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DeKalb, IL

DeKalb is a city in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 40,290 at the 2020 census. The city is named after decorated Franconian-French war hero Johann de Kalb, who died during the American Revolutionary War.

Founded in 1856, DeKalb became important in the development and manufacture of barbed wire, especially for agriculture and raising livestock. While agricultural-related industries remain a facet of the city, along with health and services, the city's largest employer in the 21st century is Northern Illinois University, founded in 1895. DeKalb is about 65 miles (105 km) from downtown Chicago.

DeKalb is in northern Illinois, about 65 miles (105 km) west of downtown Chicago and 30 miles southeast of Rockford. The South Branch Kishwaukee River flows northward through DeKalb.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, DeKalb has a total area of 17.12 square miles (44.34 km²), of which 16.95 square miles (43.90 km²) (or 99.03%) is land and 0.17 square miles (0.44 km²) (or 0.97%) is water.

On August 24, 2007, the Kishwaukee River at DeKalb crested at 15.27 feet (4.65 m) (a record 15.8 feet (4.8 m)), causing major flooding. This was only the second time the river has risen above 15 feet (4.6 m) since the level of the river has been recorded.

DeKalb was originally called Huntley's Grove, and under the latter name was platted in 1853. The name is for Baron Johann de Kalb, a major general in the American Revolutionary War. The first church in DeKalb was organized in 1844. Beginning in 1846, a stagecoach traveled from Chicago through DeKalb and Dixon to Galena.  A post office has been in operation at DeKalb since 1849. The first railroad reached DeKalb in 1853.

Health and wellness are integral to the DeKalb community. KishHealth System, now part of Northwestern Medicine, serves as a primary healthcare provider, offering comprehensive medical services to residents. O2 Living provides a range of massage therapies including deep tissue, Swedish, and hot stone massages. Revival Massage Therapy offers various massage services such as therapeutic, prenatal, and trigger point massages. Exhale Spa is part of a national chain known for its combination of fitness and spa services. Their massage offerings include deep tissue, sports, Swedish, and prenatal massages. Heavenly Massage provides a wide range of massage services including Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, and reflexology.

Top Sites in DeKalb, IL: Ellwood House Museum, Sycamore Park District, Egyptian Theatre.

Population: 40,290 (2020). ZIP Code: 60115. Area code: 815. Elevation: 879 ft (268 m). Area: 17.12 sq mi (44.33 km²).

FAQs

What is DeKalb, IL famous for?

Barbed Wire: Joseph Glidden, who developed barbed wire, is a historic citizen of DeKalb. Glidden would ultimately be known as the “Father of Barbed Wire”. Glidden began to mass-produce his invention and eventually sold half of the company to Isaac L. Ellwood. Together, the two formed the Barb Fence Company.

What is the race population in DeKalb, IL?

With 40,697 people, DeKalb is the 39th most populated city in the state of Illinois out of 1,450 cities. But watch out, DeKalb, because Crystal Lake with 40,463 people, and Romeoville with 40,132 people are right behind you. The largest DeKalb racial/ethnic groups are White (59.5%) followed by Hispanic (16.1%) and Black (14.5%). 

How is a crime in DeKalb, IL?

With a crime rate of 34 per one thousand residents, DeKalb has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 30. Within Illinois, more than 96% of the communities have a lower crime rate than DeKalb.

Sources

City of DeKalb

Wikipedia

Neighborhoodscout

Illinois Demographics

KishHealth System

Northwestern Medicine

O2 Living

Revival Massage Therapy

Exhale Spa

Heavenly Massage

Ellwood House Museum

Sycamore Park District

Egyptian Theatre

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