RANK #16 / 996 · POP 100,686 · IL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +4.2%
Sycamore, the county seat of DeKalb County, Illinois, offers a distinctive blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Located approximately 60 miles west of Chicago, the county provides a quieter community feel while still offering access to urban centers. Commute times to Chicago are manageable, with a Metra train station in nearby Elburn providing direct service. The Kishwaukee River flows through the county, and numerous forest preserves and parks, including Shabbona Lake State Park, provide opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Life in DeKalb County appeals to families and individuals seeking a balance of affordability and community. The presence of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and Kishwaukee College in Malta contributes to a diverse population and educational opportunities. The local economy is experiencing growth, with recent investments in sectors such as data centers, energy infrastructure, and manufacturing. These developments contribute to job creation and a stable economic outlook for residents.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.1x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
DeKalb County Water and Sewer Infrastructure Investment
DeKalb County Government
|
$4,270M | Planned |
|
Meta DeKalb Data Center Campus
Meta
|
$1,000M | Operating |
|
Edged Data Center (Project Vector)
Endeavor Energy (Edged)
|
$500M | Approved |
|
Owens Creek Solar
Owens Creek Solar, LLC (Leeward Renewable Energy)
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Burr Oak Solar
Burr Oak Solar, LLC (Leeward Renewable Energy)
|
$400M | Planned |
|
Project Midwest (Manufacturing/Warehouse Facility)
Mohr Capital
|
$100M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
DeKalb County has a Boom Town Index score of 98/100, ranking #16 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.4% and a median household income of $68,617, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in DeKalb County is $218,600 with median rent at $1,024/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3139, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.4%. Home values changed +6.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 7.92% of DeKalb County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.