RANK #88 / 996 NAT · #10 / 28 IL · POP 100,686
1YR FORECAST: +5.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +36%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| 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 ranks #88 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 91/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $68,617 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Housing in DeKalb County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $218,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $1,024/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in DeKalb County are both close to flat — population -0.2% YoY and jobs +0.4%. Home values shifted +6.2% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
In significant numbers — 7.92% of DeKalb County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.
Home values climbed +6.2% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in DeKalb County is now valued at $218,600. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.