Hometown is a village located in Cook County in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and lies approximately 23 mi (37 km) south‑southeast of the Chicago Loop. As of the 2020 United States Census, the village had a population of 5,077 residents.
Geography
- Coordinates: 41°45′47″ N 87°44′22″ W.
- Total area: 1.75 sq mi (4.53 km²), all land, according to the United States Census Bureau.
- The village is bordered by the municipalities of Evergreen Park to the north, Oak Lawn to the east, and the Chicago suburb of Burnham to the west. Major thoroughfares include 159th Street (Illinois Route 162) and the nearby interchange of Interstates 55 and 57.
History
- The area that is now Hometown was originally agricultural land within the township of Stickney.
- Suburban development accelerated during the mid‑20th century, and the community incorporated as a village in 1967 to obtain local governance and municipal services.
- Since incorporation, Hometown has maintained a primarily residential character, with limited commercial development along its main streets.
Demographics (2020 Census)
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 5,077 |
| Population density | Approximately 2,900 persons per sq mi |
| Racial composition | Predominantly White, with African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and other racial groups represented (exact percentages not provided here). |
| Median household income | Data not specified in this entry; the most recent census figures should be consulted for precise values. |
| Housing units | Approximately 2,100, with a mix of single‑family homes and multi‑unit dwellings. |
Government
- Hometown operates under a mayor‑council form of government. The elected village president (often referred to as the mayor) presides over a board of trustees consisting of six members.
- Village services include police protection (provided by the Hometown Police Department), fire protection (through a volunteer fire department), and public works such as road maintenance and sanitation.
Education
- Public education for Hometown residents is provided by surrounding school districts. Primary and secondary students typically attend schools in the Lyons School District 103 for elementary grades and the Morton West High School (District 150) or other nearby high schools for secondary education.
- Specific district assignments depend on the precise residential address within the village.
Transportation
- Roads: Major access is via Illinois Route 162 (159th Street) and the nearby interchange of Interstates 55 (Stevenson Expressway) and 57.
- Public transit: While no Metra commuter rail stations are located within the village itself, the Metra stations in neighboring Bridgeview and Brookfield provide commuter rail service to Chicago.
- Bus service: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Pace Suburban Bus System operate routes that pass near Hometown, offering connections to the broader Chicago area.
Community and Services
- The village maintains parks, recreational facilities, and community programs overseen by the Department of Community Services.
- Annual events, such as a village picnic and holiday celebrations, are organized to foster community engagement.
Notable Residents
- No individuals of national or international renown are documented as having originated from Hometown in widely recognized sources.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census data.
- Village of Hometown official records and municipal website.
- Illinois State Archives, Cook County municipal incorporation records.
This entry reflects information available from publicly accessible governmental and statistical sources as of 2026.