Decatur | USA Illinois

Geography and Overview

Decatur is located in central Illinois, along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur.

It serves as the county seat of Macon County.

The city covers about 48 square miles, including a significant portion of water from Lake Decatur.

It has a population of around 70,000 people, making it a mid-sized city in the region.

The climate is typical of the Midwest, with hot summers, cold winters, and four distinct seasons.

History

Founded in the 1820s, Decatur grew as an agricultural and transportation hub due to its location on the Sangamon River and the arrival of railroads.

It became a center for corn and soybean production and processing, earning the nickname “Soybean Capital of the World.”

Decatur also played an important role in the early development of the U.S. agricultural industry and manufacturing sectors.

Economy

Agriculture is a key pillar, with major companies such as Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Tate & Lyle having processing plants in the city.

Manufacturing is significant, with Caterpillar having had a large presence historically.

Decatur is also an important logistics hub, featuring the Midwest Inland Port and a large rail yard operated by Norfolk Southern.

Healthcare and education are major employers, with hospitals and colleges providing jobs and services.

Education

Home to Millikin University, a private liberal arts college offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Richland Community College provides vocational training and two-year degrees.

Decatur Public Schools District 61 serves the city’s K-12 education needs, including several elementary, middle, and high schools.

Culture and Recreation

Decatur hosts the annual Decatur Celebration, a large community festival with music, food, and family activities.

The Farm Progress Show, held biennially nearby, is a major agricultural trade event attracting hundreds of thousands.

Cultural venues include the Decatur Civic Center and local museums like the Macon County History Museum.

The city has a historic downtown district with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Lake Decatur is a 2,800-acre reservoir popular for boating, fishing, and picnicking.

Scovill Park features the Children’s Museum of Illinois, a zoo, and beautiful gardens.

The Rock Springs Conservation Area offers hiking trails, natural exhibits, and prairie restoration projects.

The city maintains numerous other parks, sports complexes, and recreational facilities.

Transportation

Decatur is served by multiple interstate highways (I-72, I-55, I-57, and I-74) providing regional connectivity.

The Decatur Public Transit System operates local bus routes and a downtown trolley shuttle.

The city’s rail facilities support freight transportation and logistics operations.

Decatur Airport provides regional air service, mostly for private and business flights.

Demographics and Community

The population is diverse, with a racial makeup primarily of White and African American residents, along with growing Hispanic and other ethnic groups.

The median household income is approximately $45,000, and the city faces economic challenges, including a poverty rate above the national average.

Community development efforts focus on revitalizing neighborhoods, improving public safety, and expanding economic opportunities.

Quality of Life

Housing is affordable compared to many U.S. cities, with median home prices well below the national average.

Commute times are short, averaging under 20 minutes.

Decatur has a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods with access to parks, schools, and amenities.

While the city faces some economic and social challenges, active community organizations and city initiatives aim to enhance livability and growth.

Decatur blends its strong agricultural and industrial heritage with cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. Its strategic location, natural resources, and community spirit make it an important center in central Illinois.