Palatine, a village in Illinois’ Cook County, had a population of 67,908 as of 2020. Located northwest of Chicago, it’s a residential suburb of the city. According to the 2010 Census, Palatine was the seventh-largest community in Cook County and the 18th-largest in Illinois.
In 1866, the community of Palatine was established, centered around a railroad station on the recently constructed Chicago and North Western Railway line.
Palatine encompasses 14.28 square miles, with a minimal 0.16 square miles being water, according to the 2021 census gazetteer files. This means that almost all of Palatine, about 98.87%, consists of land, while only a small 1.13% is water. The town’s layout bears a resemblance to the shape of an axe head.
The village houses a significant Sikh temple on its northwestern side, attracting Sikhs from all over the nation.
The Weber grill is produced by Weber-Stephen Products, which has its main office in Palatine.
The Palatine Park District caters to a population of 85,000 people residing in Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Inverness, Hoffman Estates, and Barrington. The district is managed by five park commissioners who supervise a team of skilled professionals.
The Palatine Park District manages several recreational facilities, including swimming pools at Family Aquatic Center, Birchwood, and Eagle, as well as community centers at its Community Center, Birchwood, and Falcon Park, which opened in 2010. Additionally, the district acquired Palatine Stables in 1989, which now houses around 70 horses.
Palatine’s local government operates under the council-manager system, where six council members are elected by their respective districts, and the Village Clerk and Mayor are elected by the entire village. The council then appoints a Village Manager to manage the town’s daily operations.
Palatine is a member of Community Consolidated School District 15 for its public elementary schools and Township High School District 211 for its public high schools.
The Palatine station is a stop on the Metra commuter rail line known as the Union Pacific Northwest Line. Commuter trains run in a southeastern direction to reach the Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago, and in a northwestern direction to reach the Harvard station or McHenry station.
Palatine residents can access various destinations, including the Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg, via Pace bus services on Routes 604 and 697.
The band Born of Osiris, known for their heavy metal sound, originated from the members’ time at William Fremd High School.