The State of Illinois is America's fifth most populous state, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with the highest concentration of people clustered in and around the Chicago metropolitan area, along Lake Michigan in the northeast corner of the state. However, Chicago is not the only large city in Illinois. In fact, this state's five largest cities all have populations exceeding 140,000 people.
Chicago is not only Illinois' largest city, but it is also the third-largest in the United States. With a 2009 estimated population of 2.85 million people, it also hosts a metropolitan area with a combined population of over 9 million. Originally founded as a trading post along Lake Michigan, Chicago is known today as a global commercial center, with manufacturing, food production and publishing among its largest industries. Chicago is also home to one of the world's busiest airports.
Located about 32 miles west of Chicago, Aurora began in the 1830s with two brothers who started a mill along the Fox River. Today, it is a rapidly growing community, coming in as the state's second-largest city with a 2009 population of nearly 173,000 people--reflecting a 20 percent increase since the 2000 census. Aurora has the distinction of being the first city in America to light its streets with electric lighting, giving it the nickname "City of Lights."
Illinois' third largest city, Rockford is located in the north part of the state near the Wisconsin border, and hosts a 2009 estimated population of just over 157,000. Nicknamed the "Forest City" for its tree-lined streets, Rockford emerged as an industrial hub, but in the latter half of the 20tth century its economic base shifted toward business and professional services.
One of Illinois' fastest-growing cities, Joliet's population has increased by a remarkable 39 percent since 2000, making it the state's fourth largest city with a 2009 population of 147,633. Located just 44 miles southwest of Chicago, Joliet's major industries include health care, and machinery manufacturing and gaming, with Catepillar and Harrah's Casino being among its largest employers. It is also a significant railroad hub, making it a center for transportation of goods.
With a 2008 population of 144,560, Naperville is Illinois' fifth largest city, situated about 30 miles outside of Chicago. With health care and natural gas among its primary industries, this city has numerous qualities to boast about--including one of the highest-ranked libraries in the country, a solid educational system and an attractive River walk for tourists. In fact, in 2008, Money Magazine ranked Naperville among the top five best places to live in America.
