham Grain Company.
Education
Public education is administered by Rantoul City Schools and Rantoul Township High School District 193. The district includes Rantoul Township High School and several elementary schools. The presence of Parkland College's extension campus in the village provides higher education and vocational training opportunities. The former Chanute Air Force Base was home to the Chanute Technical Training Center, a major military educational institution. The Rantoul Public Library serves the community's informational needs.
Transportation
Rantoul is a regional transportation node. Major roadways include north-south U.S. Route 45 and east-west Illinois Route 136. The village is located near Interstate 57 and approximately 20 miles from Interstate 74. While passenger rail service via Amtrak is not available locally, it is accessible in Champaign. The Rantoul National Aviation Center (formerly Rantoul Airport) provides general aviation facilities. Public transit is offered by the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, providing bus service connecting Rantoul to Champaign and Urbana.
Category:Villages in Illinois Category:Champaign County, Illinois