DeKalb, Illinois

DeKalb is a city located in DeKalb County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 39,018.

History

DeKalb is the birthplace of barbed wire, developed in 1873-74 by farmer Joseph Glidden. Glidden sold half of his interest to hardware merchant Isaac L. Ellwood and together the two formed the Barb Fence Company.

Two months after Glidden filed his application for a patent, lumber salesman Jacob Haish also applied for a patent and on June 25, 1874 ran interference papers against Glidden's patent. After 18 years of legal wrangling, Glidden's patent was declared the "Winner".

In 1865 H. B. Gurler moved to DeKalb, and later attempted to create high-grade milk. Gurler began shipping his "Pure Milk" to Chicago in 1895.

Supermodel Cindy Crawford was born here and graduated as a valedictorian from DeKalb High School in 1984.

Geography

DeKalb is located at 41°55'53" North, 88°45'1" West (41.931274, -88.750151)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 32.7 km² (12.6 mi²). 32.7 km² (12.6 mi²) of it is land and 0.08% is water.

Park Facilities

DeKalb has over 44 community facilities. Some of the main parks, golf courses and museum include:

• Buena Vista Golf Course
• River Heights Golf Course
• Hopkins Park - Pool/Community Center
• DeKalb County Forest Preserves
• DeKalb Park District

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 39,018 people, 13,081 households, and 6,566 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,194.7/km² (3,093.9/mi²). There are 13,619 housing units at an average density of 417.0/km² (1,079.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 79.49% White, 9.08% African American, 0.24% Native American, 4.62% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 4.35% from other races, and 2.09% from two or more races. 9.04% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 13,081 households out of which 25.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.0% are married couples living together, 9.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 49.8% are non-families. 29.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.42 and the average family size is 3.02.

In the city the population is spread out with 16.9% under the age of 18, 39.2% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 12.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 23 years. For every 100 females there are 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $35,153, and the median income for a family is $53,017. Males have a median income of $36,255 versus $26,422 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,261. 21.3% of the population and 9.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 11.2% of those under the age of 18 and 5.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Communications & Media

Newspapers

• The DeKalb Daily Chronicle has been serving the community since 1879.
• The Northern Star is a publication by students at NIU.

Radio Stations

DeKalb is the home to 7 radio stations.

AM Stations

FM Stations

Famous Attractions, Landmarks & Areas of Interest

• Ellwood Park & Museum was built by barbed wire millionaire Isaac L. Ellwood in 1879.
• Gurler House
• The Egyptian Theatre is a 1929, fully restored, Egyptian Art Deco movie palace. A National Landmark, the Egyptian is home to 15+ local performing arts groups.

Schools & Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University (NIU) was founded in DeKalb as the Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1893. NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a student enrollment of over 23,000.

DeKalb has 7 Public Elementary (Grades K-4)(includes 110 pre-kindergarten), 2 Public Middle Schools (Grades 5-8), 1 Public High School (Grades 9-12), and 1 Private/Parochial (Grades K-8). Included in these schools are the Cornerstone Christian Academy, DeKalb Community Schools and St. Mary School.

Events

• Corn Fest

Transportation

DeKalb forms the western anchor of the I-88 corridor. It is only 30 minutes away from Aurora and Naperville, and 65 miles from downtown Chicago and O'Hare International Airport.

Airport

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DTMA), serving the general aviation community, is located at 3232 Pleasant Street, DeKalb, Illinois.

Mass Transit

The City of DeKalb Green Line Bus Service, operated by TransVac, runs on Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.