Bold claim: Plainfield, a Chicago-area suburb, has earned the title of Illinois’ biggest boomtown. If you’re curious about where population surges are happening, this one’s worth a closer look.
A finance site, GOBankingRates, analyzed towns with populations between 25,000 and 500,000 across all states to identify the state’s fastest-growing locale by eight-year changes in population and per-capita income. They used U.S. Census Bureau data from 2015 and 2023 to measure growth and income trends.
In Illinois, Plainfield came out on top. The suburb lies in the southwest corner of the Chicago metro area, with portions in Kendall and Will counties. The 2020 Census recorded 44,762 residents, and the 2023 data show a population of 45,705. The key numbers used for ranking were:
- 2023 total population: 45,705
- 2023 per-capita income: $53,675
- Population change from 2015 to 2023: 11.9%
- Per-capita income change from 2015 to 2023: 43.2%
These indicators helped determine Illinois’ top boomtown, though Plainfield isn’t the largest growth story nationwide. Across the country, Fulshear, Texas—near Houston—topped the list with about 40,000 residents and a remarkable 736% population increase over the same eight-year span, illustrating how different regions can experience extraordinary growth in different ways.
If you’re evaluating where housing demand and economic expansion are most pronounced, Plainfield’s example shows a steady local population increase paired with a strong rise in income, signaling ongoing development and opportunity within a growing community.
What do you think about the growth patterns in your state? Do you see similar trends in nearby suburbs, or are there other towns you believe should be recognized for rapid expansion? Share your thoughts in the comments.
