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Manhattan
Location of Manhattan in Will County, Illinois.
Location of Manhattan in Will County, Illinois.
Location of Illinois in the United States
Location of Illinois in the United States
Country United States
State Illinois
County Will
Area
 • Total 6.68 sq mi (17.30 km2)
 • Land 6.68 sq mi (17.30 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 9,385
 • Density 1,404.73/sq mi (542.34/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP Code(s)
60442
Area code(s) 815
FIPS code 17-46357
Wikimedia Commons Manhattan, Illinois

Manhattan is a small town, called a village, in Will County, Illinois. In 2020, about 9,385 people lived here. By July 2021, the population grew to an estimated 10,037 people. Manhattan is located in northeastern Illinois, about 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Chicago.

History of Manhattan

Manhattan became an official village in 1886. During the mid-1800s, many immigrants, especially from Ireland, moved to this area. This happened because new railroads were being built. The village was officially formed to allow for a saloon to open.

Manhattan started as a farming community. Over the last ten years, it has grown a lot. The village now has over 6,071 people. Its early settlers were from German and Irish backgrounds. This heritage is celebrated each spring at the Irish Fest festival.

Geography and Location

Manhattan is located at coordinates 41°25′19″N 87°58′52″W. This means it is in the northern part of the United States.

According to the 2010 census, Manhattan covers a total area of about 6.57 square miles (17.02 square kilometers). All of this area is land.

The village is also located along the Wauponsee Glacial Trail. You can get onto this trail at the Manhattan Road Access Point.

Population Changes Over Time

Historical population
Census Pop.
1890 257
1900 393 52.9%
1910 443 12.7%
1920 525 18.5%
1930 628 19.6%
1940 601 −4.3%
1950 728 21.1%
1960 1,117 53.4%
1970 1,530 37.0%
1980 1,944 27.1%
1990 2,059 5.9%
2000 3,330 61.7%
2010 7,051 111.7%
2020 9,385 33.1%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, there were 3,330 people living in Manhattan. These people made up 1,144 households and 870 families. The population density was about 989 people per square mile (382 people per square kilometer).

About 46.2% of households had children under 18 living with them. Most households (65.6%) were married couples. The average household had 2.91 people. The average family had 3.41 people.

The population was spread out by age. About 32.4% of residents were under 18. About 7.3% were 65 years or older. The average age in the village was 32 years old.

Education in Manhattan

Manhattan is part of School District 114. This district is known for its high achievements in Illinois. There are three schools in this district:

  • Wilson Creek Elementary School serves students from kindergarten to second grade.
  • Anna McDonald School serves students from third to fifth grade.
  • Manhattan Junior High School serves students from sixth to eighth grade.

After junior high, students in Manhattan attend Lincoln-Way West High School. This high school is located in the nearby town of New Lenox, Illinois.

Community Groups

Manhattan has several active community groups. These include:

These groups help bring the community together and offer activities for residents.

Transportation Options

Manhattan has a train station that is part of Metra's SouthWest Service. This train service runs on weekdays and connects Manhattan to Chicago, Illinois. The trains arrive at Union Station in Chicago. Manhattan is the last stop on this train line.

U.S. Route 52 is the main highway that goes through Manhattan. It runs from the northwest to the southeast through the village.

Local Businesses

Manhattan is home to Boing! Motorsports. This company specializes in engines and chassis. They work on improving and restoring old tractors, ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles.

See also

In Spanish: Manhattan (Illinois) para niños

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