Sitting firmly in the middle of the United States, east of the mighty Mississippi River, is the largest county east of the river—Cook County, Illinois. Spanning 945 square miles, the county is home to more than 5.2 million people and is centered in the city of Chicago. Cook County is home to nearly a quarter of Illinois’ population, making it the most populous county in the entire state.
Although it is the second-most populous county in the nation (trailing only Los Angeles County, California), Cook County is much different than most other major metropolitan areas. While nearly 2/3 of the population of Los Angeles resides in the city itself, only one-third of Cook County’s population actually resides within the city limits of its major city, Chicago. This is due to the fact that its borders encompass 129 separate municipalities and not just one large city.
Cook County has many aspects that make it unique. One of the biggest is its diversity—its total population is more than half Caucasian, while nearly 25 percent is African American, 18 percent is Hispanic, and six percent is Asian. In addition, the county’s economy is dominated by the service industry, making it the 12th largest economy in the United States.
Cook County’s position as the largest county east of the Mississippi River comes with a great deal of responsibility. The county accounts for nearly one-fourth of all Illinois state tax revenue, and its education system educates more than a quarter of the state’s students. This means that Cook County has the potential to influence not only its own fortunes, but to affect the entire state of Illinois.
But there are other counties east of the Mississippi which are also noteworthy. The second largest county east of the river is Wayne County, Michigan. Located just north of Detroit, Wayne County is home to an estimated 1.8 million people, making it the 18th most populous county in the country. Wayne County, while still predominantly White, also has a higher proportion of African American and Hispanic citizens than Cook County.
The third largest county east of the Mississippi is Cuyahoga County, Ohio, home to the metro area of Cleveland. Its population of roughly 1.3 million people makes it the 25th most populous county in the United States. Cuyahoga County is known for its large African American population, which makes up nearly one-third of its total population.
Finally, we have St. Louis County, Missouri. Located just south of the Missouri River, St. Louis County is home to an estimated 1.2 million people, making it the 28th largest county in the country. Though not as diverse as the other previously mentioned counties, St. Louis County is home to some of the state of Missouri’s most highly educated citizens.
Growth of Cook County
Cook County has seen incredible population growth over the past few decades, making it the fastest growing large county east of the Mississippi River. Since 1990, the county’s population has increased by nearly 1 million people, representing a 24 percent growth rate. This growth has been driven largely by immigration and has changed the county’s demographic makeup significantly.
In terms of economic growth, Cook County has one of the strongest economies in the nation. It is home to one of the largest Fortune 500 companies—McDonalds. Other major employers include Motorola Solutions, Caterpillar, and Boeing. Additionally, Cook County has a thriving tourism industry which brings in nearly $9 billion each year.
Cook County has also seen significant growth in its education system. The number of students enrolled in public and private schools has increased by more than one-third since 2000. Additionally, the number of college students who attend school in the county has nearly doubled over the same time period.
Finally, Cook County has seen a surge in new housing construction in recent years. In the past decade, the number of new housing units built in the county has increased by more than 50 percent. This has made Cook County a hot spot for real estate investors and has helped the county’s economy continue to grow.
Impacts of Cook County on Illinois
Cook County’s growth has had a big impact on the state of Illinois. As the largest county east of the Mississippi River, Cook County’s economic successes and failures can affect the entire state. For example, the county’s economic growth has helped to fuel the state’s economic growth, while its population growth has helped to offset the state’s population decline.
Additionally, Cook County’s strong educational system helps the state’s overall educational system, while its tourism industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy. Cook County is also the leading producer of much of the state’s revenue, accounting for more than 25 percent of all state tax revenue.
Cook County is also often cited as an example of what can be accomplished when a county and its residents work together to improve their lives. The county’s focus on education, economic development, and infrastructure improvement has made it a model of progress and progressivism that other counties in the region can strive to emulate.
Issues Facing Cook County
Cook County faces a number of challenges that threaten its continued prosperity. Chief among them is a need for more affordable housing. The influx of new residents over the past two decades has driven up housing prices, making it increasingly difficult for lower-income households to find housing that they can afford.
Additionally, Cook County’s educational system faces a number of challenges. Despite its impressive growth in recent years, the county still lags behind other large urban areas in terms of educational performance and outcomes. This has led to increased calls for investment in the county’s education system, especially in its public schools.
Finally, Cook County is also facing issues surrounding its public transportation system. The county is served by an extensive network of buses and trains, but the system is badly in need of investment and modernization. If Cook County is to continue to be an economic engine of growth, it is essential that its public transportation infrastructure is improved.
Conclusion
Cook County, Illinois is the largest county east of the Mississippi River, and its growth over the past two decades has had a big impact on the state of Illinois. Unfortunately, the county also faces a number of challenges that threaten its continued success. It is essential that these issues are addressed in order for Cook County to continue to be an engine of economic growth and progress.
