Foosland, Illinois is a village located in Champaign County in the central part of the U.S. state of Illinois. As of the 2020 United States Census, the village had a population of 162 residents.
History
Foosland was platted in the late 19th century, with its establishment closely tied to the expansion of the railroad network in the region. The community was named after James Foos, an early settler and landowner who played a role in its development. The village incorporated in 1881, reflecting the growth of agricultural settlements in central Illinois during that period.
Geography
Foosland is situated at latitude 40.0795° N and longitude 88.7192° W. The village lies approximately 12 miles (19 km) northeast of the city of Urbana and 8 miles (13 km) southwest of St. Joseph. According to the United States Census Bureau, Foosland encompasses a total area of 0.33 square miles (0.86 km²), all of which is land.
Demographics
According to the 2020 census data:
- Population: 162
- Population density: 491.5 persons per square mile (190 persons per km²)
- Racial composition: Predominantly White, with small percentages of other racial and ethnic groups.
- Household structure: The village consists of a mix of family households and non‑family households, with an average household size of approximately 2.5 persons.
- Age distribution: A relatively balanced distribution across age groups, with a median age near the national median.
Economy
Foosland’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and related services, reflective of its location within the fertile central Illinois prairie. Residents often commute to nearby larger towns such as Urbana, Champaign, and St. Joseph for employment in education, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail sectors.
Education
The village is served by the St. Joseph Community Unit School District 305. Students attend St. Joseph Elementary School, St. Joseph Middle School, and St. Joseph High School, which provide K‑12 education for the surrounding rural area.
Government
Foosland operates under a village form of government, headed by a village president (often referred to as mayor) and a board of trustees. The local government is responsible for municipal services, ordinance enforcement, and community planning.
Infrastructure
- Transportation: State Route 130 runs near the village, providing access to the regional highway network. The nearest major interstate is I‑57, located to the east.
- Utilities: The village is served by regional utility providers for electricity, water, and natural gas. Wastewater management is handled through a combination of private septic systems and municipal services.
Notable Residents
There are no widely documented notable individuals specifically associated with Foosland in major national or state-level reference works.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census.
- Champaign County historical records.