Will County, Illinois
Welcome to one of the largest and fastest growing counties in the United States. Because of its strategic location, Will County residents are able to experience the culture and economic opportunity of city life, the stability and family-focus of suburban life and the peaceful beauty and agricultural bounty of rural life.
For generations, Will County has been home to people seeking well-paying jobs, housing choice, open spaces and strong communities, as well as proximity to Chicago. In the past decade, over 183,000 new residents have made Will County their home, prompting the construction of nearly 100,000 new single-family dwelling units. Will County’s population growth also stimulated a significant surge in new commercial and industrial development. By any measure – total assessed property values, aggregate income, number of new business establishments - Will County has emerged as a strong economic force in the region.
Will County’s multi-modal transportation system is key to its economic success, past and future. Long served by multiple interstate highways, five Class I railroads and the inland waterway system, the county has prospered as a center for industry and trade. In recent years, the logistics and transportation industry has chosen to locate and expand in Will County where in addition to unmatched transportation assets, it offers available and affordable land, a skilled workforce and a pro-business approach to development. New investments in rail and intermodal have made Will County one of the largest Inland Ports in North America. Twenty-first century infrastructure connects Will County to the global economy and facilitates the movement of freight both regionally and nationally.
Will County business leaders, elected officials, community groups, and educators have a history of working together on initiatives that promote economic opportunity and a high quality of life for all. Current workforce initiatives target math and science training, technological innovation and workplace readiness for youth. Will County continues to pursue new infrastructure projects, particularly the construction of the Illiana Expressway connecting I-65 in Indiana to I-55, and the South Suburban Airport, to enhance its global transportation assets.
The outlook is strong in 2012. Recently, companies such as Navistar, Logoplaste, Diageo, Goglanian Bakeries and G&W Electric have chosen Will County in competitive relocation and expansion decisions. Silver Cross’ $400 million hospital project is nearing completion along the I-355 corridor and Lewis University is constructing a new $20 million Science Center.
Expectations are high for continued growth in Will County.