Gillespie, Illinois

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Gillespie is a city in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,412 at the 2000 census.

[edit] Geography

Gillespie is located at 39°7′34″N, 89°48′59″W (39.126023, -89.816403)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.8 km² (1.5 mi²), all land. Gillespie does however have a very large lake, Lake Gillespie, just on the outskirts of town. Many people from surrounding towns enjoy fishing, water-skiing and sunbathing at Gillespie Lake.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 3,412 people, 1,452 households, and 936 families residing in the city. The population density was 908.5/km² (2,349.3/mi²). There were 1,547 housing units at an average density of 411.9/km² (1,065.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.56% White, 0.32% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.15% from other races, and 0.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population.

There were 1,452 households out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.3% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 88.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,168, and the median income for a family was $40,500. Males had a median income of $35,032 versus $23,136 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,042. About 8.6% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.4% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.

City of Gillespie Commerce Gillespie has a total of five dining establishments; Dairy Queen, Subway, Two Angels Cafe, Little Italy's and Roma's Pizza. Gillespie does not have a movie theater but it does have a bowling alley and a Karate Studio. There is only one grocery store in Gillespie, Harmon's IGA. There are two drug stores, one teacher's supply store, one clothing store, a jewelry store, a Dollar General, a True Value (A&G True Value/Just Ask Rental) and four gas stations (Shell, Jumpin' Jimmies, Casey's General Store, and Moto Mart).

Things to Do Gillespie has an annual Black Diamond Days festival which is held on Macoupin Street (called Main Street by natives) the first weekend in June.

Other Facts Gillespie's mascot is the Miner and the High School colors are orange and black. Gillespie has two tennis courts and three baseball diamonds. The current mayor of Gillespie is Josh Ross.