Downers Grove is a village located 23 miles southwest of Chicago in DuPage County, Illinois. With a population of 49,981 as of the 2020 census, it is the eighth largest municipality in Illinois. Downers Grove has grown substantially over the past century, transitioning from a small farming community to a thriving Chicago suburb.
History
Downers Grove was founded in 1832 by Pierce Downer, who traveled from New York to establish a settlement on 340 acres of land along the DuPage River. The village was incorporated on March 19, 1873 and expanded rapidly following the completion of railroad connections to Chicago in 1864.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Downers Grove transitioned from an agricultural economy to a residential commuter suburb for Chicago. Following World War II, the population boomed as new homes and subdivisions were constructed to accommodate families seeking single-family housing outside of the city. From 1950 to 1960 alone, Downers Grove’s population nearly tripled from 14,557 to 37,325 residents.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Downers Grove had a population of 49,981. The racial makeup of the village was 79.1% White, 6.3% Asian, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 5.2% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, and 3.1% two or more races.
There were 18,072 households and the average household size was 2.68 people. The median age was 41.7 years. The gender makeup was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.
Economy
Historically an agricultural community, Downers Grove’s economy today consists largely of light industry, manufacturing, retail, restaurants and service-oriented businesses. Some of the major employers located in Downers Grove include Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Dover Corporation, FamilyFarmed, Underwriters Laboratories, and Ace Hardware.
Downers Grove has a skilled and educated workforce, with over 60% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median household income is $83,555, above the national average, and the unemployment rate is low at just 3.2% as of June 2022 according to city data.
Attractions
Downers Grove has a charming downtown area with restaurants, shops and a movie theater. Popular attractions include:
- The Tivoli Theatre, a historic movie palace built in 1928.
- Downers Grove Museum, with exhibits on local history.
- The Lincoln Center, home to the village hall, police station and library.
- 57 parks with amenities like trails, pools, and athletic fields.
- Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, located in a historic train station.
The Downers Grove Park District oversees more than 600 acres of park land and green space, providing residents with many options for outdoor recreation. Popular parks include Patriots Park, McCollum Park, Doerhoefer Park and Lyman Woods.
Landmarks
Some of the most notable landmarks in Downers Grove include:
- The Blodgett House, an Underground Railroad site where fugitive slaves were harbored.
- The Flossmoor Station, a restored Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad depot now home to a brewery and restaurant.
- The Curtiss House, an 1868 Italianate-style farmhouse that serves as the Downers Grove Museum.
- The 1846 Graves-Dahm House, the oldest existing home in Downers Grove.
Sports
Downers Grove is home to several athletic organizations and teams. The Downers Grove Patriots are a collegiate summer baseball team competing in the Midwest Collegiate League. Local youth can participate in athletic programs and competitions through organizations like the Downers Grove Park District.
Downers Grove is also located near several major professional sports teams in Chicago, including the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox and Fire.
You can follow the latest news and events happening in Downers Grove by liking the village’s Facebook page.