DeKalb
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Outdoors in DeKalb
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About DeKalb
City in DeKalb County, Illinois, United StatesDeKalb ( dih-KALB) is a city in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 40,290 at the 2020 census. The city is named after decorated Franconian-French war hero Johann de Kalb, who died during the American Revolutionary War. Founded in 1856, DeKalb became important in the development and manufacture of barbed wire, especially for agriculture and raising livestock. While agricultural-related industries remain a facet of the city, along with health and services, the city's largest employer in the 21st century is Northern Illinois University, founded in 1895. DeKalb is about 65 miles (105 km) west of downtown Chicago.
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How DeKalb ranks
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Housing in DeKalb
The median sale price was $284,000 in May 2026.
A seller's market
Safety in DeKalb
Safety Grade C-
DeKalb reports more crime per resident than most U.S. towns we grade: about 82% report less.
Health in DeKalb
Health Grade B−
Healthier than 47% of U.S. towns on seven CDC estimates, and 89% of towns with similar incomes.
Compared with Illinois
of 32 measures CDC estimates. The other 15 are too close to call.
What stands out
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Natural hazards in DeKalb
Expected storm and flood damage is higher than in 40% of U.S. communities.
Famous people from DeKalb
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Where DeKalb is
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