Cook County, Illinois
Cook County is at the heart of Chicagoland and is one of the largest and most populous counties in the United States. More than 5 million residents call the county home, with Chicago serving as its dominant urban center. However, there is much more to Cook County beyond the city itself.
Extensive suburbs stretch across the county, while the Lake Michigan lakefront adds a scenic dimension to the region. Skyscrapers shape Chicago’s famous skyline, and heavy traffic is a familiar part of daily life. The county is also celebrated for its incredible international food scene, with cuisines from around the world.
While Chicago L trains rumble above the streets, numerous parks and green spaces provide a break from the surrounding concrete. The county is filled with museums, theaters, and cultural attractions, yet it also has a quieter side, with extensive forest preserves spread throughout the area. Politics plays a major role in Cook County, adding to its reputation as a place of stark contrasts between urban energy and natural spaces.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Cook County |
| County Seat | Chicago |
| Etymology | Named after Daniel Pope Cook, an early Illinois statesman and the first Attorney General of Illinois |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Cicero, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Skokie, Des Plaines, Berwyn, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park, and numerous other communities. |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstates 55, 57, 80, 90, 94, 190, 290, 294, U.S. Highways 12, 14, 20, 34, 41, Illinois Routes 50, 53, 83, 171, 394, and more. |
| FIPS Code | 17-031 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,635 square miles (land: 945 sq mi, water: 690 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | McHenry County (Northwest), Lake County (North), Will County (South), DuPage County (West), Kane County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 41.7377° N, 87.6976° W |
| Major Landmarks | Millennium Park, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Art Institute of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum |
| Population | Approximately 5,120,000 |
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Cook County Topographic Map
Cook County features a landscape of flat plains and gentle rises. While the Chicago skyline dominates much of the region, the Lake Michigan shoreline adds a scenic natural highlight. With more than 5 million residents, the county offers a distinctive blend of urban development and natural landscapes.
PHYSICAL MAP
Cook County Satellite Map
The Cook County satellite view is dominated by Chicago’s urban sprawl, with an extensive grid of streets stretching across the landscape. The blue curve of Lake Michigan defines the eastern edge, while forest preserves appear as dark green patches. Rivers wind through the city, adding natural features to the developed landscape. Explore the contrast between urban areas and nature with our zoom tool in the map below.
OUTLINE MAP
Cook County Blank Map
Cook County’s outline is somewhat jagged, particularly along the Lake Michigan shoreline. On a blank map, its shape appears as a collection of rough rectangular sections pieced together, creating a distinctive and irregular county boundary.
Illinois County Maps
Illinois County Map
Ready to explore Illinois? Discover counties full of surprises, from the energy of Chicago and Cook County to the quiet beauty of Shawnee National Forest. Explore rich history, farmland, natural scenery, and small-town charm with our Illinois county map. Find your next adventure and discover all that Illinois has to offer.