Royal Lakes, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Royal Lakes, Illinois
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Location in Macoupin County, Illinois
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 Royal Lakes, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Macoupin |
| Township | Hillyard |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.51 sq mi (1.33 km2) |
| • Land | 0.47 sq mi (1.21 km2) |
| • Water | 0.05 sq mi (0.12 km2) |
| Elevation | 640 ft (200 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 167 |
| • Density | 358.37/sq mi (138.49/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
62685
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| Area code(s) | 618 |
| FIPS code | 17-66196 |
Royal Lakes is a village in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 167 at the 2020 census, down from 197 in 2010.
Geography
Royal Lakes is located at 39°6′42″N 89°57′38″W / 39.11167°N 89.96056°W (39.1116990, -89.9606600) in Hillyard Township in southern Macoupin County. Royal Lakes lies at the southwestern corner of two intersecting roads, Illinois Route 16 and Illinois Route 159. The nearest large cities are St. Louis, approximately 45 miles (72 km) to the southwest, and Springfield, around 60 miles (97 km) northeast of the village.
According to the 2010 census, Royal Lakes has a total area of 0.512 square miles (1.33 km2), of which 0.466 square miles (1.21 km2) are land and 0.046 square miles (0.12 km2) (or 8.98%) are water.
Lakes
Three small lakes – Meshach, Shad, and Shadrach – are located within the village of Royal Lakes.
- Meshach Lake is located in the east central portion of Royal Lakes. With an average depth of between 9 and 12 feet (2.7 and 3.7 m), it is the deepest of the three lakes.
- Shad Lake covers approximately 1.5 acres (6,100 m2) with a maximum depth of 2 feet (0.61 m).
- Shadrach Lake is located north of Magnolia Drive and west of North Dogwood Drive. Its depth ranges from 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 m).
Shad Lake is an impoundment on Coop Branch, a northwest-flowing tributary of Macoupin Creek, while Meshach and Shadrach Lakes are built on separate tributaries of Coop Branch. The entire community is within the Illinois River watershed.
History
The site that would eventually become Royal Lakes was purchased by a Chicago developer in 1956. The 320-acre (1.3 km2) tract was to be developed as a resort-style community. Three small lakes – Meshach, Shad, and Shadrach – were constructed for recreational purposes and the remaining land was divided into 2,435 lots, each measuring 25 by 125 feet (7.6 by 38.1 m). Royal Lakes was marketed as an affordable resort location in a rural setting. The community was heavily promoted in the predominantly African American neighborhoods of St. Louis and East St. Louis. In 1957, the first families moved into Royal Lakes. A community church was organized in 1961, and the congregation moved into a permanent building seven years later.
Due to Royal Lakes' status as a "resort" area, a lack of zoning regulations meant that there had been no provisions for the developer to provide basic infrastructure. With no road maintenance, water supply, or proper sewage disposal, the overall quality of life for residents of the community deteriorated. By the early 1970s, residents agreed that the only way to improve conditions in the community was through incorporation. An incorporation election was held in October 1972. Of the 98 votes cast, 89 were in favor of incorporation and 9 opposed. Royal Lakes officially became the Village of Royal Lakes.
The village's first mayor, Thomas J. Stoddard, and other members of the municipal government took office in April 1973.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1980 | 270 | — | |
| 1990 | 272 | 0.7% | |
| 2000 | 190 | −30.1% | |
| 2010 | 197 | 3.7% | |
| 2020 | 167 | −15.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2020 census
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 30 | 62 | 68 | 15.79% | 31.47% | 40.72% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 153 | 127 | 85 | 80.53% | 64.47% | 50.90% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0.53% | 0.51% | 1.80% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00% | 0.51% | 0.00% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 4 | 1 | 10 | 2.11% | 0.51% | 5.99% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2 | 5 | 1 | 1.05% | 2.54% | 0.60% |
| Total | 190 | 197 | 167 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Education
Public education in the village of Royal Lakes is provided by two school districts. The portion of Royal Lakes lying east of Julian Avenue is served by Bunker Hill Community Unit School District 8. Areas west of Julian Avenue are served by Southwestern Community Unit School District 9.
See also
In Spanish: Royal Lakes (Illinois) para niños
