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Will County, Illinois

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Parent: Cook County, Illinois Hop 4
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Will County, Illinois
CountyWill County
StateIllinois
Founded1836
SeatJoliet
Largest cityJoliet
Area total sq mi849
Area land sq mi837
Area water sq mi12
Area percentage1.4%
Pop est as of2023
Pop est712,696
Density sq mi851
Time zoneCentral
Webwww.willcountyillinois.com
Named forConrad Will
District1st
District22nd
District311th
District414th
District515th
District616th

Will County, Illinois. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it is a key component of the Chicago metropolitan area and the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor. The county seat and largest city is Joliet, a historic industrial center situated along the Des Plaines River. With a population exceeding 700,000, it is one of the fastest-growing counties in Illinois and a major hub for logistics, manufacturing, and energy production.

History

The region was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi, Illinois, and Miami peoples. European exploration began with French missionaries and traders like Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, for whom the city of Joliet is named. Following the Treaty of St. Louis (1816), the area was opened to American settlement. It was organized as a county in 1836 from parts of Cook and Iroquois counties, named for Conrad Will, a legislator and physician. The 19th century saw rapid growth spurred by the Illinois and Michigan Canal, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, and the rise of Joliet Iron and Steel Works. The Argonne National Laboratory, established during the Manhattan Project, is a landmark of 20th-century scientific history located within the county.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 849 square miles, with Lake Michigan forming its northeastern border. Major waterways include the Des Plaines River, Kankakee River, and DuPage River, which converge near Channahon. The landscape features the Valparaiso Moraine and areas of the Grand Prairie. Protected natural areas include the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area, and parts of the Forest Preserve District of Will County. The county contains numerous municipalities, including Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Romeoville, and Naperville, though the latter is primarily in DuPage County.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 696,355, making it the fourth-most populous county in Illinois. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant populations identifying as White, Black or African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino. The county has experienced substantial growth, driven by suburban expansion from Chicago. Major population centers are clustered along the Interstate 55 and Interstate 80 corridors. Educational attainment levels are above the state average, with a high percentage of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.

Economy

The economy is anchored by transportation, logistics, and heavy industry. It is a national freight distribution nexus, home to the Joliet Refinery (operated by ExxonMobil), the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (redeveloped as the CenterPoint Intermodal Center), and major facilities for Amazon, Walmart, and NFI Industries. The Will County Center for Economic Development actively promotes business growth. Energy production is significant, with the Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station and the Joliet Energy Center. Healthcare is a major employer, led by systems like Silver Cross Hospital and AMITA Health.

Government and politics

The county government operates under the commission form, with an elected County Board led by a Executive. The current County Executive is Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. Will County is part of multiple congressional districts, represented in Congress by members including Jonathan Jackson and Mike Bost. At the state level, it is represented in the Illinois General Assembly by legislators such as John Connor and Jil Tracy. While historically a Democratic-leaning area in presidential elections, it maintains competitive local politics.

Education

Primary and secondary education is provided by numerous school districts, including Joliet Public Schools District 86, Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, and Valley View School District 365U. Higher education institutions include Joliet Junior College, the nation's first public community college, and campuses of University of St. Francis and Governors State University. The Lewis University airport campus is located in Romeoville. The Joliet Area Historical Museum and the Rialto Square Theatre serve as important cultural and educational venues.

Transportation

The county is a critical national transportation hub. Major highways include Interstate 55, Interstate 57, Interstate 80, and Interstate 355. U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Route 6 are significant arterial roads. Freight rail is dominated by the Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway, which operate major yards in Joliet. Passenger rail service is provided by Metra on the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor lines, connecting to Chicago Union Station. The Joliet Regional Airport and Lewis University Airport serve general aviation, while commercial air travel is accessed via Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport.

Category:Will County, Illinois Category:Illinois counties Category:Chicago metropolitan area Category:1836 establishments in Illinois