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Bushnell, IL

Frequently asked questions

Bushnell, IL

Bushnell is a city in McDonough County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,718 at the 2020 census, down from 3,117 in 2010.

Bushnell is located in northeastern McDonough County. Illinois state routes 9 and 41 pass through the city center as Cole Street. Route 9 goes west out of the city on Charles Street, leading 19 miles (31 km) to Blandinsville, while to the east it leads 27 miles (43 km) to Canton. Route 41 leads north 31 miles (50 km) to Galesburg and south 7 miles (11 km) to its terminus at U.S. Route 136. Macomb, the McDonough county seat, is 14 miles (23 km) southwest of Bushnell.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Bushnell has a total area of 2.13 square miles (5.52 km²), of which 0.01 square miles (0.03 km²), or 0.38%, are water. The west side of the city drains to a south-flowing tributary of the East Fork of the La Moine River, while the east side drains to Shaw Creek, a southeast-flowing tributary of the Spoon River. The city is part of the Illinois River watershed.

The town was founded in 1854 when the Northern Cross Railroad built a line through the area. Nehemiah Bushnell was the railroad president, and townspeople honored him by naming their community after him. The railroad later became part of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, which continues to operate through Bushnell under the name Burlington Northern Santa Fe. Bushnell was also served by the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railway, now the Keokuk Junction Railway. Amtrak trains pass through the city but do not stop.

The Nagel Brothers of Bushnell were the first to invent a process of making rolled oats without having to steam the oats. Up until this time, the oats were first steamed to separate the groat from the hull. The patent for this new process was later sold to the Quaker Oats Company. Bushnell is home to a Vaughan & Bushnell hammer factory and to Kitchen Cooked Potato Chips.

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,221 people, 1,323 households, and 889 families residing in Bushnell. The population density was 1,573.9 inhabitants per square mile (607.7/km²). There were 1,446 housing units at an average density of 706.6 per square mile (272.8/km²). The city's racial makeup was 98.79% White, 0.12% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.43% from other races, and 0.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.68% of the population.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Bushnell. The city prioritizes the well-being of its residents with accessible healthcare services and recreational opportunities. The McDonough District Hospital serves as a vital healthcare hub for the community, offering comprehensive medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Bushnell Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. A popular option includes the YMCA. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Bushnell, such as the  Havana Nature Center, Fort Madison PORT Trail, West Park, and Flint River Trail (IA). These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Bushnell, IL are the Western Illinois Museum, Argyle Lake State Park, and Macomb Park District.

Population: 2,676 (2022). ZIP Code: 61422. Area code: 309. Elevation: 646 ft (197 m). Area: 2.13 sq mi (5.50 km²).

FAQs

What is Bushnell, IL is known for?

Bushnell is a rural town located in west central Illinois about 50 miles east of the Mississippi River. Bushnell is known for its deep roots in agriculture and industry. Corn and soybean fields influence the landscape, and the city proudly houses several manufacturing facilities employing hundreds of our residents. ​Bushnell is a living example of the American spirit. 

Is Bushnell, IL a good place to live?

Living in Bushnell offers residents a suburban-rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Bushnell, there are a lot of bars. Many families live in Bushnell and residents tend to lean conservative.

What is the poverty rate in Bushnell, IL?

In 2022, the median household income of Bushnell households was $52,227. Bushnell households made slightly more than Brussels households ($52,222) and Dixon households ($52,208). However, 3.9% of Bushnell families live in poverty.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Bushnell

McDonough District Hospital 

Bushnell Parks and Recreation Department 

YMCA

Fort Madison PORT Trail

West Park 

Havana Nature Center

Flint River Trail (IA)

Western Illinois Museum

Argyle Lake State Park

Macomb Park District

Niche

Illinois Demographics

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