Woodridge was incorporated on August 24th,1959 with less than 500 residents, on a wooded area of high ground overlooking the DuPage River's East Branch. Woodridge is a young community with the vast majority of its homes, businesses, and churches constructed after the 1950s. Woodridge was founded by a housing developer, Albert Kaufman, who was largely responsible for the creation of the village.
In July 2007, Woodridge was placed on Money Magazine's, 100 Best Places to Live, list. Woodridge was ranked #61.
As of the census of 2000, there were 30,934 people, 11,382 households, and 8,092 families residing in the village. The population density was 3,716.7 people per square mile (1,435.5/km²). There were 11,708 housing units at an average density of 1,406.7/sq mi (543.3/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 46.29% White, 19.38% African American, 0.16% Native American, 11.27% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 3.11% from other races, and 3.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 25.18% of the population.
There were 11,382 households out of which 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.9% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.26.
In the village, the population was spread out with 27.3% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 36.0% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 5.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 99.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $68,014, and the median income for a family was $83,691. Males had a median income of $59,159 versus $39,475 for females. The per capita income for the village was $29,851. About 2.9% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.
Two major interstates run through Woodridge: the North-South Tollway (I-355) and the Stevenson Expressway (I-55). The North-South Tollway allows access to a variety of western and northwestern Chicago suburbs, while I-55 gives direct access to the City of Chicago to the north and Joliet and downstate Illinois to the south. Other important routes are 75th Street and Illinois Route 53.
An industrial spur for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad serves International Center, a large industrial area in the far south section. Commuter passenger rail service [1] between Chicago and Aurora can be accessed in nearby Lisle or Downers Grove.
Bus service is provided by PACE, [2] under the coordination of the Regional Transportation Authority.