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Will County, Illinois
Will County, Illinois
Will County, Illinois
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Will County is located in the northeastern part of the state of Illinois. According to the 2020 census, it had a population of 696,355, an increase of 2.8% from 677,560 in 2010, making it Illinois's fourth-most populous county.[2] The county seat is Joliet.[3] Will County is one of the five collar counties of the Chicago metropolitan area. The portion of Will County around Joliet uses area codes 815 and 779, while 630 and 331 are for far northern Will County and 708 is for central and eastern Will County.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Will County was formed on January 12, 1836, out of Cook and Iroquois Counties. It was named after Conrad Will, a politician and businessman involved in salt production in southern Illinois.[4] Will was a member of the first Illinois Constitutional Convention and a member of the Illinois legislature until his death in 1835. The county originally included the part of Kankakee County, Illinois, north of the Kankakee River. It lost that area when Kankakee County was organized in 1852. Since then its boundaries have not changed.

36 locations in Will County are on the National Register of Historic Places.

"WILL, a county in the E. N. E. part of Illinois, bordering on Indiana, has an area of 1,236 square miles (3,200 km2). It is intersected by the Kankakee and Des Plaines Rivers, branches of the Illinois. The surface is generally level, and destitute of timber, excepting small groves. The soil is very fertile, and much of it is under cultivation. The soil of the prairies is a deep, sandy loam, adapted to Indian corn and grass. In 1850 the county produced 527,903 bushels of Indian corn; 230,885 of wheat; 334,360 of oats; 32,043 tons of hay, and 319,054 pounds of butter. It contained 14 churches, 3 newspaper offices; 3472 pupils attending public schools, and 200 attending other schools. Quarries of building stone are worked near the county seat. The Des Plaines river furnishes water-power. The county is intersected by the Illinois and Michigan canal, by the Chicago branch of the Central railroad, the Chicago and Mississippi, and by the Chicago and Rock Island railroad. Named in honor of Conrad Will, for many years a member of the Illinois legislature. Capital, Joliet. Population 16,703."

— 1854 U.S. Gazetteer
  • Will County from its 1836 creation to 1852
    Will County from its 1836 creation to 1852
  • Will County since 1853, with borders reduced by the creation of Kankakee County
    Will County since 1853, with borders reduced by the creation of Kankakee County

Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 849 square miles (2,200 km2), of which 837 square miles (2,170 km2) is land and 12 square miles (31 km2) (1.5%) is water.[5]

The Kankakee River, Du Page River and the Des Plaines River run through the county and join on its western border. The Illinois and Michigan Canal and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal run through Will County.

A number of areas are preserved as parks (over 20,000 acres (81 km2) total) under the Forest Preserve District of Will County. The 17,000 acres (69 km2) Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is a U.S. Forest Service park in the county on the grounds of the former Joliet Arsenal. Other parks include Channahon State Park and the Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area.

Climate and weather

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Joliet, Illinois
Climate chart (explanation)
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Source: The Weather Channel[6]
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In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Joliet have ranged from a low of 13 °F (−11 °C) in January to a high of 85 °F (29 °C) in July, although a record low of −26 °F (−32 °C) was recorded in January 1985 and a record high of 104 °F (40 °C) was recorded in June 1988. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.58 inches (40 mm) in January to 4.34 inches (110 mm) in July.[6]

Adjacent counties

[edit]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
184010,167—
185016,70364.3%
186029,32175.5%
187043,01346.7%
188053,42224.2%
189062,00716.1%
190074,76420.6%
191084,37112.8%
192092,91110.1%
1930110,73219.2%
1940114,2103.1%
1950134,33617.6%
1960191,61742.6%
1970249,49830.2%
1980324,46030.0%
1990357,31310.1%
2000502,26640.6%
2010677,56034.9%
2020696,3552.8%
2023 (est.)700,728[7]0.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790–1960[9] 1900–1990[10]
1990–2000[11] 2010[12] 2020[2]

2020 census

[edit]
Will County, Illinois – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 1980[13] Pop 1990[14] Pop 2000[15] Pop 2010[16] Pop 2020[17] % 1980 % 1990 % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 275,048 294,103 388,523 455,577 418,418 84.77% 82.31% 77.35% 67.24% 60.09%
Black or African American alone (NH) 31,227 37,752 51,980 74,419 79,256 9.62% 10.57% 10.35% 10.98% 11.38%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 484 617 672 814 711 0.15% 0.17% 0.13% 0.12% 0.10%
Asian alone (NH) 2,816 4,608 11,021 30,458 42,416 0.87% 1.29% 2.19% 4.50% 6.09%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) x [18] x [19] 120 104 82 x x 0.02% 0.02% 0.01%
Other race alone (NH) 1,107 260 536 751 2,105 0.34% 0.07% 0.11% 0.11% 0.30%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) x [20] x [21] 5,646 9,620 22,516 x x 1.12% 1.42% 3.23%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 13,778 19,973 43,768 105,817 130,851 4.25% 5.59% 8.71% 15.62% 18.79%
Total 324,460 357,313 502,266 677,560 696,355 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 Census, there were 677,560 people, 225,256 households, and 174,062 families residing in the county.[22] The population density was 809.6 inhabitants per square mile (312.6/km2). There were 237,501 housing units at an average density of 283.8 per square mile (109.6/km2).[5] The racial makeup of the county was 76.0% white, 11.2% black or African American, 4.6% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 5.8% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 15.6% of the population.[22] In terms of ancestry, 21.6% were German, 18.6% were Irish, 13.3% were Polish, 11.1% were Italian, 5.9% were English, and 2.1% were American.[23]

Of the 225,256 households, 44.0% had children under 18 living with them, 61.9% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 22.7% were non-families, and 18.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.41. The median age was 35.4.[22]

The median income for a household in the county was $75,906 and the median income for a family was $85,488. Males had a median income of $60,867 versus $40,643 for females. The per capita income was $29,811. About 5.0% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under 18 and 5.6% of those 65 or older.[24]

Government

[edit]

Will County is governed by a 22-member county board elected from 11 districts. Each district elects two members. The county executive, county clerk, coroner, auditor, treasurer, recorder of deeds, state's attorney, and sheriff are all elected in a countywide vote. The current county executive is Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, who took office in 2020.

Will County government has been housed in a succession of courthouses, the first being erected in 1837.[25] The fourth courthouse was designed of reinforced concrete in the Brutalist style by Otto Stark of C.F. Murphy Associates and completed in 1969. Citing lack of space, inefficiency and high operating costs, the County Board chose to erect a new courthouse, which was designed by Wight & Co. and completed in 2020.[26] Considerable controversy surrounded the disposition of the 1969 courthouse, with Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois including the building on its “2022 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois”.[27] After a number of votes and appeals, demolition was approved and the destruction of the building began on December 4, 2023.[28]

Politics

[edit]

Like most of the collar counties, Will County was once a Republican stronghold. It went Republican in all but three elections from 1892 to 1988. Since the 1990s, it has become a swing county. It voted for the national winner in every presidential election from 1980 to 2012, but Chicago-born Hillary Clinton won it along with the rest of the "collar counties" aside from McHenry in 2016.

United States presidential election results for Will County, Illinois[29]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
1892 6,720 49.51% 6,434 47.40% 420 3.09%
1896 9,249 56.94% 6,873 42.32% 120 0.74%
1900 10,056 59.22% 6,655 39.19% 269 1.58%
1904 10,001 66.39% 3,191 21.18% 1,873 12.43%
1908 10,358 61.29% 5,693 33.68% 850 5.03%
1912 3,331 19.87% 4,717 28.13% 8,719 52.00%
1916 19,881 62.59% 11,378 35.82% 506 1.59%
1920 21,746 76.37% 5,410 19.00% 1,318 4.63%
1924 22,780 64.16% 4,707 13.26% 8,018 22.58%
1928 26,081 55.02% 20,877 44.04% 447 0.94%
1932 25,173 48.16% 25,798 49.36% 1,295 2.48%
1936 25,028 45.25% 28,135 50.86% 2,151 3.89%
1940 32,291 52.13% 29,442 47.53% 213 0.34%
1944 30,058 52.32% 27,085 47.14% 310 0.54%
1948 28,601 51.41% 26,430 47.51% 597 1.07%
1952 38,533 56.34% 29,749 43.50% 110 0.16%
1956 45,628 64.34% 25,188 35.52% 100 0.14%
1960 42,575 50.86% 41,056 49.04% 81 0.10%
1964 38,619 43.75% 49,663 56.25% 0 0.00%
1968 43,630 49.32% 31,576 35.70% 13,254 14.98%
1972 65,155 65.67% 33,633 33.90% 430 0.43%
1976 61,784 53.85% 51,103 44.54% 1,840 1.60%
1980 69,310 57.44% 41,975 34.79% 9,373 7.77%
1984 78,684 63.25% 45,193 36.33% 520 0.42%
1988 73,129 59.10% 49,816 40.26% 786 0.64%
1992 58,337 38.35% 59,633 39.20% 34,153 22.45%
1996 62,506 42.15% 69,354 46.76% 16,444 11.09%
2000 95,828 50.00% 90,902 47.43% 4,940 2.58%
2004 130,728 52.37% 117,172 46.94% 1,709 0.68%
2008 122,597 42.69% 160,406 55.86% 4,178 1.45%
2012 128,969 46.36% 144,229 51.85% 4,967 1.79%
2016 132,720 43.63% 151,927 49.94% 19,579 6.44%
2020 155,116 44.80% 183,915 53.11% 7,235 2.09%
2024 157,672 47.93% 162,874 49.52% 8,391 2.55%

Education

[edit]

K-12 school districts

[edit]

K-12 school districts, including any with any territory in Will County, no matter how slight, even if the schools and/or administrative headquarters are in other counties:[31]

K-12:

Secondary:

Elementary:

Transportation

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Will County is served by four U.S. interstate highways, four U.S. highways, and 12 Illinois highways. Pace provides bus transit services within the county.

Rail

[edit]

Four different Metra commuter rail lines (Metra Electric Main Line, Southwest Service, Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor) connect Will County with the Chicago Loop. Amtrak serves the county at Joliet Transportation Center. The Lincoln Service operates between Chicago and St. Louis, while the Texas Eagle provides service from Chicago south to San Antonio and west to Los Angeles.

Major highways

[edit]
Main article: List of county roads in Will County, Illinois

Energy infrastructure

[edit]

Pipelines

[edit]

Will County is a major hub in the national natural gas pipeline grid where pipelines from Canada and the Gulf of Mexico meet and then fan out to serve the Midwest. The following major energy companies own pipeline that runs through Will County:

Joliet Refinery

[edit]

ExxonMobil owns and operates the Joliet Refinery along the Des Plaines River just east of I-55. According to ExxonMobil, the refinery employs about 600 people and was constructed in 1972.[32]

Municipalities

[edit]

Cities

[edit]

Villages

[edit]

Census-designated places

[edit]

Fort

[edit]

Unincorporated communities

[edit]

Townships

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Will County, Illinois

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Will County is a county located in northeastern , United States, approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown . Formed in 1836 and named for early settler Conrad Will, it encompasses 848 square miles, of which 837 square miles is land and 12 square miles is water, primarily along the Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers. As of the , the population stood at 696,355, marking a 2.8% increase from 2010 and establishing it as 's fourth-most populous county. The county seat is Joliet, home to over 150,000 residents and serving as a major hub for transportation and industry. Situated within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin , Will County functions as a vital exurban and suburban extension, featuring extensive highway networks including Interstates 55, 57, 80, and 355 that facilitate and as primary economic drivers. Its economy supports around 360,000 workers, with a exceeding $100,000 and a rate below 7%, reflecting sustained growth amid broader regional challenges. Notable landmarks include the , a 19,000-acre restoration of former lands emphasizing native ecosystems, and historic sites tied to the and era. The county's development has been propelled by empirical factors such as accessible infrastructure and land availability, contributing to one of the nation's faster population expansions while preserving agricultural and natural reserves.

History

Indigenous Presence and Early Settlement

The region encompassing present-day Will County was inhabited by Native American peoples for millennia, with archaeological evidence indicating human presence dating back 3,000 to 4,000 years, attracted by abundant water sources, timber, and the navigable facilitating travel and trade. Prehistoric cultures evolved from Early Archaic (circa 9000–6000 B.C.) to Mississippian periods, with sites such as an ancient village uncovered in New Lenox in revealing long-term seasonal occupation for and gathering. By the historic era, the area fell within territories claimed by Algonquian-speaking tribes, including the Illinois , , and later dominant , who engaged in farming, trapping, and buffalo amid inter-tribal conflicts over resources. The , part of the Council of the Three Fires alongside and , maintained villages and utilized the prairies for agriculture and the rivers for with early European explorers. European contact began with French fur traders in the late , who integrated into Native networks without establishing permanent settlements, followed by sporadic American traders by the early 19th century. The pivotal shift occurred with the Treaty of Chicago on September 26, 1833, whereby , , and leaders ceded approximately 5 million acres of land in and southern to the in exchange for annuities, reservations, and relocation promises, though enforcement involved coercion and led to forced removals by the late 1830s. This treaty opened the territory to U.S. surveys and , with initial land surveys of the outer portions completed by 1837–1838 under the , dividing the prairie into townships for sale. Pioneer settlement accelerated post-treaty, with the first enduring European-American outpost at Walker's Grove (near modern Plainfield) founded in 1826 by Methodist missionary Jesse Walker, though widespread influx occurred in the mid-1830s as Yankees from and New York migrated southward via the or overland trails to claim fertile for . Early settlers faced severe hardships, including isolation, from marshy lowlands, harsh winters with deep snow, swarms of insects devouring crops, and prairie fires, compounded by the labor-intensive task of breaking without timber for fencing or fuel, often relying on Native-displaced lands still contested by lingering tribal members until full removals. These pioneers established subsistence farms growing corn and wheat, herding livestock, and building log cabins from scarce wood, laying the groundwork for agrarian communities amid high mortality from disease and exposure before arrived.

Formation and 19th-Century Development


Will County was established on January 12, 1836, by an act of the Illinois General Assembly, carved from portions of Cook and Iroquois counties. The county was named in honor of Conrad Will, a physician, pioneer settler, and influential politician who served as Jackson County's territorial recorder, delegate to the 1818 Illinois Constitutional Convention, and member of the state General Assembly until his death in 1835. Initially, the county's boundaries extended southward to include territory north of the Kankakee River, which was later reorganized into Kankakee County upon its creation in 1853, reducing Will County to its modern configuration. Juliet—renamed Joliet on May 24, 1845—was designated the upon Will County's formation, facilitating local governance through a county commissioners' from 1836 to 1850. Early infrastructure focused on basic administrative structures, with subsequent developments supporting growing judicial needs amid population influx. The completion of the and Michigan Canal in 1848 markedly accelerated development, transforming Joliet into a vital port linking to the Illinois River and enabling efficient transport of , , and other goods from surrounding farmlands. This waterway spurred agricultural expansion and trade, drawing settlers to exploit fertile prairies for farming. Railroads further bolstered connectivity, with the and Rock Island line reaching Joliet in 1852, followed by the and (later Alton) in 1854, enhancing market access for county produce and fostering economic ties to . By the late , these transport networks had solidified Will County's role as a burgeoning agricultural and commercial hub.

Industrialization and 20th-Century Growth

The early marked a transition in Will County toward heavy manufacturing, particularly steel production centered in Joliet, where the Joliet Iron Works expanded operations and became one of the nation's largest facilities, employing over 2,000 workers and contributing to ' position as the second-leading producer of steel rails after . This industrial base supported amid national steel demand, though the plant ceased operations in 1936 amid broader sector challenges. World War II accelerated industrialization with the establishment of the Joliet Arsenal in 1940, when the U.S. Army acquired over 43,000 acres in southern Will County to construct a massive explosives manufacturing complex, including facilities for TNT and artillery shells that made it the world's largest producer of such munitions. The arsenal employed thousands of local residents, becoming the county's largest employer during the war and sustaining operations through the Korean and conflicts, thereby bolstering the regional economy with wartime production. Postwar suburbanization transformed Will County into a key exurb of , drawing residents with and proximity to urban jobs; the population rose from 134,336 in 1950 to 249,498 by 1970, nearly doubling amid national trends of outward migration from cities. developments facilitated this expansion, including the construction of Interstate 80 in the early , with the south suburban segment—including through Will County—opening to traffic by 1964, enhancing connectivity for commuting and emerging activities. This highway network, part of the original interstate system, supported industrial distribution and suburban accessibility, laying groundwork for mid-century without overshadowing the era's manufacturing focus.

Late 20th and 21st-Century Expansion

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Will County experienced rapid expansion driven by suburban migration from , fueled by , commuter access via interstates like I-80 and I-355, and job opportunities in the expanding collar county . The county's grew from 357,389 in 1990 to 502,266 in 2000, a 40.6% increase, reflecting broader shifts toward exurban development where families sought larger single-family homes amid rising urban densities and costs in Cook County. This housing boom manifested in widespread subdivision construction, with the county leading in single-family home permits during peak years, supported by zoning favoring residential growth over dense urban forms. The slowed construction and population gains, with housing prices peaking then declining amid national foreclosure waves, but Will County's strategic location as a nexus—proximate to Chicago's ports, rail hubs, and O'Hare—facilitated diversification into warehousing and distribution, mitigating losses. in transportation and sectors rebounded faster than in traditional auto-related industries, leveraging the county's interstate crossroads for fulfillment centers that absorbed labor displaced by the recession. Energy infrastructure, including legacy coal facilities and nuclear plants like Braidwood, provided stable blue-collar jobs, though transitions toward cleaner operations faced environmental scrutiny without halting overall recovery. From 2010 to 2020, population growth moderated to 2.8%, reaching 696,355, as post-recession caution tempered inflows, yet the county added 17,900 jobs between 2018 and 2023—ranking first in for net job creation at a 5.5% rate—primarily in and amid renewed . This expansion strained infrastructure, exacerbating challenges such as traffic congestion from truck volumes, pothole proliferation on rural roads, and conversion of farmland to industrial parks, prompting local land-use strategies to balance growth with preservation.

Geography

Physical Landscape and Topography

Will County covers 837 square miles of land, featuring predominantly flat to gently rolling glacial plains formed during the Pleistocene era. Elevations generally range from 500 to 750 feet above , with an average around 650 feet, contributing to low-relief terrain that supports extensive and ease of transportation infrastructure development. The county's hydrology is dominated by several major rivers, including the Des Plaines River traversing the northern sections and the Kankakee River in the southern areas, which converge near Channahon to form the Illinois River. The DuPage River, flowing parallel to the Des Plaines before joining it within the county, adds to the drainage network and influences local water flow patterns. These waterways create fertile floodplains but also prone areas to periodic inundation, particularly along the Kankakee basin due to its historical meandering and sediment deposition. Environmental features include restored tallgrass prairies, such as the encompassing over 19,000 acres of former military land, alongside woodlands and wetlands preserved by the Forest Preserve District, which manages approximately 23,449 acres as of 2025. remains largely agricultural in the south, with about 542 square miles dedicated to crops like corn and soybeans, while northern zones exhibit a transition to urbanized landscapes concentrated around Joliet. This mix reflects glacial till soils conducive to farming in rural expanses and development pressures in proximity to .

Climate Patterns

Will County lies within the zone (Köppen Dfa), featuring distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters, warm to hot summers, and distributed fairly evenly year-round, influenced by its position in the Midwest's transitional weather patterns between continental air masses and Lake Michigan's moderating effects. Average annual temperatures hover around 50°F (10°C), with highs typically reaching 85°F (29°C) and lows dipping to 18°F (-8°C); annual averages 36-38 inches (914-965 mm), including about 28 inches (711 mm) of snowfall. These conditions support a of roughly 170-180 frost-free days, though short-term fluctuations in temperature and humidity are common due to frontal systems. Extreme weather events punctuate the region's patterns, including polar vortex intrusions that bring Arctic air masses southward; for instance, the January 2019 event produced wind chills below -50°F (-46°C) across , with sustained lows around -20°F (-29°C) in the Will County area, exacerbating risks of and strain. Tornado activity is elevated during spring and early summer, as the county sits in a corridor prone to thunderstorms; over 200 severe storm events have been recorded since 1950, including an EF-0 near in August 2018 that caused localized damage. Flooding from heavy convective rains and river overflows, such as those tied to the Des Plaines and Kankakee systems, represents the most frequent hazard, with events like the 2013 rains leading to widespread inundation and agricultural disruptions. These climate patterns directly influence local agriculture, where corn and production—key to Will County's rural —shows sensitivity to and variability; studies indicate that July-August temperatures above 86°F (30°C) correlate with yield reductions of up to 10-15% for corn due to heat stress on , while excessive spring rains can delay planting and promote fungal diseases in soybeans. Recent modeling for projects average corn yields declining 3.8-11.5% under future warming scenarios without adaptation, underscoring the role of extremes in limiting output despite fertile soils.

Adjacent Counties and Regional Context


Will County borders Cook County to the northeast, DuPage County to the north, Kane County to the northwest, Kendall County to the west, Grundy County to the southwest, Kankakee County to the south, and Lake County, Indiana, to the east. These boundaries position Will County as a transitional zone between the densely urbanized Chicago core in Cook County and more rural or exurban areas to the south and west.
The county forms a key component of the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin Metropolitan Statistical Area, encompassing inter-county economic interdependence and daily cross-border movements. Substantial commuter flows link Will County residents to employment centers in Cook County, with county-to-county worker data from the American Community Survey indicating predominant inflows from and outflows to northern neighboring counties. Shared infrastructure, including Interstate 80 traversing east-west through the county, Interstate 55 connecting to Chicago, and the I-355 tollway linking to DuPage County, facilitates these patterns alongside Metra commuter rail lines extending from Joliet to downtown Chicago.
Economically, Will County's proximity to Cook County enables spillover effects, positioning it as a logistics extension with major warehousing and distribution facilities that support Chicago's global trade hubs at O'Hare International Airport and regional ports. This role leverages available industrial land unavailable in urban Cook County, contributing to regional supply chain resilience through access to a combined metropolitan workforce exceeding 5 million. Collaborative initiatives, such as the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership involving Will and Cook Counties, underscore ongoing integration for site selection and relocation advantages.

Demographics


Will County's population expanded from 9,037 residents in 1860 to 696,355 in the 2020 United States Census, marking substantial long-term growth fueled by proximity to Chicago and transportation infrastructure development. This trajectory reflects broader regional patterns of urbanization and suburban flight, with the county's population more than doubling between 1990 and 2010 alone. From 2010 to 2020, the population rose by 18,795 to 696,355, a 2.77% increase, though annual rates moderated to approximately 0.3% in recent years amid slower statewide trends. U.S. Census Bureau estimates indicate further growth to 703,383 by 2023, driven primarily by net domestic in-migration rather than natural increase. Between 2018 and 2023, the county experienced an average annual growth rate of about 0.4%, contrasting with population declines in adjacent Cook County. Key migration drivers include movement from Chicago and Cook County, where residents seek lower property taxes and more affordable housing options. Will County's effective property tax rates, averaging below those in Cook County, combined with larger lot sizes and suburban amenities, attract families and commuters. Census data show collar counties like Will gaining nearly 43,000 residents from Cook County outflows over the 2010s, offsetting urban stagnation. Projections from state health department models and recent permitting trends anticipate Will County's population surpassing 750,000 by 2030, assuming sustained in-migration and housing construction. Continued investments, such as expansions, support this outlook by enhancing accessibility for Chicago-area workers. However, broader out-migration pressures could temper gains if tax differentials widen further.
YearPopulation
18609,037
2010677,560
2020696,355
2023703,383

Racial, Ethnic, and Age Composition

According to the , Will County's was composed of 59.8 percent non-Hispanic residents, 11.5 percent non-Hispanic or African American residents, 6.6 percent residents identifying as some other race, and smaller shares including 5.7 percent non-Hispanic Asian residents and 2.3 percent identifying with two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race constituted 18.8 percent of the total , reflecting an overlap with racial categories as is reported separately. The or Latino share has risen substantially since 1990, when it stood at approximately 4 percent amid a total county of around 360,000; by 2000, this group had more than doubled to 43,768 individuals, and it continued expanding to 130,851 by , driven primarily by labor migration to the area's , , and industries. Non- share declined correspondingly from 67.2 percent in 2010 to 59.9 percent by 2022 estimates, while the Black remained relatively stable around 11-12 percent. The county's median age was 38.9 years as of 2023 estimates, indicative of a mature suburban demographic with a balanced distribution across working-age cohorts. The segment aged 65 and older experienced the fastest growth among age groups, increasing by 54 percent from 2010 to 2021, consistent with broader trends of aging in established Midwestern suburbs where retirees and long-term residents contribute to cohort expansion.
Racial/Ethnic Group (2020)Percentage
Non-Hispanic 59.8%
or Latino (any race)18.8%
Non-Hispanic 11.5%
Non-Hispanic Asian5.7%
Two or more races2.3%
Other~1.9%

Household and Income Statistics

In 2023, the median in Will County was $107,799, surpassing the Illinois state median of approximately $81,000 by about 33%. This figure reflects data from the , indicating relatively strong economic conditions driven by suburban expansion and commuting to nearby employment centers. The county's stood at around $47,258, with average annual reported at $126,658, underscoring a distribution skewed toward higher earners. The poverty rate in Will County was 6.96% in 2023, lower than the national average of 11.5% and the state rate of 11.7%, affecting approximately 49,733 individuals across all ages. poverty was even lower at about 5.2%, highlighting resilience in household-level economic stability despite broader regional disparities. Households in Will County averaged 2.9 persons, with 74.5% classified as family households—predominantly married-couple families—and 25.5% as non-family units, often single-person or unrelated individuals. Dual-income households are normative, contributing to elevated incomes, as evidenced by labor force participation rates exceeding 65% for adults aged 16 and over. Homeownership rates reached 82.5% in 2023, among the highest in , supported by robust single-family home construction; the county led the state by adding 1,371 such units in 2024 alone, outpacing all others over the prior five years. Median property values were $298,000, reflecting accessible suburban stock that facilitates over .

Census Data: 2010, 2020, and Recent Estimates

The United States Census Bureau's 2010 decennial census enumerated a total resident population of 677,560 in Will County, Illinois, reflecting a complete count derived from household surveys, administrative records, and field enumerations conducted primarily in the spring of that year. This figure included adjustments for undercounts estimated at less than 1% nationally, though growing suburban areas like those surrounding Joliet faced potential enumeration challenges due to rapid housing development outpacing canvassing efforts. By the 2020 decennial census, the had risen to 696,355, marking an absolute increase of 18,795 residents and a 2.8% growth rate over the decade, below the national average of 7.4% but consistent with moderated suburban expansion amid economic shifts. The census emphasized digital self-response and nonresponse follow-up, yielding a net undercount rate of approximately 0.24% for households nationwide, with exurban zones potentially experiencing slight underenumeration from transient populations and new constructions. Post-2020 annual estimates from the Bureau's Estimates Program, which incorporate vital statistics, Medicare data, tax records, and migration modeling, project continued modest growth; as of July 1, 2023, the county's stood at 703,383. These estimates account for intercensal revisions and highlight density variations, with urban cores like Joliet exhibiting over 2,200 residents per contrasted against sparser rural townships below 200 per , influencing accuracy in heterogeneous landscapes.
Census Year/Estimate DatePopulationPercent Change from Prior
April 1, 2010677,560—
April 1, 2020696,355+2.8%
July 1, 2023 (est.)703,383+1.0% (from 2020)

Government

County Structure and Elected Officials

Will County, Illinois, operates under a form of government, which was established following voter approval in a 2010 referendum. The , elected countywide to a four-year term, serves as the with authority to coordinate administrative operations, prepare the budget, veto board ordinances, and issue on matters such as county property use. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant has held the position since her election in 2020, with her term extending through 2024 and re-election maintaining continuity into 2025. The legislative branch is the Will County Board, composed of 22 partisan-elected supervisors serving staggered four-year terms, with two representatives from each of 11 geographic districts. The board holds legislative authority to enact ordinances, approve budgets and taxes, and provide oversight of county departments, though the executive form separates from the board's role. As of 2025, Democrats hold a majority on the board following elections in the . Other key countywide elected officials include the , who oversees and jail operations, and the state's attorney, responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and advising county entities on legal matters. James W. Glasgow serves as state's attorney, having been sworn into his eighth term in December 2024. The county's fiscal year 2025 budget totals $832 million, balanced and funded predominantly by property taxes, with the county's levy rate at 0.5101% of assessed value for taxes payable in 2025. In October 2025, the issued an order restricting certain federal activities on county-owned property, illustrating the executive's administrative directive powers.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety Operations

The Will County Sheriff's Office serves as the principal for unincorporated areas and provides support to departments, employing approximately 550 sworn deputies dedicated to patrol, investigations, and corrections. The office's Adult Detention Facility, expanded in phases to 318,000 square feet, maintains a capacity of nearly 1,100 inmates to handle local arrests and detentions. Crime statistics indicate that property crimes significantly outnumber violent crimes in Will County, with a rate of 9.353 per 1,000 residents versus 1.994 per 1,000 for violent crimes in recent assessments. In 2022, reported violent crimes stood at 163 per 100,000 population, reflecting a decline of 6.54% from prior years. Joliet, the county's largest , experiences elevated rates at 1,244.6 per 100,000 residents, prompting targeted responses to vehicle thefts amid statewide increases exceeding 10,000 cases from 2021 to 2022. The Sheriff's Office collaborates with the Illinois State Police via the Will County Police Assistance Team (WCPAT), focusing on major offenses such as drug trafficking and violent crimes under state oversight. In addressing the opioid crisis, county operations include naloxone distribution programs and federal grants funding prevention initiatives, coinciding with 141 drug-related deaths recorded in 2023. These efforts align with broader state trends, where opioid overdose fatalities fell 9.7% from 3,261 in 2022 to 2,855 in 2023 following expanded harm reduction measures. The 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, encompassing solely Will County, operates as a of general , adjudicating civil, criminal, , , and traffic matters. The circuit includes a chief judge and over 20 circuit and associate judges, with assignments divided into specialized divisions such as criminal, , and civil branches to manage caseload efficiency. Chief Judge Daniel L. Kennedy, elected by peer vote, administers the court, supported by administrative staff handling case management and electronic filing mandates for civil cases implemented since 2016. Criminal prosecutions in the circuit focus on felony cases, processed through dedicated felony courtrooms under judges like John R. Connor and Vincent F. Cornelius, with the public defender's office providing representation in indigent defenses. The felony docket reflects urban-rural dynamics, including drug trafficking, violent crimes, and property offenses tied to suburban expansion, though exact annual filings vary; statewide circuit data indicate courts disposed of approximately 115,000 felony cases in 2022, with larger circuits like the 12th handling proportional shares based on population. Civil litigation frequently addresses property disputes stemming from rapid development and sprawl, as seen in Stop NorthPoint, LLC v. City of Joliet (2024 IL App (3d) 220517), where plaintiffs challenged a massive project over anticipated semitruck traffic increases impacting nearby properties, with the reviewing and claims. Environmental suits against energy and waste operations have also arisen, exemplified by Madigan v. J.T. Einoder, Inc. (2015 IL 117193), enforcing the Environmental Protection Act against unpermitted solid waste dumping in a former sand pit, resulting in Supreme Court affirmation of for violations. These rulings underscore the court's role in balancing development interests with and rights. Under the Illinois TRUST Act (effective August 28, 2017), Will County courts limit cooperation with federal by requiring a judicial warrant—issued only upon review—for honoring ICE detainers, thereby confining local judicial authority to state-law violations rather than civil immigration holds. This framework ensures detentions exceed 48 hours only with court-ordered , aligning with state prohibitions on using local resources for federal civil enforcement absent criminal warrants. Circuit judges apply these standards in and detention hearings, though isolated compliance disputes have prompted federal lawsuits alleging procedural lapses in detainer processing.

Politics

Political Affiliations and Voter Registration

In Illinois, voters do not register with a political party, resulting in no official partisan affiliations recorded by election authorities; political leanings are instead inferred from voting patterns, primary participation, and demographic surveys. As of early 2024, Will County had approximately 453,563 registered voters, reflecting steady growth aligned with the county's population expansion in suburban and exurban areas. Voting behavior indicates a competitive partisan balance, with Democratic candidates receiving 53.11% of the presidential vote in , compared to Republican support around 45%. This affiliation proxy has shown a slight rightward shift in recent cycles, particularly in suburban precincts, where Democratic margins narrowed to less than one percentage point in the 2024 presidential contest amid broader declines in Democratic vote shares across collar counties. Affiliations vary demographically within the county, with rural townships exhibiting stronger Republican leanings—often exceeding 55% support in local voting maps—while urban centers like Joliet show Democratic majorities, driven by higher concentrations of minority and working-class households. This rural-urban divide underscores Will County's position as a in suburbs, where independent-leaning voters (estimated at around 30% in national surveys of similar demographics) influence outcomes without formal party ties.

Historical and Recent Election Outcomes

In the 2016 United States presidential election, Republican nominee Donald Trump secured 51.3% of the vote in Will County, compared to 41.8% for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, resulting in a margin of approximately 9.5 percentage points for Trump. Voter turnout exceeded 70% in this collar county, reflecting strong participation amid national polarization. The 2020 presidential contest saw a shift, with Democrat Joe Biden prevailing by 53.1% to Republican incumbent Trump's 46.9%, a margin of 6.2 percentage points, as certified by official election reporting. This outcome aligned with broader suburban trends in Illinois but narrowed from Trump's 2016 advantage, amid high turnout surpassing 75% of registered voters. In the 2022 midterm elections, Republicans achieved notable gains in Will County, capturing several countywide offices previously held by Democrats and achieving parity on the County Board, driven by voter priorities on economic issues such as and costs. This marked a departure from prior Democratic dominance in local . The Will County Executive position, established under a charter in 1980, has been held by Democrats continuously since its inception, with Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant winning election in 2020 and re-election in 2024 by a narrow 51% to 49% margin against Republican challenger Charles Maher. Local County Board races in 2024 reflected sustained Democratic majorities, with the party securing about 53% of the vote across districts, maintaining control despite competitive challenges and turnout again above 70%. The 2024 presidential race was exceptionally close, with the margin between Republican and Democrat under one percentage point, underscoring the county's swing status.

Policy Debates and Partisan Shifts

In recent years, Will County has experienced partisan shifts on its County Board, transitioning from Republican-led control to a narrow Democratic majority following the November 2024 elections. The board, evenly split at 11 Democrats and 11 Republicans prior to the vote, shifted to an 11-10 Democratic edge after incumbents retained seats and new Democratic wins secured the majority, enabling the election of Democrat Joe Van Duyne as speaker on December 2, 2024, replacing longtime Republican Steve Balich. This change reflects broader suburban trends where rapid population and job growth—Will County's employment rose 6.7% from 2018 to 2023, outpacing the national rate of 4.5% and leading the state in job creation—have amplified divides between pro-growth favored by Republicans and Democratic priorities on equitable and public oversight. Fiscal policy debates center on property tax levies amid the county's expansion, with Republicans advocating cuts or freezes to sustain business attraction and resident affordability, while Democrats push for measured increases to fund infrastructure strained by growth. In October 2025, the board rejected a proposed 2% levy hike, prioritizing relief despite calls from some observers for revenue to match service demands, echoing earlier resistance to 2022 referenda seeking tax extensions for public safety and roads. These tensions highlight intra-county rifts, as outer rural districts lean toward tax restraint to preserve agricultural and commuter economies, contrasting with urban Joliet-area pushes for equity-focused spending on housing and transit. Statewide context, including failed millionaire surtaxes for relief, underscores local Republican arguments that high effective rates—among Illinois' highest—deter investment without broader reforms. Environmental and land-use debates pit job preservation against regulatory constraints, particularly in development approvals where Republicans favor streamlined processes to capitalize on energy and logistics sectors, while Democrats emphasize community input and ecological safeguards. Proposals to eliminate county-level public hearings for land-use cases in May 2025 sparked contention, with proponents arguing it accelerates approvals for projects supporting the county's top-ranked job growth, opposed by those citing risks to groundwater and open spaces amid rapid depletion noted by local networks. A January 2025 dispute over mining expansion near schools exemplified divides, as residents and Democratic leaders raised health and quality-of-life concerns, countered by economic arguments for employment in resource extraction that bolsters Will County's outperformance versus state averages. Such conflicts reveal causal links where lighter regulations correlate with faster expansion—evident in logistics hubs drawing firms from high-tax urban cores—but invite scrutiny over long-term environmental costs, with both parties citing empirical growth data to justify positions without conceding trade-offs.

Immigration Enforcement Controversies

In July 2024, the Will County Board rejected a non-binding resolution sponsored by Republicans to declare the county a non-sanctuary jurisdiction, with all 11 attending Democrats voting against it along party lines. The measure sought to affirm full cooperation with federal immigration authorities, but opponents described it as fostering an anti-immigrant environment, preserving instead the county's alignment with Illinois statutes limiting local involvement in civil immigration enforcement, such as the 2017 TRUST Act. A related controversy arose in March 2023 when an immigrant plaintiff sued the Will County Sheriff's Office in federal court, claiming officials violated the TRUST Act and Illinois Way Forward Act by holding him 18 days past his state sentence to comply with an ICE detainer for prior drug offenses. The suit alleged unlawful extension of detention without for violations, highlighting tensions between local law enforcement's occasional deference to requests and state prohibitions on such actions for non-criminal matters. Non-cooperation policies have drawn federal criticism for enabling releases of noncitizen offenders accused of crimes; the U.S. Department of Justice documented multiple instances in where such releases preceded subsequent offenses including , , and aggravated battery by the same individuals. Proponents of limited cooperation, including county officials, argue it enhances community trust and prevents erosion of reporting on unrelated crimes, citing resident reports of warrantless detentions during federal operations. These measures prioritize civil rights protections over federal priorities, though empirical patterns in sanctuary-adopting jurisdictions indicate elevated risks from non-detained offenders, as tracked by data on re-arrests post-release. In October 2025, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant issued Executive Order 2025-03, prohibiting the use of county-owned properties for staging federal immigration enforcement activities and directing staff to verify warrants before assisting ICE, amid reports of heightened operations under federal directives. The order responded to local concerns over indiscriminate enforcement impacting U.S. citizens and legal residents, further straining relations with federal agencies that view such restrictions as obstructing removals of criminal noncitizens.

Economy

In 2023, Will County had approximately 360,000 employed residents, reflecting a modest annual increase of 0.115% from 2022. Employment growth for jobs located within the county outpaced national trends, rising 6.7% from 270,331 in 2018 to 288,432 in 2023, compared to a U.S. growth rate of 4.5% over the same period. This expansion positioned Will County as the leading county for net job additions in the prior five years, with roughly 18,100 new positions created. The county's unemployment rate stood at 4.4% as of August 2025, lower than the statewide average of approximately 5%. This rate has fluctuated below historical highs, decreasing from 5.0% in 2025 and remaining resilient post-pandemic. Labor force participation hovered around 68% in recent assessments, supported by a regional pool exceeding 5 million workers from adjacent counties including Cook and DuPage. Will County's labor market dynamics are characterized by a commuter-oriented economy, with a significant share of residents—over 70% driving alone— to employment hubs in , averaging 31.7 minutes one way. This outward flow underscores the county's role as a suburban extension of the , where local job growth supplements but does not fully offset external opportunities.

Key Industries and Business Environment

Will County's economy is significantly driven by logistics and warehousing, bolstered by its strategic position within the Chicago metropolitan area and access to major interstates like I-80 and I-55, which facilitate distribution networks. The sector has seen robust growth, with warehousing and storage emerging as a top industry in 2023, supported by large-scale operations such as multiple Amazon fulfillment centers employing over 10,000 workers collectively. These facilities, including sites in Joliet, Channahon, and Wilmington, handle sorting, packing, and shipping, contributing to the county's role as a key node in regional and national supply chains. Manufacturing remains a foundational sector, with a legacy in fabrication and metal processing evident in operations like Northern Illinois Steel Supply in Channahon, which provides , aluminum, and custom fabrication services. Historical mills, such as the former site in Joliet, underscore the area's industrial heritage, though modern activity focuses on specialized suppliers and fabricators rather than large-scale . This sector benefits from proximity to transportation infrastructure, enabling efficient and export. Healthcare and retail trade account for a substantial portion of employment, with and social assistance employing 47,231 residents and retail trade 41,980 in 2023, representing key service-oriented drivers. Major employers include Silver Cross Hospital (2,532 jobs) and Saint Joseph Medical Center (2,000+ jobs), alongside retail outlets supported by the county's growing and consumer base. In southern areas, persists with 780 farms operating 240,000 acres of land in 2022, focusing on crops like corn and soybeans, preserved through agricultural conservation programs that limit urban encroachment. The business environment in Will County is characterized by relatively lower regulatory burdens compared to adjacent Cook County, whose legal climate ranks among the nation's most litigious, deterring some relocations. This advantage, combined with incentives for industrial attraction and a skilled , has drawn and expansions, positioning the county as a more favorable site for business amid Illinois's broader challenges with state-level policies increasing operational costs.

Energy Production and Infrastructure

The Joliet Refinery, situated on 1,400 acres in unincorporated Channahon Township, processes approximately 250,000 barrels of crude oil per day, accounting for about 6% of the Midwest's total refining capacity and producing roughly 11 million gallons of and daily to supply regional markets. Operational since 1972, the facility employs advanced processes with a of 10.92, enabling efficient conversion of heavy crudes into higher-value products amid broader U.S. efforts toward energy self-sufficiency through domestic refining of imported and shale-derived oils. Associated pipeline infrastructure, including connections to the Hub trading point, facilitates the transport of refined products and equivalents across and into Midwest markets, supporting 's role as the nation's fourth-largest refining state with over 1 million barrels per day statewide capacity. These networks, such as interstate lines serving the region from Appalachian shale sources, enhance supply reliability but have faced scrutiny over impacts and leak risks, though federal oversight via FERC mandates safety protocols like hydrostatic testing and monitoring. The sector generates direct employment for hundreds at the itself, with broader operations in Will County contributing to thousands of regional jobs in , , and support roles, bolstering local economic resilience through high-wage positions tied to processing. Proponents highlight contributions to national , as refineries like Joliet help offset imports by maximizing domestic crude utilization, yielding verifiable output metrics such as 41.7 GWh of on-site power generation in mid-2025 despite operational variability. Critics, often from environmental advocacy groups, point to trade-offs including air emissions of criteria pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which the facility reports under EPA Title V permits, with compliance data showing adherence to limits but ongoing debates over cumulative health effects in nearby communities such as elevated respiratory risks from chronic exposure. While no major spills were documented at Joliet in 2019, the industry's record underscores spill prevention challenges, balanced against regulatory frameworks like EPA that impose fines for exceedances—83% of U.S. refineries violated water pollutant limits at least once from 2019-2021—yet affirm operational viability when paired with economic outputs exceeding $20 million in value shifts per high-production counties. This duality reflects causal tensions: robust infrastructure drives job stability and fuel affordability, while stringent post-2010s regulations, critiqued by industry analyses for inflating costs without proportional emission reductions, necessitate ongoing tech upgrades like catalytic cracking optimizations observed in 2025 unit restarts.

Fiscal Challenges and Development Initiatives

Will County derives significant revenue from property and sales taxes, which fund its balanced annual budgets amid ongoing growth pressures. For fiscal year 2024, the county approved an $815 million budget, allocating $272 million to the corporate fund for general operations and $543 million to special funds, with no new taxes imposed and emphasis on public safety enhancements such as additional prosecutor salaries and positions. The fiscal year 2025 budget increased to $832 million, maintaining balance while contributing $1 million annually to the Other Post-Employment Benefits trust, though broader liabilities persist. Rapid population and economic expansion have imposed fiscal strains, particularly from infrastructure demands tied to suburban sprawl and logistics-driven development. Construction and maintenance costs for roads and bridges have risen since 2010, eroding purchasing power and constraining the scope of county transportation projects despite a $568.6 million five-year plan drawing from federal, state, and local sources. Statewide underfunding, the most severe in the U.S. at over $200 billion in liabilities equivalent to 19% of GDP, exacerbates local challenges, as counties like Will contribute to systems such as the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund amid inadequate actuarial assumptions and market volatility. To counter these pressures, the Will County Center for (CED) administers incentives including a abatement program offering 50% reductions for three to five years on new increments from qualifying expansions or relocations, evaluated via a weighted application process prioritizing job creation and investment. The CED's 2024 highlights alignment with regional growth strategies, noting the county's lead in for job additions (17,900 over five years) and single-family housing permits, bolstered by ecommerce and reshoring trends in its freight hub status. Additional initiatives include the "Elevate Will County" revitalization grants, funded by state revenue and launched in September 2025 to support small businesses and nonprofits in community enhancements. These efforts aim to broaden the base and mitigate sprawl-related deficits without overlapping sector-specific subsidies.

Education

K-12 School Districts and Performance

Will County is served by approximately 25 public K-12 school districts, encompassing elementary, junior high, and high school units that operate independently due to ' fragmented district structure. Notable examples include Joliet Township High School District 204, which covers much of Joliet with around 3,500 high school students; Plainfield Community Consolidated 202, serving over 40,000 students across pre-K through 12th grade in rapidly growing suburbs; and Lincoln-Way Community High 210, enrolling about 7,000 students in Frankfort, New Lenox, and surrounding areas. These districts manage operations amid suburban expansion, with total enrollment across all Will County public schools reaching 109,154 students in the 2023-24 school year. Performance metrics, primarily drawn from the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) standardized tests administered by the Illinois State Board of Education, reveal variability across districts, with stronger outcomes in affluent suburban areas compared to urban cores like Joliet. For instance, districts such as Plainfield 202 and Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201 consistently report proficiency rates exceeding 40-50%—above the statewide average of around 30% for grades 3-8 in recent years—while reading proficiency hovers closer to state levels. High school districts like Lincoln-Way 210 achieve SAT-equivalent scores and graduation rates often surpassing 90%, outperforming state medians. However, urban districts such as Joliet Public Schools District 86 face lower proficiency, with math scores below 20% in some elementary schools, reflecting socioeconomic influences. Funding levels support these operations, with operational expenses per pupil in Will County districts ranging from $17,000 to over $22,000 annually, exceeding the national public school average of about $14,000 but aligning with ' high statewide spending driven by obligations and local property taxes. Districts like Will County School District 92 report average spending per student of $22,000 for 2024, funding instructional and support services amid rising costs. Achievement gaps persist, with low-income students and racial minorities underperforming relative to white and higher- peers on IAR assessments; for example, statewide data mirrored in Will County districts shows Black and Hispanic students scoring 20-30 percentage points lower in math proficiency than white students, a disparity linked to income levels rather than district-specific policies alone. These gaps, evident in districts like Joliet where minority enrollment exceeds 70%, underscore challenges in equitable despite above-average funding.

Higher Education Facilities

Joliet Junior College, founded in 1901 and recognized as the first public in the United States, anchors higher education in Will County with campuses primarily in Joliet. It enrolls approximately 9,863 students in undergraduate programs for the 2023-2024 , offering over 180 associate degrees and certificate programs tailored to regional needs, including , manufacturing technologies, and logistics-related trades such as and industrial maintenance. These programs emphasize practical skills for high-demand occupations in healthcare and transportation-distribution-logistics, sectors prominent in the county's economy. The University of St. Francis, a private Catholic institution located in Joliet, enrolls about 3,185 students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels as of 2023, with strengths in , studies, and degrees that align with local business and healthcare demands. Its programs include bachelor's and master's options in business administration and health sciences, supporting career preparation in and medical fields. Lewis University, situated in Romeoville, serves over 6,600 students in fall 2023-2024, providing baccalaureate and graduate degrees in , , , and , which cater to the area's transportation infrastructure and healthcare workforce requirements. The university's emphasis on professional certifications and hands-on training in trades like mechanics aids entry into county-relevant industries. Governors State University in University Park enrolls 4,399 students as of fall 2024, focusing on affordable public higher education with programs in , , and that prepare graduates for roles in healthcare and administrative support within Will County's growing . Vocational training supplements degree programs through Joliet Junior College's development initiatives, which deliver occupational skills in certified assistance, dental assisting, and operations via short-term certificates and apprenticeships. The Joliet Center offers no-cost training in trades such as , electrical work, and office administration, targeting young adults for rapid integration. Public institutions like Joliet Junior College and Governors State maintain lower in-district tuition rates—around 4,000−4,000-5,000 annually for full-time undergraduates—compared to Chicago-area universities, enhancing accessibility for local residents pursuing career-oriented .

Educational Attainment and Outcomes

In Will County, 91.5% of the population aged 25 years and older had attained at least a or equivalent as of the 2019-2023 estimates, exceeding the statewide rate of 90.3%. Approximately 36.4% of adults in the county held a or higher during the same period, aligning closely with ' 38.3% but reflecting a practical orientation toward associate degrees and vocational certifications that support the region's and sectors. These attainment levels correlate strongly with economic outcomes, as higher educational credentials enable access to skilled positions yielding median household incomes of $107,799 in 2023—31.9% above the state median and driven by causal pathways from to wage premiums in and technical fields. The county's overall rate of 5.33% in 2024 underscores this linkage, with low youth disconnection rates sustained by programs emphasizing employable skills over prolonged academic pursuits, thereby avoiding the debt burdens associated with unsubsidized four-year degrees that often yield uncertain returns for non-elite graduates. Demographic disparities persist, particularly among Hispanic communities comprising about 19% of the population, where attainment lags statewide patterns: only 28% of Hispanic adults in hold an associate's degree or higher compared to 54% of adults, a gap rooted in socioeconomic factors and limited access to rigorous preparatory coursework rather than inherent aptitude. Vocational initiatives, such as those at the Area Career Center serving Will County districts, address this by prioritizing high-skill training aligned with in-demand occupations, fostering self-sufficiency and countering narratives that equate value solely with traditional college credentials.

Transportation

Highway and Road Infrastructure

Will County's highway infrastructure is anchored by several major Interstate Highways that facilitate regional connectivity within the Chicago metropolitan area. Interstate 55 (I-55), also known as the Stevenson Expressway, traverses the county north-south, linking Joliet to Chicago and extending southward toward St. Louis. Interstate 80 (I-80) provides east-west access, serving as a key transcontinental route that passes through the county's central and eastern sections, connecting to Indiana and Iowa. Interstate 355 (I-355), the North-South Tollway operated by the Illinois Tollway, runs north-south along the eastern boundary, offering tolled access to O'Hare International Airport and northern suburbs. Interstate 57 (I-57) clips the southeastern corner, aiding freight movement toward southern Illinois. The county also features U.S. Routes such as US 30 () and US 52, alongside state routes including Illinois Route 53 and Illinois Route 59, which support local and commuter traffic. The Will County Division of Transportation maintains approximately 258 miles of county highways, comprising over 630 lane miles, focused on arterial roads for efficient goods and passenger movement. These roadways handle significant volumes, with toll facilities like I-355 contributing to commute times amid growing suburban development. Road maintenance in Will County relies primarily on motor fuel tax revenues, including state-allocated funds, local motor fuel es, and federal aid. In 2019, the county implemented a 4-cent-per-gallon local gas to bolster infrastructure funding, supplementing the state's escalating motor fuel , which reached 48.3 cents per gallon in July 2025. Harsh Midwestern winters exacerbate formation and require ongoing repairs, with the division prioritizing safety and preservation amid rising traffic demands. Recent initiatives explore dynamic on routes like I-355 to mitigate peak-hour delays, reflecting broader efforts to modernize the system without general reliance.

Rail Networks and Freight Operations

Will County features an extensive rail network operated by five Class I railroads—, , , , and —spanning over 532 miles of track that facilitate both freight and limited passenger services. These lines converge in the county, positioning it as a critical node in the Midwest rail system, with and maintaining primary double-stack intermodal corridors through Joliet and surrounding areas. Freight operations dominate, centered on the CenterPoint Intermodal Center (CIC) in Joliet and Elwood, North America's largest master-planned and among the top U.S. intermodal facilities by volume and capacity. The CIC, spanning 6,400 acres, supports seamless transfers between rail and truck, handling over 3 million shipping containers annually as part of Will County's broader freight throughput exceeding $65 billion in goods value. This volume underscores the county's role in national supply chains, with projected tonnage growth driven by intermodal expansions amid rising Midwest freight demand. Metra operates commuter rail links from Will County stations, primarily Joliet Union Station, connecting commuters to downtown Chicago via the BNSF and Heritage Corridor lines, with service extending to endpoints like 63rd Street and LaSalle Street. Grade crossing incidents pose ongoing risks due to high freight traffic volumes, prompting Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Commerce Commission initiatives to install four-quadrant gates, median barriers, and advanced warning systems at select Will County crossings to prevent vehicle incursions and reduce collision rates. These measures, funded through state programs allocating millions for quad gate installations, have contributed to declining incident trends statewide, though local data indicate persistent vulnerabilities at ungated or high-volume sites.

Airports and Intermodal Facilities

Will County hosts several general aviation airports serving corporate, recreational, and training needs, with Lewis University Airport (KLOT) in Romeoville functioning as the county's primary corporate facility since its acquisition by the Joliet Regional Port District in 1989. This public-use airport, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Chicago, supports fixed-base operations and contributes over $92 million in annual economic impact, including $18.3 million from direct visitor spending. Other facilities include Bolingbrook's Clow International Airport (1C5), a public general aviation site with a 3,400-foot runway offering fuel, maintenance, and pilot amenities; Bult Field, providing access to central and eastern county areas; and Joliet Regional Airport (KJOT), focused on smaller aircraft operations. These airports benefit from proximity to major commercial hubs like Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), about 25 miles north, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), roughly 40 miles northwest, facilitating regional connectivity without handling scheduled passenger flights themselves. Intermodal facilities in Will County integrate rail, truck, and logistics operations, positioning the area as North America's largest by volume. The CenterPoint Intermodal Center in Joliet and Elwood spans 6,400 acres and anchors developments including BNSF Logistics Park Chicago in Elwood, operational since 2002 and serving as a major rail-to-truck hub with over 2,200 acres of industrial space. Additional terminals, such as CN Joliet and Union Pacific's Joliet facility, handle containerized freight, with the county's three intermodal sites supporting five Class I railroads and over 532 miles of rail lines for efficient multimodal cargo transfer. In 2016, these facilities processed goods valued at $65 billion, underscoring their role in regional supply chains. Emerging developments emphasize technology integration, including Illinois-wide initiatives for advanced air mobility using drones and aircraft to enhance short-haul , potentially leveraging county airports for testing and operations. Local master plans, such as the Will County Joliet Intermodal Transportation Master Plan, prioritize infrastructure upgrades to sustain freight growth and multimodal efficiency through 2050.

Communities

Principal Cities

Joliet serves as the and principal urban center of Will County, with an estimated of 150,647 in 2025. The city's economy centers on and , including steel production, petroleum refining at facilities like the , and power , supplemented by and distribution operations benefiting from proximity to major interstates and rail networks. These sectors leverage Joliet's location along the and its role as a transportation nexus, supporting employment in industrial and commercial activities. New Lenox, an economic anchor in the southwestern portion of the county, recorded a 2025 population estimate of 28,573, reflecting steady growth driven by residential expansion and . The community emphasizes commercial development through strategic location advantages, community amenities, and support for new facilities, as seen in expansions by manufacturers like Minnick to meet demand. Its benefits from high housing starts and connections via local chambers fostering networks. Lockport, with a 2025 population of 26,795, functions as a suburban hub focused on residential living and targeted redevelopment. Economic efforts include a district to incentivize business attraction and revitalization, transitioning from its historical canal-era roots to modern commercial incentives amid a primarily bedroom-community profile. The city's median household income of $113,252 in 2023 underscores its appeal as a stable suburban anchor.

Villages and Towns

Will County includes several incorporated villages that serve as suburban hubs between larger cities and rural areas, featuring residential expansions, retail centers, and proximity to Interstate highways facilitating commuter access to . These villages have experienced driven by of adjacent lands, which expands municipal boundaries and tax bases to support infrastructure and services amid pressures. For instance, Frankfort, the largest village by estimated 2023 of 20,417, has pursued annexations to integrate developing areas, contributing to its ranking as one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the U.S. according to metrics on housing and economic expansion. Frankfort exemplifies affluent suburban character with a median exceeding $157,000 in recent years, supported by retail outlets, parks, and high-quality schools attracting families from urban Cook County. Its economy blends residential appeal with commercial nodes along , including shopping districts that draw regional visitors, while maintaining low crime rates and planned growth projections estimating a near 21,300 by 2025. Mokena, with a 2020 of 19,887, similarly emphasizes family-oriented development, boasting a median over $100,000 and the lowest property tax rate among 23 Will County communities, fostering retail and service sectors in a low-foreclosure environment. New Lenox, estimated at 27,456 residents in 2023, has seen sustained annual growth averaging 2.44% since 2000, driven by subdivisions and commercial corridors that enhance the local tax base through property assessments and business relocations. The village's development includes facilities and safe neighborhoods, with median incomes around $130,000 supporting a mix of housing from starter homes to estates. Homer Glen, covering about 22 square miles with a 2025 projected population of 24,573, balances semi-rural estates with big-box retail along three commercial corridors, incorporating annexed farmlands into upscale subdivisions while preserving open spaces. These villages contrast with urban Joliet by prioritizing controlled growth via zoning and annexations, often yielding higher median incomes and lower density compared to county averages.
VillageEst. Population (2023)Median Household IncomeKey Economic Drivers
Frankfort20,417$157,615Retail, residential suburbs
Mokena~20,000 (2020 base)>$100,000Services, low taxes
New Lenox27,456$129,797Healthcare, subdivisions
Homer Glen~24,500 (2025 proj.)N/ACommercial corridors, estates

Census-Designated Places and Unincorporated Areas

Frankfort Square, a (CDP) in Frankfort Township, had a population of 8,968 as of the , making it one of the largest non-incorporated communities in Will County. This CDP, located adjacent to the village of Frankfort, consists primarily of residential subdivisions developed in the late , with dominated by single-family homes and limited commercial activity. Residents rely on township and county services for road maintenance, , and enforcement, as the absence of incorporation limits local taxation authority for dedicated municipal infrastructure. Ingalls Park, another CDP in Lockport , recorded 3,460 residents in the 2020 , situated near the border with Joliet and characterized by a mix of older working-class housing stock and newer developments. Fairmont CDP, in Joliet , had 2,389 inhabitants in 2020, featuring dense residential neighborhoods with proximity to industrial zones along the , contributing to higher exposure to environmental concerns like flooding compared to incorporated areas. Crystal Lawns CDP, also in Lockport , counted 1,830 in 2020, encompassing suburban tracts with recreational facilities such as parks, where growth has strained township-provided utilities and emergency response capacities. Beyond these, Will County hosts smaller CDPs and unincorporated communities like Preston Heights (population 2,529 in 2020), Arbury Hills, and Eagle Lake, often rural or semi-rural enclaves supporting , equestrian activities, or commuter . These areas exemplify suburban sprawl dynamics, with post-2000 development pressures leading to fragmented service delivery; for instance, unincorporated zones depend on 24 townships for property assessment and basic , exacerbating challenges in coordinating , sewer extensions, and amid population influxes exceeding 5% decennially in some locales. Such reliance on higher-level county administration can delay responses to growth-induced issues like overburdened septic systems or unpaved road deterioration, though it preserves lower burdens relative to nearby municipalities.
Census-Designated Place2020 PopulationPrimary Township
Frankfort Square8,968Frankfort
Ingalls Park3,460Lockport
Fairmont2,389Joliet
Crystal Lawns1,830Lockport
Preston Heights2,529Joliet

Townships and Administrative Divisions

Will County, Illinois, is subdivided into 25 civil townships that function as primary units of outside incorporated municipalities, handling essential services in rural and unincorporated territories. These townships include Plainfield, Channahon, , Custer, DuPage, , Frankfort, Green Garden, , Jackson, Joliet, Lockport, , Monee, New Lenox, Reed, , Washington, Wesley, Wheatland, Wilton, Wilmington, and Will, among others. Elected township officials, such as supervisors, clerks, assessors, and highway commissioners, oversee operations funded primarily through property taxes levied at the township level. Under Illinois law, townships in Will County maintain responsibilities for general assistance to indigent residents, upkeep of approximately 1,200 miles of rural and bridges under township jurisdiction, and initial assessments for taxation purposes conducted by township assessors. These assessors determine values subject to review by the county of assessments, contributing to the county's overall tax base, which exceeded $3.5 billion in equalized assessed value as of 2023. maintenance duties focus on non-state , with township highway commissioners allocating budgets for repairs, plowing, and improvements amid growing suburban development pressures. Township boundaries frequently overlap with incorporated cities and villages, creating dual governance layers where municipal authorities assume similar roles like road maintenance and welfare within , prompting ongoing debates over administrative redundancy and fiscal inefficiency. In Will County, such overlaps have fueled calls for dissolution or consolidation with county government to reduce duplicative costs estimated at millions annually statewide, though proponents argue it preserves localized decision-making for rural needs. Recent legislative efforts, including 2025 proposals like Senate Bill 2217 to automatically dissolve townships with populations under 5,000, have encountered strong resistance from Will County township leaders, who contend that elimination would shift burdens to overburdened counties without guaranteed savings and could erode community-specific services. For instance, Green Garden Township officials have publicly opposed such measures, highlighting their role in targeted without raising property taxes. Property assessment practices by Will County township assessors have drawn scrutiny, including litigation over alleged inconsistencies and biases in valuation methods, as seen in a 2019 settlement involving claims of discriminatory assessments against minority property owners. These issues stem from the decentralized township-level process, where assessors must balance market data with appeals, leading to periodic board of review challenges and calls for centralized county oversight to enhance uniformity and reduce disputes. Despite reforms, such as standardized guidelines from the county supervisor of assessments, variations persist, contributing to taxpayer appeals that averaged over 10,000 annually in recent years.

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