Peoria, Illinois
Peoria is the largest city on the
Illinois River and the
county seat of
Peoria County6. As of the
2000 census, the city had a total population of 112,936. The city of Peoria is home to
Bradley University and the world headquarters for Caterpillar Inc It features a federal courthouse, several thousand acres of parks, and three hospitals.
Geography
\nPeoria is located at 40°43'15" North, 89°36'34" West (40.720737, -89.609421)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 120.8 km² (46.6 mi²). 115.0 km² (44.4 mi²) of it is land and 5.8 km² (2.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 4.78% water.
Peoria is bounded on the east by the Illinois River except for the enclave of Peoria Heights. Four bridges run directly between the city and neigboring East Peoria. On the south end of Peoria's western border are Bartonville and the newly established city of West Peoria. Local municipal plans indicate that the city intends to continue its expansion northwest, into an area unofficially considered part of Dunlap, Illinois.
Demographics
\nAs of the census of 2000, there are 112,936 people, 45,199 households, and 27,345 families residing in the city. The population density is 982.1/km² (2,543.4/mi²). There are 49,125 housing units at an average density of 427.2/km² (1,106.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 69.29% White, 24.79% African American, 0.20% Native American, 2.33% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.20% from other races, and 2.16% from two or more races. 2.51% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 45,199 households out of which 29.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.6% are married couples living together, 15.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% are non-families. 33.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.38 and the average family size is 3.04.
In the city the population is spread out with 25.7% under the age of 18, 12.0% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 85.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $36,397, and the median income for a family is $46,882. Males have a median income of $40,879 versus $25,642 for females. The per capita income for the city is $20,512. 18.8% of the population and 14.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 28.5% are under the age of 18 and 8.6% are 65 or older.
Famous connections to Peoria
People born and raised Peorian
\n*Jack Brickhouse, voice of the Chicago Cubs\n*Dan Fogelberg, musician\n*Betty Friedan, feminist author\n*Robert G. Ingersoll, politician and orator\n*Jim Jordan and Marian Jordan, stars of Fibber McGee and Molly on radio\n*Richard Pryor, comedian and actor\n*Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, host of Life is Worth Living on radio
Well-known companies
\n*Caterpillar Inc, bulldozer and engine manufacturer
Other famous Peorians
\n*Harry Harrison, "Morning Mayor of Peoria" on WPEO, disc jockey on several New York City radio stations\n*Mudvayne, nu metal music band\n*General John M. Shalikashvili, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
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