Harvard, IL

Harvard, Illinois

Introduction to Harvard, Illinois

Harvard, Illinois, in McHenry county, is 26 miles NE of Rockford, Illinois and 55 miles SW of Milwaukee, Wisconsin The city’s population is 7,996.

Harvard History

In 1855, trains from Chicago on the Chicago and Northwestern Railway route would stop for servicing at the southeastern Chemung Township. Elbridge Gerry Ayer purchased land to start a community, and in April of 1856, the station was named Harvard. Railroad employment steadily increased and the population of Harvard began to grow. Harvard was finally incorporated in 1868.

Harvard and nearby Attractions

• Chester Gould Dick Tracy Museum
• Beckman Mill
• Big Foot Beach State Park
• Family Aquatic Center
• Veteran Acres Park

Things To Do In Harvard

Local museums and historical sites include the Geneva Lake Area Museum of History, the Old Courthouse Arts Center and Yerkes Observatory, where the world’s biggest lens telescope is located. Local parks include the Big Foot Beach State Park and the Veteran Acres Park.

Harvard Transportation

Flights are available from Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Harvard Higher Education

Mchenry County College, Rock Valley College, the University of Wisconsin and Elgin Community College are some of the nearby colleges and universities.

High Points

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

Category	Trophy
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. State)	Top 6%
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 12%

Comparative Profile of Harvard, IL

Comparing Harvard 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
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population
Racial Diversity
Well-Paid Single Men
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Female Share of the Population

Families

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

Wealth

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

Commute & Sprawl

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

Housing

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

Harvard Almanac

Harvard Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

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

Harvard Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Harvard, 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

Harvard Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Harvard Hospitals

MERCY HARVARD HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Private)
901 GRANT STREET
(815) 943-5431
Emergency Service: Yes

Wal-Mart in Harvard

Harvard High Schools (2004)

HARVARD HIGH SCHOOL
1103 N JEFFERSON ST
815-943-6461
Serves 629 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.6

Harvard Colleges

(List of All Illinois Colleges)

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