Cities and Towns in Will County, Illinois

Founded in 1836, Will County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Will County was formed from Cook and Iroquois County. The city of Joliet is the county seat. With FIPS code of 197, Will County has a population of 697,252 and area of 835 square miles (2,163 km²).

List of all cities in Will County, IL alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Ballou, IL 60481 815/779
Beecher, IL 60401 708/464
Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630/331
60490 630/331
Braidwood, IL 60408 815/779
Channahon, IL 60410 815/779
Crest Hill, IL 60403 708
60435 815/779
Crete, IL 60417 708/464
Custer Park, IL 60481 815/779
Downtown Station Joliet, IL 60432 815/779
Eagle Lake, IL 60401 708/464
Elwood, IL 60421 815/779
Frankfort, IL 60423 815/779
Goodenow, IL 60401 708/464
Homer Glen, IL 60441 815/779
60491 815/779
Joliet, IL 60403 708
60404 708
60431 815/779
60432 815/779
60433 815/779
60434 815/779
60435 815/779
60436 815/779
Lemont, IL 60490 630/331
Lockport, IL 60441 815/779
60491 815/779
Lorenzo, IL 60481 815/779
Manhattan, IL 60442 815/779
Mokena, IL 60448 708/464
Monee, IL 60449 708/464
Naperville, IL 60564 630/331
New Lenox, IL 60451 815/779
Park Forest, IL 60484 708/464
Peotone, IL 60468 708/464
Plainfield, IL 60544 815/779
60585 815/779
60586 815/779
Ritchie, IL 60481 815/779
Rockdale, IL 60436 815/779
Romeoville, IL 60446 815/779
60491 815/779
Shorewood, IL 60404 708
60431 815/779
60435 815/779
60436 815/779
Sollitt, IL 60401 708/464
Stateville, IL 60435 815/779
Symerton, IL 60481 815/779
University Park, IL 60484 708/464
Wilmington, IL 60481 815/779
Wilton Center, IL 60442 815/779

Major Cities and Towns in Will County, Illinois

1. Joliet

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 65.39 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 150,362 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60431, 60432, 60433, 60435, 60436
  • Latitude: 41.5250° N
  • Longitude: 88.0817° W

Location and History

Joliet, the county seat of Will County, is located about 40 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, making it a key part of the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded in the early 1830s and originally named “Juliet,” the city’s name was later changed to honor the French-Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet. Joliet rapidly developed as a major industrial center in the 19th and 20th centuries due to its location on the Des Plaines River and access to railroads and canals. Historically known for steel production, Joliet has evolved into a thriving suburban city with a diverse economy, including manufacturing, retail, and logistics. Its rich history and cultural diversity continue to play a significant role in the community’s identity.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Joliet is home to several educational institutions, including Joliet Junior College, the nation’s first public community college. Joliet Township High School District 204 operates two major high schools: Joliet Central and Joliet West. Major landmarks include the historic Rialto Square Theatre, known for its beautiful architecture and performances, and the Joliet Prison, which was operational from 1858 to 2002 and now serves as a historic site. The city is also home to the Chicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events, and the Route 66 Raceway. The Des Plaines River and the I&M Canal provide scenic outdoor activities, contributing to Joliet’s balance of urban and recreational life.

2. Naperville (Partial)

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 39.32 square miles (Will County portion)
  • Population: Approximately 149,540 (total city, 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60540, 60563, 60564, 60565, 60566, 60567
  • Latitude: 41.7483° N
  • Longitude: 88.1653° W

Location and History

Naperville straddles both DuPage and Will counties and is located approximately 30 miles west of Chicago. The city was founded in 1831 by Joseph Naper and quickly grew into a prominent settlement. Originally a small farming community, Naperville developed into a bustling suburban city during the 20th century, thanks to its proximity to Chicago and significant investment in infrastructure. The Will County portion of Naperville is primarily residential but also includes commercial developments and parklands that contribute to the city’s reputation as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Naperville is known for its excellent schools, low crime rates, and high quality of life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Naperville is served by two major school districts: Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204, both of which are highly rated. Key schools include Naperville North and Neuqua Valley High Schools. The city’s major landmarks include the Naperville Riverwalk, a beautifully landscaped promenade along the DuPage River, and the Naper Settlement, an outdoor history museum showcasing the city’s 19th-century roots. The DuPage Children’s Museum and Centennial Beach are also popular attractions. The Will County portion of Naperville benefits from the city’s extensive parks and green spaces, as well as its vibrant downtown area filled with shops and restaurants.

3. Plainfield

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 25.21 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 44,762 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60544, 60585, 60586
  • Latitude: 41.6081° N
  • Longitude: 88.2041° W

Location and History

Plainfield is located in northwestern Will County and partially extends into Kendall County. The village was originally settled in the early 19th century and has a rich history as one of the oldest communities in the region. Initially a rural farming town, Plainfield’s growth accelerated in the late 20th century as suburban expansion from Chicago reached the area. The village was significantly impacted by a devastating tornado in 1990, but it rebuilt and has since become one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Illinois. Its proximity to major highways such as Interstate 55 and Route 59 has made it an attractive location for commuters working in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Plainfield is served by Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, one of the largest school districts in the state. The district includes four high schools, including Plainfield North and Plainfield South High Schools. The historic downtown district of Plainfield features a variety of shops, restaurants, and the restored Rialto Square Theatre. Lake Renwick Preserve, a natural area that offers birdwatching and walking trails, is one of the village’s most scenic spots. Settlers’ Park, located in the heart of the village, hosts community events and concerts, while the DuPage River runs through the town, offering recreational opportunities for canoeing and fishing.

4. Bolingbrook (Partial)

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 24.26 square miles (Will County portion)
  • Population: Approximately 73,922 (total city, 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60440, 60490
  • Latitude: 41.6986° N
  • Longitude: 88.0684° W

Location and History

Bolingbrook is a large suburban village located in both Will and DuPage counties, about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. Incorporated in 1965, Bolingbrook is a relatively young community that saw rapid growth in the latter half of the 20th century as suburbanization expanded outward from Chicago. Its location near major interstates, including I-55 and I-355, has made Bolingbrook a prime area for residential development, commercial growth, and logistics operations. The Will County portion of Bolingbrook includes residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and industrial parks, contributing to the village’s diverse economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bolingbrook is served by two main school districts: Valley View School District 365U and Indian Prairie School District 204. Bolingbrook High School is one of the primary high schools serving the area. Prominent landmarks in Bolingbrook include The Promenade Bolingbrook, an open-air shopping mall with a variety of retail stores and restaurants, and the Bolingbrook Golf Club, a popular venue for golf enthusiasts. Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm offers fishing opportunities, while the Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Complex provides extensive recreational facilities, including an indoor pool and gymnasium. The village also benefits from its proximity to major highways, providing easy access to Chicago and surrounding areas.

5. Lockport

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 11.61 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 26,094 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 60441
  • Latitude: 41.5892° N
  • Longitude: 88.0578° W

Location and History

Lockport is located along the Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal in central Will County, about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. Founded in 1830, Lockport played a pivotal role in the construction and operation of the I&M Canal, which connected the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and was a major transportation route during the 19th century. Lockport’s rich history is reflected in its well-preserved downtown area, which includes many buildings from the canal’s heyday. In the late 20th century, the city transitioned into a suburban community, with ongoing residential and commercial development.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lockport Township High School, with its historic East Campus, is one of the largest and most notable schools in the area. Lockport’s historic downtown features the Illinois and Michigan Canal Museum, where visitors can learn about the city’s canal-era heritage. Other landmarks include the Gaylord Building, a National Historic Landmark that now houses exhibits and a restaurant. The Norton Building and Lincoln Landing are part of Lockport’s heritage preservation efforts. Dellwood Park, one of the oldest and largest parks in the region, offers recreational opportunities such as sports fields, hiking trails, and a historic bandstand.