Why Sycamore: Live
Why Sycamore, Illinois? We are a warm, vibrant city with excellent resources for business, education, recreation, worship, arts, and entertainment opportunities. Click here for directions to 519 West State Street .
Sycamore is sophisticated while remaining true to our agricultural roots. Dating back to 1837, it is the county seat of DeKalb County, preserving the beautiful 100-year-old Courthouse in the heart of the historic downtown. We have a History Center & Museum for you to visit and explore the diverse stories that are part of our county’s history, view traveling exhibits, and participate in programs.
There are many annual events, including sprawling parks, bike/hiking paths, forest preserves, points of interest, and much to do in Sycamore. Our metered parking allows you to park for only a penny. Click here to view a pdf of our Community Profile ® .
We hope you visit us and experience for yourself how lovely and inviting a small town can really be. For information go to www.discoversycamore.com
Why Sycamore: Work
Sycamore’s strategic location within north central Illinois is not only desirable for residents, but for businesses as well. Its position approximately 20 miles southeast of Rockford and 58 miles west of Chicago places it within proximity to major markets, while offering a lifestyle removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The City of Sycamore has more than thirty prime developed properties within the Sycamore Business District. These properties are available for Light Industrial Usage. The property is curbed and has sewer and water lines established.
There are also many prime commercial and industrial sites ready for your business. These sites offer the opportunity to position your business within miles of the Illinois 88 toll-way. Each of the sites offers advantages to potential businesses. Given the steady growth within the City, Sycamore is an ideal up and coming community for your business. Coupled with Kishwaukee Community College and Northern Illinois University within DeKalb County, the County offers a diverse workforce.
Diversity is the key to Sycamore’s business community – industry, manufacturing, healthcare services, tourism, and trade all contribute to our healthy economic climate.
information regarding the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone and incentives
Employment opportunities are abundant in Sycamore too!
Our Demographics
POPULATION IN 2023
18,682
Median resident age:
37.9 years
Illinois median resident age:
38.7 years
89.8% White
3.5% Black/African American
9.2% Hispanic
1.2% Asian
Female 52.8%
Male 47.2%
RATE OF HOMEOWNERSHIP
71%
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$80,837
MEDIAN home VALUE
$366,778
MEDIAN household INCOME
$80,837
College Readiness Rating
Sycamore High School scores an 8 out of 10 for College Readiness.
The College Readiness Rating measures how well high schools prepare their students for success in college and career, compared to other schools in the state. The rating is based on the high school’s graduation rate, data about college entrance exams (SAT/ACT participation and performance) and/or Advanced Placement exam participation and performance. This rating only applies to schools with high school grades. (According to greatschools.org)
94.1% High School Graduation (State average 87%)
Sycamore School District Facts:
- K-12 enrollment is approximately 3,597. Of those, 1617 are in one of five elementary schools, 828 are in the Middle School, and 1152 are enrolled in the High School.
- Average ACT composite score – 27. IL State average is 24.5.
- Highly qualified/balanced staff.
- 60% of teachers have a Masters degree or higher.
- Teacher retention rate is 94.2%.
Sycamore High School rating compared to average county high school ratings:
- DeKalb County: 71.94
- Sycamore High School: 78.23
Cost of Living Index
| Sycamore | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall: | 88.3 | 93.7 |
| Grocery: | 98.7 | 94 |
| Housing: | 73.7 | 80.2 |
| Utilities: | 99.1 | 97.7 |
| Transportation: | 83.3 | 106.2 |
| Health: | 124.4 | 96.9 |
Current Sales Tax
| % | |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | 8 State 5%, City 1%, County .25%, Home Rule City 1.75% |
| Restaurant & Bar Tax | 10 |
| Hotel Motel Tax | 13 |
| Automobile | 6.25 |
| Groceries and Drugs | 1 |