The 15 Fastest-Growing Towns in Illinois Everyone Is Talking About

Charming attractions, picturesque landscapes, and a rich history make Illinois a wonderful place to live. With a population of over 12 million, it is the sixth-largest state in the U.S. Whether you are already a proud resident of one of Illinois’ lovely villages or you are looking for a new Midwestern locale to call home, you might be wondering which Prairie State towns are thriving the most. Read on to discover the 15 fastest-growing towns in Illinois that everyone is talking about.

15. Pingree Grove: 3.29% Growth Rate

An hour away from downtown Chicago is a happening village with a lot of heart. Pingree Grove has a population of more than 11,400 people and has seen an annual growth rate of 3.29% in recent years, according to World Population Review. Residents of Pingree Grove enjoy community gardens, food trucks, hiking trails, and more in this wonderfully diverse and safe suburb.

14. Shannon: 3.69% Growth Rate

Located in Carroll County in the Northeast corner of Illinois is the Village of Shannon. With a population just shy of 1,000 people, Shannon is seeing an annual growth rate of 3.69%. Shannon’s affordable homes have been drawing new residents in. Its proximity to state parks and cultural attractions also make it an attractive spot to call home.

13. Mound Station: 4.06% Growth Rate

The tiny Village of Mound Station, also called Timewell, has a population of 128 townsfolk, which is up from 113 people in 2020. An increase of 15 people is a big deal for such a small town. This gives Mound Station an annual growth rate of 4.06%.

12. Mount Sterling: 4.26% Growth Rate

With a farmer’s market, a golf course, and a wonderful public library, Mount Sterling has much to offer to residents and visitors alike. More than 2,200 people call Mount Sterling home, and it has seen an impressive 4.26% annual population growth rate. Mount Sterling is located right smack in the center of Brown County in Illinois.

11. Montgomery: 4.44% Growth Rate

The Village of Montgomery is located in Kane County, Illinois. It is about 45 miles southeast of Chicago. With a population of more than 23,000 people, Montgomery has seen an annual growth rate of 4.44%. This village is bike paths, dog parks, and plentiful fishing opportunities. Head to Montgomery for some outdoor fun!

10. Yorkville: 4.61% Growth Rate

The most popular town on our list is Yorkville, Illinois, which boasts a population of almost 25,000 people. The United City of Yorkville has experienced an annual growth rate of 4.61%. It was originally settled in 1833 and became incorporated in 1874.

9. Marine: 4.68% Growth Rate

The Village of Marine is located in Madison County, Illinois. An annual growth rate of 4.68% has brought its population up to more than 1,050 residents. White Sox pitcher Rusty Pence was born in Marine in 1900.

8. Versailles: 4.81% Growth Rate

A self-described “sleepy, little, quiet village,” Versailles seems to have a lot of heart. It has seen a population growth of 4.81% in recent years. Today, Versailles has a population of over 500 people.

7. Manhattan: 5.3% Growth Rate

It may only have a population of about 11,100 people, but Manhattan, Illinois beat out Manhattan in New York City in its annual population growth rate in recent years. Manhattan in NYC grew by 1.1% between 2021 and 2022, while Manhattan, IL has seen a nice growth rate of 5.3%. Manhattan, IL, is known for its annual Irish Fest, which features parades, dances, races, and more.

6. Ripley: 5.56% Growth Rate

Brown County’s tiny Village of Ripley has seen an annual population growth rate of 5.56%. Today, the population stands at nearly 60 people. This town is a great place for folks who love to camp and go fishing, because there are plenty of nearby opportunities.

5. Highwood: 5.62% Growth Rate

At number 5 on our list of the fastest growing towns in Illinois everyone is talking about is the City of Highwood. A northern suburb of Chicago, Highwood has a population of about 6,000 people and has seen an annual growth rate of 5.62%. With an array of annual festivals including pumpkin fests, taco runs, carnivals, gourmet markets, pub crawls, and more, it’s no wonder people are flocking to Highwood!

4. Grafton: 7.09% Growth Rate

Grafton calls itself “a real American river town.” This town of 785 sits right along the Mississippi River. Residents and visitors love Grafton’s lovely river views and its beautiful Pere Marquette State Park. Such marvelous natural areas have granted Grafton an annual population growth rate of 7.09%.

3. Warrenville: 7.45% Growth Rate

Located in DuPage, Warrenville is an increasingly popular suburb of Illinois. Its population of more than 13,600 people has seen an annual growth rate of 7.45%. The celebrated American visual artist Ivan Albright called Warrenville his home in the 1920s.

2. Ladd: 11.99% Growth Rate

A staggering 11.99% annual growth rate lands Ladd, Illinois at the number two spot on our list. This town has a population of more than 1,200 people and there is no doubt that number is growing. Ladd, which is located in Bureau, IL, is a village of entrepreneurs. Consider building your business from Ladd, IL!

1. Cambria: 13.03% Growth Rate

Cambria, in Williamson County, is the fastest-growing town in Illinois.

The number one spot on our list goes to Cambria, Illinois! Cambria has a population of around 2,250 people, and has seen an annual growth rate of a whopping 13.03%! Antique shops, a lovely winery, and a charming small-town culture could be the reasons behind this very notable population boom.