Milton is a city located in Pike County, Illinois. As of the 2020 census, the population of Milton was 842. Milton is part of the Hannibal Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Milton, the city had a population of 842 as of the 2020 census. This represents a decline from the 2010 census when the population was 907. Milton is the second largest city in Pike County.
The racial makeup of Milton is predominantly white. As of the 2010 census, 97.4% of residents identified as white, 0.2% as African American, 0.6% as Native American, 0.2% as Asian, and 1.0% as two or more races. 1.3% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The median age in Milton is 44.5 years old. 22.8% of the population is under the age of 18, and 19.7% is over the age of 65. There are slightly more female residents (53.1%) than male residents (46.9%).
The average household size in Milton is 2.27 persons, and the average family size is 2.89 persons. There are 379 households in the city and 239 families.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically, Milton’s economy relied heavily on agriculture. However, like many small Midwestern towns, it has seen a decline in farming and agricultural jobs over the past decades.
Today, some of the major employers in Milton include:
- Pike County government
- Pike County School District #4
- Indian Creek Correctional Center – a medium security state prison
- Dot Foods – A foodservice redistribution company with a regional warehouse in Milton
- Walmart Distribution Center – Provides jobs in transportation and logistics
The median household income in Milton is $33,750, which is below the state and national averages. The poverty rate is 18.7%, higher than average for Illinois and the United States.
Attractions and Local Culture
Despite its small size, Milton has a few points of interest for visitors:
The Milton Bridge
Spanning the Mississippi River, the Milton Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge on the Mississippi. Built in 1929, the nearly mile-long truss bridge connects Milton to Louisiana, Missouri. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Lock and Dam No. 18
Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lock and Dam No. 18 near Milton helps boats navigate the Mississippi River through a series of locks. There is a visitor center overlooking the dam with educational exhibits.
Mel Price Locks and Dam
Downriver from Milton is the Mel Price Locks and Dam, which has visitor facilities, fishing access, and recreational trails along the Mississippi River.
Apple River Fort State Historic Site
This reconstructed fort just outside of Milton commemorates a key Civil War battle. Visitors can take tours and view reenactments of frontier life.
Milton Community Park
For outdoor recreation, Milton has the 14-acre Milton Community Park. Amenities include walking trails, baseball fields, basketball courts, and a playground.
Milton School District Sports
Residents take pride in their local school sports teams. The Milton Panthers and Lady Panthers compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, golf, and cross country.
Milton Public Library
The Milton Public Library offers resources and programming for all ages. It hosts regular children’s story times and book clubs.
Milton United Methodist Church
This historic church built in 1871 is an anchor of the Milton community. It hosts regular worship services, Bible studies, youth group activities, Vacation Bible School, and seasonal events.
City Government
Milton has a Council-Manager form of government. The city council consists of a mayor and four council members who pass legislation and set policy. The City Manager oversees day-to-day operations.
Residents can learn more about Milton’s elected officials, city services, and local laws on the City of Milton website.
The Milton City Hall is located at 210 Catfish Drive in Milton.
Moving to Milton
Milton offers a quiet, small town quality of life. The average commute time is just 17 minutes, and traffic is minimal. Housing costs are very affordable compared to state and national averages.
The city is conveniently located near several larger towns and cities. Hannibal, Missouri is just 20 minutes south. Springfield, Illinois is a 45 minute drive. The St. Louis metropolitan area can be reached in under 2 hours.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy proximity to the Mississippi River and Mark Twain National Forest. Hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, and camping opportunities abound.
Milton provides a close-knit community environment while also allowing easy access to big city amenities. It’s the perfect place to experience Midwest living!