Population
Thornton (Township) ,Illinois is located in Cook County and had a population of 169,326 as of the 2020 census. This makes it the 51st most populous municipality in Illinois. The population density is approximately 2,500 people per square mile. The racial makeup of Thornton (Township) is 41.2% White, 48.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.8% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race make up 15.5% of the population.
Over the past decade, Thornton (Township) has seen steady population growth. From 2010 to 2020, the population increased by 1.7%. This pace of growth is slower than the statewide average growth rate of 3.3% over the same time period. The population is projected to continue growing over the next decade, but at a slower rate compared to other Chicago suburbs.
For more demographic information and statistics, visit the Wikipedia page for Thornton (Township) ,Illinois.
Economy and Major Employers
The economy of Thornton (Township) is driven by manufacturing, healthcare, transportation and logistics. Some of the major employers in Thornton (Township) include:
- Ford Motor Company – Operates a stamping plant that produces body parts and panels for Ford vehicles.
- Caterpillar Inc. – Manufactures construction and mining equipment at facilities in Thornton (Township).
- Union Pacific – Rail transportation company with a large intermodal terminal in Thornton (Township).
- Walgreens – Pharmacy retailer that is headquartered in Thornton (Township).
- Franciscan Health – Operates two hospitals and several clinics/medical centers in Thornton (Township).
- Thornton Township High School District – Provides public secondary education and is one of the largest employers in the township.
In addition to these major employers, Thornton (Township) has a diverse mix of mid-size and small businesses across industries such as professional services, retail, construction, and food service. Over 94% of businesses in Thornton (Township) have less than 50 employees.
The median household income in Thornton (Township) is $69,000, which is slightly higher than the statewide median. However, 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Economic development efforts in Thornton (Township) focus on attracting new manufacturing firms, supporting small business growth, and workforce training initiatives.
For more details about the economy and business environment in Thornton (Township), visit the Economic Development page on the township government website.
Points of Interest
Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Thornton (Township) include:
- Thorn Creek Nature Preserve – A 475-acre nature reserve with woodlands, wetlands, and prairie areas. Features 7 miles of hiking trails. Thorn Creek Nature Preserve Facebook page.
- Margaret Burke Memorial Park – Sports complex with baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and more. Home field for several local youth sports leagues. Website for one of the sports leagues.
- Thornton Quarry – One of the largest quarries in the world. Features attractions like scuba diving and rock climbing. More information on Wikipedia.
- Midlothian Country Club – Private country club and golf course founded in 1898. Has hosted professional tour events. Country club website.
- Bremen High School District 228 – Public school district serving Bremen Township. Comprised of four high schools. School district website.
- Americana Park – Community park featuring picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, and more. Details on township website.
Thornton (Township) offers plenty of options for outdoor recreation, entertainment, and family activities. The township government website provides a full directory of community facilities and amenities.