Joliet is a city located about 45 miles southwest of Chicago in the U.S. state of Illinois. With a population of over 147,000 as of the 2020 census, it is the third largest city in the state after Chicago and Aurora.
Population and Demographics
According to the Wikipedia page for Joliet, the city’s population grew rapidly in the years following World War II, more than doubling from 46,768 in 1940 to 98,320 in 1960. In 2010, the census showed a population of 147,433, making it the fastest growing city in Illinois at the time.
The racial makeup of Joliet is diverse, with around 62% White, nearly 17% African American, almost 1% Native American, just under 1% Asian, and around 21% from other races. Over half of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Economy and Major Employers
Some of the top employers in Joliet include C.S.Coral (steel mill), Silver Cross Hospital, Joliet Junior College, Joliet Prison, the Academies of Joliet (alternative high schools), and Harrah’s Joliet Hotel and Casino.
Major industries in the area include manufacturing, fast food, education, construction trades, retail, healthcare, and more. The city has worked to diversify its economy and attract new development in recent years. For more information, visit the Joliet economic development website at https://www.joliet.gov/departments/economic-development.
Landmarks and Attractions
Some of the most notable landmarks and attractions in Joliet include:
- Rialto Square Theatre – A beautiful historic theater in downtown Joliet that hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and other performances.
- Route 66 Raceway – A major NHRA drag racing venue just east of the city.
- Chicagoland Speedway – A NASCAR racetrack southwest of Joliet.
- Joliet Area Historical Museum – Housed in the former Ottawa Street Methodist Episcopal Church, this museum documents Joliet’s history.
- Jacob A. Henry Mansion – An elegant 1886 mansion that is now a historic house museum.
- Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park – A 200-acre recreational park along the Des Plaines River.
- Harrah’s Joliet Casino – A casino and hotel with gaming, dining, and entertainment.
The Joliet Area Visitor’s Bureau website at https://www.visitjoliet.org/ provides more details on things to see and do in the city.
Sports
Joliet is home to several professional sports teams, including:
- Joliet Slammers – A professional baseball team that plays in the independent Frontier League. For more information, visit the Slammers website.
- Chicago Steel – A Tier 1 junior ice hockey team that plays in the United States Hockey League. Visit the Steel website.
- Chicago Bliss – A women’s full contact football team in the Legends Football League that plays home games in Joliet. Checkout their website.
In addition, several colleges in and around Joliet have NJCAA athletic programs including Joliet Junior College and University of St. Francis.
City Government
Joliet has a Council-Manager form of government. The city council consists of the mayor and eight council members who pass legislation and set policy. The city manager is appointed by the council and acts as the chief administrator running day-to-day operations. You can learn more at the City of Joliet website.
Community
There are many ways to connect with the community in Joliet. The city’s Facebook page
provides updates, event listings, and more. There are also many neighborhood groups and community organizations throughout the city.
From its early history to recent developments, Joliet continues to be an evolving, vibrant Midwest community that offers opportunity, entertainment, and a high quality of life. This overview provided a look at key aspects of the city today including population, employers, attractions, sports franchises, government, and more.
With a population of over 149,000 as of the 2020 census, Joliet is the third largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois. Located just 40 miles southwest of Chicago, Joliet lies in both Will and Kendall counties along the Des Plaines River. Once known for its steel mills and as a quarrying center, today Joliet has a diversified economic base anchored by the entertainment and retail complexes of RiverEdge Park and the Chicagoland Speedway.
History
The history of Joliet dates back to 1673 when French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette traveled through the area along the Illinois River and camped on a lush prairie they dubbed “Joiliet.” In 1834, settlers established the town of Juliet, named after Jolliet. The spelling was later changed to Joliet. During the 1800s, Joliet became a thriving industrial town with the opening of the Michigan Canal, Illinois & Michigan Canal, and several railroad lines. This infrastructure sparked the growth of Joliet’s steel mills which helped establish the city’s prosperity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, while some steel mills remain, Joliet has transitioned to a service-based economy centered around retail, entertainment, medical services, and transportation.
Demographics
In addition to its population of over 149,000, Joliet has grown increasingly diverse over the past few decades. As of the 2020 census, the racial makeup of the city was 62.2% White, 15.5% African American, 0.4% Native American, 3.3% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 15.4% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. 30.7% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Economy and Major Employers
While no longer dominated by the steel industry, manufacturing remains an important part of Joliet’s economy today. Some of the major companies with headquarters or plants in Joliet include Caterpillar, Amazon, RR Donnelley, and PolyOne Corporation. In recent decades, there has also been significant job growth in education, healthcare, transportation, and logistics. Major area employers include AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center, Joliet Junior College, Joliet Public Schools District 86, and the Amazon Fulfillment Center.
Attractions and Entertainment
Joliet offers a variety of attractions and entertainment options for visitors and residents alike. For auto racing fans, the Chicagoland Speedway hosts NASCAR Cup Series races every summer. RiverEdge Park along the Des Plaines River is home to concerts, festivals, and the Rialto Square Theatre. Joliet Regional Park District manages over 8,000 acres of parkland and facilities including golf courses, trails, pools, and Splash Station Waterpark. History buffs can explore the Joliet Area Historical Museum located in the former Ottawa Street Methodist Church built in 1862.
Sports
Joliet is home to several professional sports teams and organizations. Since 1998, the Joliet Slammers have provided minor league baseball as members of the Frontier League. Hockey fans can cheer on the Chicago Steel, a Tier 1 junior ice hockey team that plays at the Inwood Ice Arena. The Joliet Jammers offer women’s professional basketball as part of the Global Women’s Basketball Association.
Shopping and Dining
From major shopping malls to quaint local boutiques, Joliet offers a range of retail therapy options. Louis Joliet Mall features over 100 stores, restaurants, and entertainment. Downtown Joliet also boasts an array of shops carrying clothing, gifts, jewelry, and more. Joliet’s diverse dining scene reflects the city’s cultural blend. Taste authentic Mexican dishes in the pedestrian-friendly Jefferson Street restaurant corridor. Casual family eateries along with fine dining can be found throughout the city as well.
Government
Joliet was incorporated as a city in 1852. It has operated under a Council-Manager form of government since 1948. The city’s governing body consists of a Mayor and eight City Council members representing four districts. The current Mayor of Joliet is Bob O’Dekirk. Day-to-day operations are handled by the appointed City Manager, currently Marta Keane. Joliet is the county seat of Will County located in the Will County Governmental Complex.