Freeport, Illinois

Freeport, Illinois
Aerial view of Freeport
Nickname: 
Pretzel City, USA
Interactive map of Freeport, Illinois
Freeport
Freeport
Coordinates: 42°17′15″N 89°37′40″W / 42.28750°N 89.62778°W / 42.28750; -89.62778
CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
CountyStephenson
TownshipFreeport
Founded1827
Incorporated1838
Government
 • MayorJodi Miller
Area
 • Total
11.89 sq mi (30.79 km2)
 • Land11.88 sq mi (30.77 km2)
 • Water0.0077 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation
791 ft (241 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
23,973
 • Density2,017.7/sq mi (779.04/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes
61032, 61033, 61034
Area code815/779
FIPS code17-27884
GNIS feature ID2394821
Websitewww.cityoffreeport.org

Freeport is the largest city in Stephenson County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. The population was 23,973 at the 2020 census. Located along the Pecatonica River, Freeport is known for hosting the second Lincoln–Douglas debate of 1858, and as "Pretzel City, USA", due to a popular German bakery that became known for its prolific pretzel production in the 19th century. Freeport High School's mascot is the Pretzel to honor its heritage.