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Frankfort, IL

Frequently asked questions

Frankfort, IL

Frankfort is a village in Will County and Cook County in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is a southern suburb of Chicago and is approximately 28 miles (45 km) south of the city. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,296.

Frankfort’s historic downtown area contains the Frankfort Grainery, Breidert Green, and a portion of the Old Plank Road Trail, a 22-mile-long paved recreation trail. The village also contains Commissioners Park and multiple schools, including Lincoln-Way East High School, Hickory Creek Middle School, and Dr. Julian Rogus School.

Frankfort is located at 41°29′53″N 87°50′58″W (41.498133, -87.849549). According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Frankfort has a total area of 15.79 square miles (40.90 km²), all land. Frankfort is located in the Chicago Metropolitan area and is approximately 28 miles south of Chicago. An unincorporated area north of the village of Frankfort (in Frankfort Township) is a census-designated place known as Frankfort Square. The village is bordered by Richton Park to the east, Tinley Park, Frankfort Square, and Matteson to the northeast, Mokena and New Lenox to the west, and Monee and University Park to the southeast.

The name "Frankfort" was taken from Frankfort Township designated by the governing board of Will County. It was commonly known as "Frankfort Station" after the opening of the Joliet & Northern Indiana Railroad through the township in 1855, though the official plat of the community dated March 1855 shows the name as "Frankfort". Property deed abstracts and railroad documents also show that the name was always Frankfort. Residents incorporated Frankfort as a village in 1879. It also has some reference to the major German city of Frankfurt.

First inhabited by Native Americans, including the Potawatomi and Sac and Fox tribes, Frankfort was used as a conduit between the Des Plaines and St. Joseph rivers. Originally, the area was part of the Virginia Territory before the French signed a treaty with Manitoqua, the Potawatomi chief, for land in the Prestwick area. The first pioneers came to Frankfort in the early 1830s using the Des Plaines River from the southwest and by wagon from the east along the Sauk Trail, a roadway that still exists today.

William Rice, the first non-native settler, made a permanent settlement in Frankfort in 1831. While the first pioneers, coming mainly from the New England colonies, were mostly of English and Scottish descent, German settlers made the village of Frankfort a reality. Later in the 1840s German settlers migrated from Germany to Frankfort. They had fled harsh conditions in their homeland by coming to America and proved to be very industrious and experienced farmers as they soon bought most of the fertile farmland from the "Yankees", who were more inclined to provide services for local needs. Establishing both ownership and pride in the area, the German settlers implemented the first system of resident concern for local lands, which has been maintained ever since.

Health and wellness are key priorities in Frankfort, with Silver Cross Hospital serving as a leading healthcare provider in the region. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Frankfort Square Park District. 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. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness, Method Powergym, and Treadfit. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Frankfort, such as the Old Plank Road Trail and Sauk Trail Forest Preserve. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Frankfort, IL are KidsWork Children's Museum, Frankfort Historical Society, and Crisis Rooms.

Population: 20,296 (2020). ZIP Code: 60423. Area code: 815. Elevation: 725 ft (221 m). Area: 15.79 sq mi (40.91 km²).

FAQs

What is Frankfort, IL is known for?

Recently ranked 36th in the nation's fastest-growing suburbs by Forbes Magazine, Frankfort is thriving. Known as the "Jewel of the South Suburbs." Frankfort has been recognized with the Southland's Reader's Choice award for "Best Community.  Experiencing rapid growth, attracting new residents, and commercial and industrial businesses, Frankfort is a premier community with award-winning schools and exceptional residential, commercial, and industrial development. 

Is Frankfort, IL a good place to live?

Frankfort is in Will County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Living in Frankfort offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. Many families live in Frankfort and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Frankfort are highly rated.

What is the crime rate in Frankfort, IL?

Frankfort has an overall crime rate of 7 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Frankfort is 1 in 133. Frankfort's crime rate is lower than approximately 43% of Illinois communities.

Sources

Wikipedia 

Village of Frankfort

Silver Cross Hospital 

Frankfort Square Park District

Anytime Fitness

Method Powergym 

Treadfit

Old Plank Road Trail 

Sauk Trail Forest Preserve

KidsWork Children's Museum

Frankfort Historical Society

Crisis Rooms

About Frankfort

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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