Following the construction of two residential subdivisions—Villa Park (1908) and Ardmore (1910) by the real estate firm Ballard & Pottinger—the community incorporated as the Village of Ardmore in 1914. The name was changed to Villa Park in 1917.[3][4]
Villa Park developed as a western suburb of Chicago served by the electric Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad (CA&E). The line provided a direct connection between Chicago’s Loop and Wheaton, where it branched toward Aurora and Elgin. Two commercial districts grew around the Villa Avenue and Ardmore Avenue stations. Passenger service on the CA&E ended in 1957 amid declining ridership following completion of the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290).[5][6] The railroad’s right-of-way was later converted into the Illinois Prairie Path, a regional hiking and biking trail network.[7]
The village was also home to the Ovaltine factory, which operated for much of the twentieth century and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The complex has since been converted into loft apartments.[8]
In 1986, local Muslim residents founded the Islamic Foundation School, reflecting Villa Park’s growing cultural diversity.[9]
The Villa Park Public Library underwent a major renovation and expansion beginning in 2017 and completed in 2019.[10]
Geography
Villa Park is in eastern DuPage County in the western suburbs of Chicago. It is bordered by Elmhurst to the east, Lombard to the west, Addison to the north, and Oakbrook Terrace to the south. The village’s elevation is approximately 689 feet (210m) above sea level.[1]
According to the United States Census Bureau, Villa Park has a total area of 4.77 square miles (12.35km2), of which 4.72 square miles (12.22km2) (99.06%) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13km2) (0.94%) is water.[11]
Villa Park village, Illinois – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
As of the 2020 census there were 22,263 people, 8,000 households, and 5,575 families residing in the village. The population density was 4,669.25 inhabitants per square mile (1,802.81/km2). There were 8,627 housing units at an average density of 1,809.35 per square mile (698.59/km2). The village's age distribution was 23.4% under 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% 65 or older; the median age was 37.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.4 males (104.3 for ages 18 and over). The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.34.[17]
The median income for a household in the village was $79,314, and the median income for a family was $91,250. Males had a median income of $47,722 versus $35,269 for females. The per capita income for the village was $34,529. About 3.9% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
According to the Village of Villa Park’s 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the community’s economy is primarily based on retail, light manufacturing, construction, and professional services. The village benefits from its central DuPage County location and access to major transportation corridors including Interstate 290, I-355, and Illinois Route 83.[18]
As of 2023, the ten largest employers in Villa Park were:[18]
The village reported an unemployment rate of 3.9% in 2023, consistent with DuPage County’s overall rate and below the Illinois state average of 4.6%.[18]
Government
Villa Park operates under the council–manager form. Legislative authority is vested in a Village Board consisting of a Village President and six trustees elected at-large to four-year staggered terms. The Board adopts ordinances and the annual budget, appoints advisory commissions, and hires the Village Manager. The Manager oversees day-to-day administration and appoints department heads.[19]
Education
Villa Park is served by several public school districts. Most of the village is within School District 45, DuPage County, which operates elementary and middle schools including Ardmore, North, Schafer, Stevenson, Westmore, and Jackson Middle School.[20] Portions of the community are also served by Salt Creek School District 48,[21] Lombard School District 44,[22] and Addison School District 4.[23]
Villa Avenue Train StationArdmore Avenue Train Station
Villa Park has a commuter rail station on Metra’s Union Pacific West Line with service west to Elburn, Illinois and east to downtown Chicago.[27] Pace provides bus service on Routes 301 and 313 connecting Villa Park with Forest Park, Wheaton, and surrounding communities.[28] Villa Park is accessible by major roads including Illinois Route 83, North Avenue (IL-64), and Illinois Route 38, with nearby connections to I-290 and I-355.[29]
The Village of Villa Park Parks and Recreation Department manages 18 parks and recreational facilities, including the Iowa Community Center, Jefferson Pool, and the Community Recreation Building.[32] The department provides year-round programs in athletics, fitness, and community events.
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