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Freeport, IL

Frequently asked questions

Freeport, IL

Freeport is the county seat and largest city of Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 23,973 at the 2020 census, and the mayor of Freeport is Jodi Miller, elected in 2017. Freeport is known for hosting the second Lincoln-Douglas debate of 1858, and as "Pretzel City, USA", due to a popular local German bakery that became well known for its prolific pretzel production after it opened in 1869. Freeport High School's mascot is the Pretzel to honor its heritage.

Freeport is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of the Wisconsin state line, and at the center of a large agricultural area, located about 114 miles (183 km) northwest of Chicago, and 25 miles (40 km) west of Rockford. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.89 square miles (30.8 km²), of which 11.88 square miles (30.8 km²) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.026 km²) is water.

U.S. Route 20 is a four-lane divided highway that skirts the community's northern edge. At Rockford, it links with Interstates 90 and 39, giving Freeport residents access to the entire Interstate system. From Freeport, U.S. 20 continues west to Galena, and the metropolitan area of Dubuque, Iowa. The area code for Freeport is 815 with an overlay area code of 779 as of March 17, 2007.

The community was originally called Winneshiek.When it was incorporated, the new municipality took its name from the generosity of Tutty Baker, who was credited with running a "free port" on the Pecatonica River. The name "Winneshiek" was later adopted, and is preserved to this day, by the Freeport Community Theatre Group.

Freeport is known as the "Pretzel City", and its public high school's team is named the Pretzels. The nickname is a reminder of Freeport's ethnic heritage; in the late 1850s, many Germans, both from Pennsylvania and from their European homeland, resettled in Stephenson County bringing with them their love of pretzel snacks. In 1869, a German immigrant named John Billerbeck established the Billerbeck Bakery, which distributed so many pretzels to residents that the local newspaper later dubbed Freeport the "Pretzel City". The city later capitalized on this nickname in 2003 by starting Freeport's first Pretzel Festival.

As of the census of 2020, the population was 23,973. The population density was 2,017.8 inhabitants per square mile (779.1/km²). There were 11,888 housing units at an average density of 1,000.6 per square mile (386.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 68.9% White, 17.9% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 2.9% from other races, and 8.8% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 7.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Freeport places a strong emphasis on the health and wellness of its residents, offering a range of healthcare services. The FHN Memorial Hospital is integral to this effort, providing comprehensive medical care and contributing to the overall well-being of the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Freeport 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 Fitness Lifestyles, Anytime Fitness, and YMCA. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Freeport, such as the Krape Park Loop and Jane Addams Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Freeport, IL are the Freeport Art Museum, Read Park, and Children's Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois.

Population: 23,973 (2020). ZIP Code: 61032. Area codes: 815, 779. Elevation: 778 ft (237 m). Area: 11.89 sq mi (30.79 km²).

FAQs

What is Freeport, IL famous for?

Freeport developed as an industrial and agricultural center. Its economic base still includes agriculture (especially dairying, corn [maize], and livestock); also important are manufacturing (including electronic sensors, tires, window treatments, machine components, and snack foods) and a sizable insurance industry. Since the late 1860s Freeport has been known for its pretzels, which have earned it the nickname “Pretzel City USA.”

Is Freeport, IL, a good place to live?

Living in Freeport offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Freeport, there are a lot of parks. Many retirees live in Freeport and residents tend to lean conservative.

What is the race population in Freeport, IL?

Freeport, IL is home to a population of 44.5k people, of which 98.9% are citizens. As of 2022, 2.37% of Freeport, IL residents were born outside of the country (1.06k people). In 2022, there were 9.33 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (36k people) in Freeport, IL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 3.86k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 2.08k Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Freeport

FHN Memorial Hospital 

Freeport Park District

Fitness Lifestyles

Anytime Fitness 

YMCA

Krape Park Loop 

Jane Addams Trail

Freeport Art Museum

Read Park

Children's Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois

Britannica

Niche

Data USA

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