Kane County, located in northeastern Illinois, is the fifth-largest county in the state, covering 524 square miles. According to the U.S. Census Bureau it is home to just over half a million residents.
According to the Federal Reserve Economic Data, Kane County has a GDP over $27 billion. Comparisons across the state can be done using this data. A forecast for growth through 2030 can be found here.
Major Cities
Two of Illinois’ largest cities are in Kane County:
- Aurora, with a population of over 177,000, is the second-largest city in Illinois.
- Elgin, with more than 113,000 residents, has a rich industrial history.
Both cities were shaped by early industrial growth powered by the Fox River, which supported mills, factories, and river commerce throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
A County Built for Health
Kane County is the only county in Illinois with a formal plan to integrate public health into land-use and community planning. This innovative approach is led by the Kane County Healthy Places Coalition, which focuses on:
- Expanding parks and trails
- Encouraging active lifestyles
- Promoting access to healthy food
- Protecting air and water quality
Thanks to these efforts, Kane County ranks among the healthiest counties in Illinois, according to regional health data.
