New study names Chicago suburb as Illinois' largest 'boomtown'

A recent study identified Plainfield as the fastest growing community in Illinois, highlighting its notable gains in both population and income between 2015 and 2023.

Researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey, focusing on cities with populations ranging from 25,000 to 500,000. Plainfield, located in the southwest region of the Chicago metropolitan area, led the state after its population rose by nearly twelve percent over eight years, reaching 45,705 residents by 2023. During the same timeframe, the suburb experienced a forty three percent increase in per capita income.

In neighboring Indiana, Westfield ranked as that states leading boomtown, recording a population surge of more than fifty one percent along with a substantial rise in per capita earnings.

On the national stage, Fulshear, Texas secured the top position, driven by an extraordinary seven hundred thirty six percent population increase from 2015 through 2023. Other high performing communities included Fort Mill in South Carolina, Queen Creek in Arizona, Herriman in Utah and Windsor in Colorado.

The study reviewed data from forty nine states, with Hawaii not included in the analysis.

Commentary: Plainfield's Rapid Growth Reflects Broader Trends in Suburban Expansion

The recent findings of a study placing Plainfield as the fastest-growing community in Illinois highlight an ongoing trend of suburban expansion in metropolitan areas across the United States. With a population growth of nearly 12% from 2015 to 2023, Plainfield's surge is not an isolated event but rather a clear reflection of the broader demographic and economic shifts in the Chicago metropolitan area.

In addition to population growth, the 43% increase in per capita income over the same period signals a higher standard of living and rising economic opportunities in this suburban enclave. This demographic shift aligns with similar trends seen in other rapidly expanding communities, such as Westfield, Indiana, and Fort Mill, South Carolina, where economic growth is closely tied to population surges.

While national comparisons highlight the incredible growth in places like Fulshear, Texas—where the population increased by an astonishing 736%—the pattern in Plainfield underscores a more gradual but steady development, driven by factors such as improved local amenities, proximity to urban centers, and an overall increase in the appeal of suburban living.

For Plainfield, the key takeaway is that the area's rapid development is part of a larger suburban growth phenomenon, driven by migration trends and economic shifts. As more people move out of urban centers in search of affordable housing and a higher quality of life, communities like Plainfield are positioned to continue their upward trajectory.

Sources:

• Chicago suburb named Illinois' biggest 'boomtown' in new study