Elgin

by The Linguist

Elgin is a city located in Kane County, Illinois along the Fox River. With a population of over 112,000 as of the 2020 census, it is the eighth largest city in Illinois and one of the fastest growing. The city has a diversified economy and is home to many places of interest. Keep reading to learn more about Elgin’s population, major employers, sports teams, landmarks, and attractions.

Population and Demographics

As mentioned, Elgin has a population of 112,123 according to the latest census. This makes it the second most populous city in the Chicago metropolitan area outside of Chicago itself. The racial makeup of Elgin is predominantly White (57.8%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (34.9%), Black or African American (6.4%), Asian (5.1%), and other races (5.2%).

Over the past few decades, Elgin has become increasingly diverse. The Hispanic and Latino population has grown significantly since the 1990s. Today, more than one third of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino. The city has a large Mexican American community in particular.

In addition to growing racial diversity, Elgin has also gotten younger in recent years. The median age is 32.7 years old. Over a quarter of the population (27.8%) is under the age of 18.

Elgin has a fairly even split of males and females. Females account for 50.7% of the population while males account for 49.3%.

The median household income in Elgin is $62,097 which is slightly below the national median. However, home prices are also lower than average at a median of $177,100.

Economy and Major Employers

Elgin has a diversified economy with major industries including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, food service, education, and technology. Some of the largest employers in Elgin include:

Healthcare is a major part of the economy, with two large hospital systems headquartered in Elgin. Manufacturing also provides many jobs, with companies like John B. Sanfilippo & Son, a global snack food manufacturer, and Amron International, a chemical product manufacturer.

In recent years, Elgin has also seen growth in tech companies thanks to its skilled workforce, business incentives, and proximity to Chicago. Some notable tech companies with offices in Elgin include Essendant, Brunswick Bowling Products, and Arthrex.

Sports Teams

Despite not having any major professional sports teams, Elgin is still an athletic community. Some of the local sports teams include:

Residents also closely follow Chicago’s professional teams including the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, and White Sox.

Landmarks and Places of Interest

Some of the most notable landmarks and attractions in Elgin include:

In addition to landmarks, Elgin has a lively downtown with restaurants, shops, a historic theater, and a riverwalk along the Fox River. Popular annual events include Elgin’s Nightmare on Chicago Street Halloween festival.

Population Recap

To recap, Elgin has a population of over 112,000, making it one of the largest and fastest growing cities in Illinois. It has become more racially diverse in recent decades, with growing Hispanic, Asian, and African American communities. The population also skews slightly younger than average. While Elgin faces some economic challenges, major employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology provide opportunities.