Maroa, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maroa, Illinois
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Location in Macon County, Illinois
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 Maroa, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Macon |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.76 sq mi (4.57 km2) |
| • Land | 1.76 sq mi (4.57 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 718 ft (219 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,577 |
| • Density | 893.99/sq mi (345.11/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
61756
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| Area code(s) | 217 |
| FIPS code | 17-47072 |
Maroa is a small city located in Macon County, Illinois, in the United States. In 2020, about 1,577 people lived there. Maroa is part of the larger Decatur, Illinois area.
Contents
History of Maroa
Early Settlers and Naming
The city of Maroa got its name from the Maroa people, who were a group of Native Americans. The first European settler in the area was James Pettyjohn, who moved there from Kentucky in 1839. Later, more settlers came from Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee.
Growth and Development
The first schoolhouse in Maroa was built in 1852. The city grew a lot because it was located where two important railroads met: the Illinois Central Railroad and the Midland Railroad Company. This made Maroa an important center for trade and travel. Maroa officially became a town on March 7, 1867.
Geography and Location
Where is Maroa?
Maroa is in the northern part of Macon County, Illinois. Its northern edge touches the DeWitt County line. U.S. Route 51 runs through the western side of the city. This road goes south about 13 miles (21 km) to Decatur and north about 8 miles (13 km) to Clinton.
Land Area and Waterways
The city of Maroa covers an area of about 1.76 square miles (4.57 square kilometers), and all of it is land. There are no large bodies of water within the city limits. A small stream called the North Fork, which is part of the Sangamon River system, flows through the northern part of Maroa.
Recent Weather Events
On January 3, 2023, a tornado touched down near the northwest edge of Maroa. It caused some damage to farm buildings and a few homes in the area.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 766 | — | |
| 1880 | 870 | 13.6% | |
| 1890 | 1,164 | 33.8% | |
| 1900 | 1,213 | 4.2% | |
| 1910 | 1,160 | −4.4% | |
| 1920 | 1,193 | 2.8% | |
| 1930 | 1,154 | −3.3% | |
| 1940 | 1,033 | −10.5% | |
| 1950 | 1,100 | 6.5% | |
| 1960 | 1,235 | 12.3% | |
| 1970 | 1,467 | 18.8% | |
| 1980 | 1,760 | 20.0% | |
| 1990 | 1,602 | −9.0% | |
| 2000 | 1,654 | 3.2% | |
| 2010 | 1,801 | 8.9% | |
| 2020 | 1,577 | −12.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
How Many People Live Here?
According to the 2020 census, Maroa had a population of 1,577 people. This was a bit less than the 1,801 people who lived there in 2010.
Community Life
In 2000, there were 651 households in Maroa. Many of these households (about 60.5%) were married couples living together. About 35% of households had children under 18 living with them. The average household had about 2.54 people.
Age Groups
The population of Maroa includes people of all ages. In 2000, about 27.4% of the people were under 18 years old. About 12.9% were 65 years old or older. The average age in the city was 37 years.
Education
Maroa is home to Maroa-Forsyth High School. This school serves students from Maroa and the nearby community of Forsyth.
Notable People from Maroa
- Kevin Koslofski – A professional baseball player who played for the Kansas City Royals.
- Dean O'Banion – A well-known figure from the 1920s.
- Jeff Query – A professional football player who played as a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. He also played college football at Millikin University.
See also
In Spanish: Maroa (Illinois) para niños
