Chili Township is one of the twenty‑four townships in Hancock County, in the U.S. state of Illinois. The township is a civil township, a unit of local government used for the administration of certain services such as road maintenance and property assessment.
Geography
- Location: Central Hancock County, Illinois; the township lies at approximately 40°30′N latitude and 90°55′W longitude.
- Area: According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.58 sq mi (94.78 km²), all of which is land.
- Topography: The terrain is typical of western Illinois, consisting of gently rolling prairie and agricultural fields.
History
- The township was organized in the mid‑19th century, with its name most likely derived from the town of Chili, New York, reflecting the origins of early settlers.
- No major historical events have been recorded that are unique to the township; its development followed the broader pattern of agricultural settlement in the region.
Demographics
- Population: The 2020 United States Census recorded a population of approximately 180 residents in Chili Township. (Exact figure may vary slightly depending on the source.)
- Housing: The township contained roughly 90 housing units at the time of the 2020 census.
- Population density: With an area of 36.58 sq mi, the population density is low, averaging about 5 persons per square mile, characteristic of rural townships in the area.
Government
- Chili Township is governed by an elected township supervisor and a board of trustees, in accordance with Illinois township law.
- The township responsibilities include maintenance of township roads, assessment of property for tax purposes, and assistance to the needy through the township general assistance program.
Infrastructure
- Transportation: The township is served by a network of county and local roads; no state highways run directly through its borders.
- Education: Residents are served by the neighboring school districts that operate public schools in adjacent towns within Hancock County.
Adjacent townships
- North: Kell Township
- East: Bowen Township
- South: Oakland Township
- West: Pike Township
Identifiers
- FIPS code: 17‑067‑14158 (state‑county‑township)
- GNIS feature ID: 0429011
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Census of Population and Housing.
- Illinois State Archives, Hancock County Township Records.
Note: All information presented is derived from publicly available government sources and reflects the status of Chili Township as of the most recent census and archival records.
