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Poplar Grove is a charming village in northern Illinois best known for its peaceful, rural feel, welcoming community, and proximity to nature. Originally settled in the mid-1800s and officially incorporated in 1965, Poplar Grove has grown from a quiet farming village into a family-friendly suburb with scenic countryside and modern amenities. It’s why so many are living in Poplar Grove IL.
The village is home to the Belvidere Airport, giving it a unique identity as a small aviation community. Locals enjoy close-knit neighborhoods, community events like the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum fly-in, and nearby parks and trails. Whether you're drawn in by the affordability or the slower pace of life, Poplar Grove offers a relaxing place to call home. You’ll love living in Poplar Grove IL for its laid-back lifestyle and small town charm.
Poplar Grove is located in Boone County, IL, about 17 miles northeast of Rockford and 80 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. It’s part of the Rockford metropolitan area and is just a short drive from I-90, making it easy to commute to nearby cities. U.S. Route 76 runs through town, providing local access to shopping, schools, and recreational amenities.
Map of Poplar Grove IL
If you’re considering living in Poplar Grove IL, check out this map!
Poplar Grove IL Population and Demographics
Poplar Grove has a population of 5,049, offering a tight-knit community with room to grow. It’s a family-oriented village with a growing number of young families and retirees who appreciate the peaceful pace and community spirit.
Poplar Grove’s Hispanic community brings meaningful cultural vibrancy and diversity to this small Illinois town. Spanish is actively spoken amongst those living in Poplar Grove IL, with about 5.5% of all residents, and especially immigrant households, use Spanish at home.
Poplar Grove Demographics:
White Alone: 83.7%
Hispanic or Latino: 11.9%
Two or more races: 2.6%
Black or African American: 0.9%
Asian: 0.7%
Native American: 0.2%
Other key stats:
Median age: 38.6
Median household income: $89,904
Veteran population: 7.1%
Foreign-born population: 5.9%
Those living in Poplar Grove IL will be served by the Boone County Sheriff's Department and enjoys a relatively low crime rate, making it a safe place to raise a family or retire in peace.
Poplar Grove Illinois Cost of Living
Poplar Grove, IL offers an affordable overall cost of living, estimated to be about 15% below the national average, making it a standout option for homebuyers and families in the Rockford metro area. Housing costs are particularly reasonable, with homeownership being especially common.
The median home price in Poplar Grove is $258,250, marking a nearly 20% decrease from the previous year. Despite this drop in price, houses for sale in Poplar Grove IL are moderately competitive, and properties typically receive offers and go pending in around 41 days. The median price per square foot for a Poplar Grove home is currently around $132–$133.
The median income in Poplar Grove is $52,066. Living in Poplar Grove IL is ideal if you’re looking for small-town affordability with easy access to urban conveniences in Rockford or Chicago.
Poplar Grove neighborhoods offer a mix of rural charm and suburban comforts. You’ll find everything from quiet subdivisions to homes with large lots ideal for families, retirees, and hobby farmers.
Popular neighborhoods and communities in Poplar Grove include:
Candlewick Lake – This gated lakeside community is centered around a private, scenic lake and offers resort-style amenities including a sandy beach, clubhouse, tennis and basketball courts, a fitness center, and a 9-hole Poplar Grove golf course. It’s popular among both full-time residents and seasonal homeowners looking for a relaxing retreat.
Sherman Oaks – Known for its mature trees and well-kept, spacious homes, Sherman Oaks is a peaceful residential area ideal for families and anyone looking for a quiet, established neighborhood. Its wide streets and proximity to schools and parks make it a favorite for those seeking a more traditional suburban lifestyle.
Poplar Grove Airport Estates – One of the most unique neighborhoods in the region, this residential airpark caters to aviation enthusiasts. Homes in the community come with attached airplane hangars for the Poplar Grove airport and access to private taxiways leading directly to the nearby Poplar Grove Airport. It’s a rare find for pilots and those passionate about flight, offering a close-knit, niche community feel.
Each area provides a quiet, safe environment with strong community ties and access to local parks, schools, and shopping. There are so many great neighborhoods to choose from while living in Poplar Grove IL!
Weather Poplar Grove IL
Poplar Grove has a humid continental climate, meaning residents experience all four distinct seasons, from crisp autumns and snowy winters to blooming springs and warm, sunny summers. Winters are typically cold with regular snowfall, perfect for cozying up indoors or enjoying seasonal activities like sledding and ice skating. Summers, on the other hand, are warm and humid, ideal for outdoor recreation and community events.
Average high in July: 84°F
Average low in January: 13°F
Annual rainfall: 36 inches
Annual snowfall: 35 inches
Average sunny days per year: 190
The best time to enjoy outdoor recreation while living in Poplar Grove IL is from late spring through early fall, when the weather is mild and inviting. During these months, residents take full advantage of the area’s parks, trails, and lake access. It’s also the season for local farmers markets, neighborhood cookouts, and festivals in and around Boone County, making it a lively and welcoming time to explore the community.
Things to Do in Poplar Grove IL
While Poplar Grove is peaceful and residential, there’s plenty to do in and around town. From local museums to outdoor adventures, you'll find ways to stay entertained without straying too far from home while living in Poplar Grove IL.
The Waukesha Hangar is a standout piece of aviation history. Originally built in the 1930s and moved from Waukesha, Wisconsin, it now serves as the main exhibit space and visitor center for the museum. Inside, you’ll find vintage planes, classic cars, interactive exhibits, and a cozy gift shop. It’s a cool place to explore if you’re into old-school aviation or just want something fun and different to do in Poplar Grove! 5151 Orth Rd, Poplar Grove, IL 61065, (815) 547-3115
Candlewick Lake is a beautiful, family-friendly lakeside community in Poplar Grove that feels like a resort retreat. Centered around a sparkling private lake, there are sandy beaches, fishing piers, swimming areas, and even a golf course. This is one of the most popular places to check out while living in Poplar Grove IL. Candlewick Dr, Poplar Grove, IL 61065
Edwards Apple Orchard Poplar Grove is a charming, family-run orchard just a stone’s throw from Poplar Grove that’s perfect for seasonal fun. In the fall, you'll find rows of apple trees loaded with crisp varieties ready for picking by the bagful and homemade pies. The orchard also hosts pumpkins, fresh cider, and festive events, making it a cozy harvest destination for locals and visitors alike. 8218 Cemetery Rd, Poplar Grove, IL 61065, (815) 765-2234
Thankfully, those living in Poplar Grove IL have access to many parks. Poplar Grove, IL is home to several well-maintained parks offering something for everyone. Lions Park features a scenic pond, walking paths, playground equipment, and open green space perfect for picnics and family outings.
For off-leash exercise, the Poplar Grove Dog Park provides a safe, fenced area where dogs can roam freely. Bel‑Air Park and Sherman Oaks Park offer playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields, while Edwards Park & Conservation Area spans nearly 27 acres of meandering streams, woodland trails, and wildlife habitats. There’s something for everyone while living in Poplar Grove IL!
Poplar Grove IL Restaurants
You’ll find a small but mighty dining scene in Poplar Grove, with cozy diners, family-owned restaurants, and local favorites that keep residents coming back for more.
Known locally as the "#1 Sports Bar & Grill," it offers classic American pub fare, from burgers and wings to sandwiches, BBQ ribs, and distinctive “Hydeout” specialty pizzas. The welcoming interior features big-screen TVs for games, a relaxed bar atmosphere, and outdoor seating on its patio. This is a favorite amongst those who are living in Poplar Grove IL. Grab a bite to eat with the family or head there for date night! 13502 Julie Dr, Poplar Grove, IL 61065, (815) 765-7061
This is a beloved neighborhood bar and grill that serves up classic American comfort food. You’ll find everything from fish fry Fridays to burgers, sandwiches, salads, wing baskets, and house specialties like jalapeño wontons and Reuben rolls. Definitely check it out if you’re in the process of moving to Poplar Grove! 105 W Grove St, Poplar Grove, IL 61065, (815) 765-0082
Arturo’s has been family-owned and operated since 2009, bringing authentic Guadalajara-style Mexican cuisine to the community. Renowned for award-winning tacos, sizzling fajitas, burritos, and even American favorites like burgers and wings, everything is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. This is a local favorite for family night.
Unlike in larger cities, Poplar Grove residents will likely have to commute. While Poplar Grove itself is residential, its location near Rockford opens up a wide range of job opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
Top employers near Poplar Grove:
Rockford Public Schools
SwedishAmerican Hospital (a division of UW Health)
Woodward, Inc.
General Mills
Poplar Grove is also close to the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Belvidere, which provides hundreds of jobs to Boone County residents. The local unemployment rate is just above the national average, and many residents commute to Rockford or the Chicago suburbs for work.
Poplar Grove Schools
One of the best parts of living in Poplar Grove IL is the great school district. Poplar Grove is part of the North Boone Community Unit School District 200, which serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district offers a strong academic foundation and a variety of extracurricular programs.
Schools in Poplar Grove include:
Poplar Grove Elementary School (K-4)
North Boone Middle School (5-8)
North Boone High School (9-12)
Nearby options for higher education include Rock Valley College in Rockford and Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
The closest library for those living in Poplar Grove IL is the Cherry Valley Public Library District, located about 10 miles away. This full-service library offers a large collection of books, DVDs, audiobooks, and digital resources, along with free library cards for Poplar Grove residents.
Patrons can take advantage of programs like storytimes, book clubs, technology help, and year-round community events. The library also participates in the InterLibrary Loan system, allowing access to materials from libraries across the state.
Poplar Grove IL Statistics & Information
County: Boone County
Poplar Grove area: 8.04 square miles
Zip code Poplar Grove IL: 61065
Poplar Grove area code: 815
Poplar Grove elevation: 899 feet
Poplar Grove time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-5 and -6)
Closest international airport to Poplar Grove: Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), 63 miles away
Moving to Poplar Grove IL? Trust StraightLine Moving
Whether you're moving to Poplar Grove or one of the other cities nearby, our Poplar Grove IL movers can help! If living in Poplar Grove IL is in your plans, you need a top-rated Poplar Grove moving company like StraightLine Moving to help. Whether you’re moving locally, relocating to one of the Poplar Grove apartments, or need help packing, we’re here every step of the way. Give us a call at 815-708-7875 for a free quote!
