Wheaton, Illinois
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| Wheaton, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Name | Wheaton |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The Athens of the West" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | DuPage |
| Government type | Council–manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Phil Suess |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1837 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1859 |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 29.58 |
| Area total sq mi | 11.42 |
| Area land km2 | 29.50 |
| Area land sq mi | 11.39 |
| Area water km2 | 0.08 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.03 |
| Elevation ft | 758 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 53970 |
| Population density km2 | 1829.5 |
| Population density sq mi | 4738.4 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 60187, 60189 |
| Area code | 630 and 331 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-81000 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2397281 |
| Website | wheaton.il.us |
Wheaton, Illinois. It is the county seat of DuPage County and a prominent suburb within the Chicago metropolitan area. Known for its historic downtown, numerous churches, and academic institutions, the city has earned the nickname "The Athens of the West." The community is anchored by Wheaton College and is home to the headquarters of the Billy Graham Center.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi people before American settlers arrived following the 1833 Treaty of Chicago. Brothers Warren and Jesse Wheaton platted the town in 1837, with the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad reaching the settlement in 1849, spurring growth. It was incorporated as a village in 1859 and later as a city in 1890, becoming the county seat after a contentious 1867 election against Naperville. Significant 20th-century developments included the establishment of Wheaton College, the relocation of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's archives, and its evolution into a major commuter town for Chicago.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.42 square miles, nearly all of it land. It is located approximately 25 miles west of Downtown Chicago within the Chicago metropolitan area. The city's topography is characterized by gentle prairie terrain, with Salt Creek flowing along its western border. Major thoroughfares include Roosevelt Road, Butterfield Road, and North Avenue, and it is served by the Union Pacific West Line at the Wheaton station.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 53,970, with a density of over 4,700 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly Non-Hispanic White (78.5%), with growing Asian American (10.5%) and Hispanic or Latino (7.6%) communities. The median household income is significantly higher than the national average, and over 60% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The city is part of the Illinois's 6th congressional district and has historically been a Republican stronghold, though political margins have narrowed in recent federal elections.
Economy
The economy is a mix of professional services, retail, healthcare, and education, with many residents commuting to employment centers in Chicago, Oak Brook, and along the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor. Major employers include Wheaton College, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, and the DuPage County government offices. The historic downtown, centered on Hale Street and Front Street, features a variety of independent shops, restaurants, and hosts seasonal events like the Wheaton French Market.
Education
The city is served by Community Unit School District 200, which operates Wheaton Warrenville South High School and Wheaton North High School. Wheaton College, a prominent Christian liberal arts college, is a defining institution, housing the Billy Graham Center Museum and the Wade Center for the study of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Other notable institutions include the Franciscan University of Steubenville's theology program and the DuPage County Regional Office of Education.
Notable people
Notable residents have included evangelist Billy Graham, former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, and astronaut James A. McDivitt. Authors Jeannette Walls and Lisa See have ties to the city, as do actors John Belushi and Gary Sinise. In sports, it is associated with NFL player Dan Jiggetts, MLB pitcher Dick Drago, and Olympic swimmer Conor Dwyer. Business figures include John B. Sanfilippo of John B. Sanfilippo & Son and former McDonald's CEO Jack M. Greenberg.
Category:Cities in Illinois Category:DuPage County, Illinois Category:Chicago metropolitan area Category:County seats in Illinois