I. Introduction

II. History of Braidwood, Illinois

III. Geography of Braidwood, Illinois

IV. Demographics of Braidwood, Illinois

V. Economy of Braidwood, Illinois

VI. Education in Braidwood, Illinois

VII. Culture and Recreation in Braidwood, Illinois

VIII. Transportation in Braidwood, Illinois

IX. Notable People from Braidwood, Illinois

X. FAQ

II. History of Braidwood, Illinois

Braidwood, Illinois was founded in 1871 by a group of German immigrants. The town was named after Braidwood Township, which was named after William Braidwood, a Scottish-born settler who arrived in the area in the early 1800s.

Braidwood quickly grew into a prosperous town, thanks to its location on the Illinois Central Railroad. The town was also home to a number of industries, including a brickyard, a flour mill, and a brewery.

In the early 20th century, Braidwood was hit hard by the Great Depression. The town’s population declined, and many businesses closed. However, Braidwood began to recover in the 1940s and 1950s. The town’s population grew, and new businesses were established.

Today, Braidwood is a small town with a population of about 5,000 people. The town is home to a number of businesses, including a hospital, a library, and a number of schools. Braidwood is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Braidwood Courthouse and the Braidwood Depot.

III. Geography of Braidwood, Illinois

Braidwood is located in Will County, Illinois, in the United States. The city is situated on the Des Plaines River, approximately 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Chicago. Braidwood has a total area of 4.2 square miles (11 km2), of which 4.1 square miles (11 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (1.9%) is water. The city’s elevation is 650 feet (198 m) above sea level.

IV. Demographics of Braidwood, Illinois

The population of Braidwood, Illinois, was 4,394 at the 2010 census. The population density was 1,288.4 people per square mile (497.3/km²). The racial makeup of Braidwood was 97.4% White (U.S. Census), 0.4% African American (U.S. Census), 0.1% Native American (U.S. Census), 0.4% Asian (U.S. Census), 0.0% Pacific Islander (U.S. Census), 0.7% from other races (U.S. Census), and 1.0% from two or more races (U.S. Census). Hispanic (U.S. Census) or Latino (U.S. Census) of any race were 2.1% of the population.

The median household income was $65,417, and the median family income was $71,250. Males had a median income of $55,000 versus $31,667 for females. The per capita income for the village was $27,550. About 3.6% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.7% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

V. Economy of Braidwood, Illinois

The economy of Braidwood, Illinois is based primarily on manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The city is home to several large manufacturing companies, including Caterpillar Inc., Navistar International Corporation, and Emerson Electric Company. Braidwood also has a number of retail stores and restaurants, as well as a variety of healthcare facilities. The city’s economy is also supported by a number of small businesses.

The unemployment rate in Braidwood was 5.1% in 2020, which is higher than the national average of 3.5%. However, the city’s unemployment rate has been declining in recent years. In 2019, the unemployment rate was 5.7%, and in 2018, it was 6.1%.

The median household income in Braidwood was $69,883 in 2020, which is higher than the national median of $67,521. The median income for a male full-time worker was $72,813, while the median income for a female full-time worker was $54,844.

The poverty rate in Braidwood was 11.1% in 2020, which is higher than the national poverty rate of 10.5%. The poverty rate for children under the age of 18 was 16.9%, while the poverty rate for people over the age of 65 was 5.7%.

6. FAQ

Q: What is the population of Braidwood, Illinois?

A: The population of Braidwood, Illinois is 4,628 as of the 2020 census.

Q: Where is Braidwood, Illinois located?

A: Braidwood, Illinois is located in Will County, Illinois, United States.

Q: What is the climate like in Braidwood, Illinois?

A: Braidwood, Illinois has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa).

Q: What are the major industries in Braidwood, Illinois?

A: The major industries in Braidwood, Illinois include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.

Q: What are the best things to do in Braidwood, Illinois?

A: Some of the best things to do in Braidwood, Illinois include visiting the Braidwood Veterans Memorial Park, taking a walk or bike ride along the Kankakee River, and shopping at the Braidwood Crossings Mall.

VII. Culture and Recreation in Braidwood, Illinois

Braidwood offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities for its residents and visitors. The city is home to a number of museums, art galleries, and theaters. There are also several parks and recreation areas where residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.

The Braidwood Area Historical Society Museum is located in the former Braidwood Township High School building. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and documents related to the history of Braidwood and the surrounding area. The Braidwood Art Gallery is located in the Braidwood Public Library. The gallery features exhibits of local artists and offers art classes and workshops. The Braidwood Theater is a community theater that produces a variety of plays and musicals each year.

Braidwood also has several parks and recreation areas. The Braidwood Community Park is located on the banks of the Kankakee River and offers a variety of amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and a swimming pool. The Braidwood Golf Course is a public golf course that is open to the public. The Braidwood Sports Complex is a multi-purpose complex that includes a baseball field, a softball field, and a soccer field.

Braidwood is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year. The Braidwood Heritage Festival is held each summer and features a variety of activities, including live music, food vendors, and a parade. The Braidwood Fall Festival is held each fall and features a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and a petting zoo.

Transportation in Braidwood, Illinois

Braidwood is served by several major highways, including Interstate 80, U.S. Route 6, and Illinois Route 47. The city is also served by the Braidwood Metra station, which provides commuter rail service to Chicago.

The Braidwood Airport is located just outside of the city limits and offers general aviation services.

Braidwood is also served by several public transportation providers, including Pace Bus and Metra.

IX. Notable People from Braidwood, Illinois

The following is a list of notable people from Braidwood, Illinois:

• John M. Barry (1944-present), historian and author
• Edgar D. Crane (1893-1966), politician
• Richard J. Daley (1902-1976), mayor of Chicago
• John J. Duffy (1868-1946), politician
• William J. Gresham (1836-1895), politician
• John J. Mahoney (1876-1964), politician
• William H. Moore (1851-1929), politician
• Richard J. Oglesby (1824-1899), politician
• William H. Smith (1862-1934), politician
• David H. Stratton (1888-1979), politician
• Joseph A. Walker (1880-1960), politician

X. FAQ

Q: What is the population of Braidwood, Illinois?

A: The population of Braidwood, Illinois is 4,453 as of the 2020 census.

Q: What is the location of Braidwood, Illinois?

A: Braidwood, Illinois is located in Will County, Illinois, United States.

Q: What is the economy of Braidwood, Illinois?

A: The economy of Braidwood, Illinois is based primarily on manufacturing, retail, and agriculture.