Schaumburg is a large suburban village located in Cook County and DuPage County in northeastern Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the village had a total population of 74,227 residents, making it the 8th largest community in Illinois.
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Schaumburg has a population of 74,227 people. Schaumburg is currently the 8th largest community in Illinois by population. From 2000 to 2010, Schaumburg experienced a decrease in population from 75,386 to 74,227 or -1.5%.
The racial makeup of Schaumburg is:
- 68.3% White
- 11.5% Asian
- 7.5% African American
- 11.6% Hispanic or Latino
31% of Schaumburg’s residents are foreign born. Major ancestries include German, Irish, Polish, English, Italian, Arab, Asian Indian, and Russian.
History
The early history of Schaumburg was closely tied to agriculture. By the mid-19th century, German immigrants began to settle in the northeastern section of the Township. Legend has it that one of the earliest settler families was the Trick family who built their home and farm in 1835 along what now is Schaumburg Road.
The community was originally called Sarah’s Grove after a grove of trees on one of the farms. The trees were renamed after a woman named Sarah maintained them. The name was eventually shortened to Schaumburg.
Schaumburg was incorporated as a village in 1956, at the time consisting of about 130 residents. By the 1960s, Schaumburg began to grow rapidly as development of the giant Woodfield Mall attracted new residents and businesses. Today, Schaumburg has grown into a thriving suburban center located next to the intersection of I-90 and IL 53.
Economy and Major Employers
Schaumburg has emerged as a major economic center characterized by a large white-collar workforce. Some of the major employers in Schaumburg include:
- Motorola Solutions – telecommunications equipment company (headquarters)
- Zurich North America – insurance company (headquarters)
- Paylocity – cloud-based HR and payroll solutions
- Walgreens – pharmacy and retailer (corporate campus)
Other major companies with a large presence in Schaumburg include Verizon Wireless, Career Education Corporation, IHS Markit, Experian, and Woodfield Mall. The large number of corporate campuses along with Woodfield Mall make Schaumburg a major retail and commercial center for the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
Landmarks and Attractions
Some of the notable landmarks and attractions in Schaumburg include:
- Woodfield Mall – One of the largest shopping malls in the United States with over 300 stores and restaurants.
- Streets of Woodfield – Lifestyle center with shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- IKEA – Popular furniture and home goods store.
- Medieval Times – Family dinner theater with jousting and medieval-style games.
- Schaumburg Boomers – Local minor league baseball team.
In terms of parks and recreation, Schaumburg is home to many local favorites like the Volkening Heritage Farm, a living history farm, and the Spring Valley Nature Center, featuring wooded trails, ponds and wildlife exhibits.
Local Government
Schaumburg has operated under the council-manager form of government since incorporation in 1956. The Village Board consists of the Village President and six Trustees. The Board appoints a professional Village Manager to serve as Chief Administrative Officer.
Some of the services provided by Schaumburg’s local government include police, building permits, transportation, and emergency services. Residents can access information on local government services and events on the Village of Schaumburg Facebook page.
Final Thoughts
With its prosperous economy, wide array of local attractions, and strong community, Schaumburg has cemented itself as one of the most desirable suburbs in the Chicago metropolitan area. Whether you’re looking for shopping, dining, entertainment, or corporate employment, Schaumburg has something for you.