Decatur, IL

Decatur, Illinois

Introduction to Decatur, Illinois

Decatur, Illinois, in Macon county, is 109 miles NE of St. Louis, Missouri. Decatur is located in Central Illinois and it's situated along the Sangamon River and near Lake Decatur. The city features historic neighborhoods and a restored downtown area. Decatur's economy has changed from being manufacturing based to being powered by the service sector. The region is called the "Soybean Capital of the World" due to being home to the major agricultural companies, ADM and Tate & Lyle North America.

Decatur History

The city was established in 1836 and was named in tribute to Stephen Decatur, a hero during the War of 1812. The Great Western Railroad arrived in 1854 followed by the arrival of the Illinois Central. Due to the two railroads, the city became a flourishing manufacturing center. The first place of residence in Illinois for Abraham Lincoln was very near Decatur. One of his first political speeches was given in the city. Decatur was host to the Illinois Republican State Convention in 1860 where Lincoln was provided with his first endorsement for the presidency.

Decatur Higher Education

Decatur is home to Millikin University and Richland Community College.

Decatur Transportation

The city is home to Decatur International Airport. A Bus-trolley system provides transportation in the downtown and college campus areas.

Decatur Attractions

• The Children's Museum of Illinois includes numerous interactive exhibits.
• Macon County Museum Complex showcases exhibits of life during the "Prairie years" as well as the Victorian era. It also includes the historic log courthouse where Abraham Lincoln tried several law cases.
• The Lincoln Trail Homestead Memorial features the home of Thomas Lincoln and his son Abraham Lincoln.
• The historic Richard J. Oglesby Mansion includes historic furnishings.
• Millikin Homestead features an impressive brick mansion.
• Bethel School is a restored one room school house located at Friends Creek Conservation Center.
• The Wabash Depot Antique Center was the headquarters of the Wabash Railroad company. The attractive restored building is popular for antique shopping.
• Transfer House is an historic Victorian building.
• Madden Arts Center features a wide variety of art exhibits.
• The Kirkland Galleries & Kirkland Fine Arts Center is located in Millikin University and showcases art created by nationally know artists.

Decatur Entertainment

• Scovill Zoo showcases Timberwolves, cheetahs and camels.
• Kirkland Fine Arts Center auditorium features opera, Broadway touring groups, music and a variety of performances.
• Central Illinois Jazz Festival is a notable event.
• Downtown Madri Gras features a parade and Cajun food.
• Decatur Celebration is one of the largest family street style festivals in the Midwest.
• Downtown Decatur features numerous art galleries, pubs, unique shops, a variety of restaurants and nightlife.
• Hickory Point Mall is a popular shopping location.
• Blues in Central Park features prominent performers.
• Avon Theater is a popular venue.

Decatur Activities

Lake Decatur provides opportunities for boating, fishing for bass and walleye and bird and wildlife watching. Fishing enthusiasts enjoy Sportsman's Park. The Rock Springs Conservation Area includes wetlands and bluffs. The Spitler Woods State Natural Area contains two scenic hiking trails and areas filled with white oak and hickory trees. Friends Creek Conservation Area includes three scenic nature trails and a diverse landscape.

The Decatur/Forsyth area features 39 parks. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking, bicycle riding, horseback riding and golfing at the local courses. The Decatur region was ranked number 18 by Golf Digest Magazine for factors such as accessibility and affordability. The Rock Springs/Fairview Bikeway is a popular destination for bicycle riders. During the winter, cross-country skiing, ice skating and sledding are popular activities.

High Points

Decatur strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Illinois):

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. State)	Top 5%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 9%

Comparative Profile of Decatur, IL

Comparing Decatur to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Illinois (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Female Share of the Population
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Well-Paid Single Women
Racial Diversity
Well-Paid Single Men
Male Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income
College Educated Adults
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Rents
People Living Alone
Affordability of Property Taxes
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built

Decatur Almanac

Decatur Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Decatur Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Decatur, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Decatur Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Decatur Hospitals

ST MARYS HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Church)
1800 E LAKE SHORE DR
(217) 464-2966
Emergency Service: Yes

DECATUR MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
2300 NORTH EDWARD STREET
(217) 877-8121
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Decatur

Wal-Mart in Decatur

Decatur High Schools (2004)

MACARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL
1155 N FAIRVIEW AVE
217-424-3156
Serves 1,336 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 24.4

EISENHOWER HIGH SCHOOL
1200 S 16TH ST
217-424-3100
Serves 1,213 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 29.2

DECATUR AREA TECHNICAL ACADEMY
300 EAST ELDORADO
217-424-3070
A Vocational School
Serves 600 students.

DECATUR CORRECTIONAL CENTER
PO BOX 3066
217-877-0353
A Non-traditional School
Serves 193 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 38.6

FUTURES UNLIMITED
250 EAST WILLIAM ST
217-429-1054
A Non-traditional School
Serves 101 students.

MILLIGAN ACADEMY RSSP
432 N WATER STREET
217-422-6110
A Non-traditional School
Serves 17 students.

Decatur Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Millikin University

Mr John's School of Cosmetology Esthetics & Nails

Richland Community College

(List of All Illinois Colleges)

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