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Peoria, IL

Frequently asked questions

Peoria, IL

Peoria is a city in and county seat of Peoria County, Illinois, United States. Located on the Illinois River. It is the principal city of the Peoria metropolitan area in Central Illinois, consisting of the counties of Fulton, Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford, which had a population of 402,391 in 2020.

Established in 1691 by the French explorer Henri de Tonti, Peoria is the oldest permanent European settlement in Illinois according to the Illinois State Archaeological Survey. Originally known as Fort Clark, it received its current name when the County of Peoria was organized in 1825. The city was named after the Peoria people, a member of the Illinois Confederation. On October 16, 1854, Abraham Lincoln made his Peoria speech against the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Prior to prohibition, Peoria was the center of the whiskey industry in the United States. More than 12 distilleries operated in Peoria by the end of the 19th century, more than any other city in the U.S.

A major port on the Illinois River, Peoria is a trading and shipping center for a large agricultural area that produces corn, soybeans, and livestock. Although the economy is well diversified, the city's traditional manufacturing industries remain important and produce earthmoving equipment, metal products, lawn-care equipment, labels, steel towers, farm equipment, building materials, steel, wire, and chemicals. Until 2018, Peoria was the global and national headquarters for heavy equipment and engine manufacturer Caterpillar Inc., one of the 30 companies composing the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and listed on the Fortune 100; in the latter year, the company relocated its headquarters to Deerfield, Illinois.

The city is associated with the phrase "Will it play in Peoria?", which may have originated from the vaudeville era and is often spuriously attributed to Groucho Marx. Museums in the city include the Pettengill–Morron House, the John C. Flanagan House, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

According to the 2010 census, Peoria has a total area of 50.23 square miles (130.10 km²), of which 48.01 square miles (124.35 km²) (or 95.58%) is land and 2.22 square miles (5.75 km²) (or 4.42%) is water.

Peoria places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with several healthcare facilities catering to the community's needs. The OSF Saint Francis Medical Center is a leading medical institution, offering comprehensive healthcare services to residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Peoria Park District 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. Some popular options include Styles Studios Fitness, Titan Fitness, and Studio C Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Peoria, such as the Illinois River Bluff Trail and Robinson Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Peoria, IL are Peoria Riverfront Museum, Wildlife Prairie Park, and Peoria Zoo.

Population: 110,460 (2023). ZIP code: 61614. Area code: 309. Elevation: 502 ft (153 m). Area: 50.55 sq mi (130.93 km²).

FAQs

Is Peoria, IL a good place to live?

Living in Peoria offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Peoria, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Peoria and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Peoria are above average.

Is Peoria, IL a safe place to live?

With a crime rate of 43 per one thousand residents, Peoria 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 23. Within Illinois, more than 98% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Peoria. In fact, after researching dangerous places to live, NeighborhoodScout found Peoria to be one of the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.A.

Is Peoria, IL expensive to live in?

Peoria, Illinois's cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. Peoria's housing expenses are 27% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 10% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 7% higher than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Peoria 

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center 

Peoria Park District 

Styles Studios Fitness

Titan Fitness 

Studio C Fitness

Illinois River Bluff Trail 

Robinson Park

Peoria Riverfront Museum

Wildlife Prairie Park

Peoria Zoo

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

Payscale

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