RANK #221 / 996 · POP 696,774 · IL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.9%
Will County, Illinois, a "collar county" southwest of Chicago, is known for its blend of suburban and rural characteristics, offering residents access to city amenities alongside natural landscapes. The county seat, Joliet, is approximately 40 miles from Chicago. Commute options include Metra rail lines and Pace bus services, though many residents drive. The area features extensive outdoor recreation, with over 21,000 acres managed by the Forest Preserve District, including 116 miles of trails for various activities. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the first national tallgrass prairie, is a notable landmark and home to a bison population.
Life in Will County often appeals to families, with many municipalities recognized as desirable places to live and own homes, supported by highly-rated public schools. The economy is experiencing growth, driven by investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy sectors. The county has seen an increase in job creation and single-family home construction, and efforts are underway to modernize government services to meet the needs of a growing population. Will County also focuses on supporting local businesses and addressing economic impacts through various programs.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 5.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Joliet Data Center Campus
HW Technology Park Development LLC (Hillwood)
|
$2,000M | Planned |
|
Will County Transportation Improvement Plan
Will County Division of Transportation (DOT)
|
$662M | Planned |
|
Hyundai Translead Manufacturing Operation
Hyundai Translead
|
$450M | Operating |
|
ACCIONA Energía Will County Solar Farm
ACCIONA Energía
|
$300M | Planned |
|
Rebuild Illinois - Will County Road and Bridge Projects (9 projects)
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
|
$117M | Under Construction |
|
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Plant at Prairie View Landfill
Will County (SCS Energy, Harbor Contractors)
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Will County has a Boom Town Index score of 78/100, ranking #221 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.3% and a median household income of $103,678, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Will County is $283,600 with median rent at $1,342/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3656, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.3%. Home values changed +3.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.37% of Will County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.