Pekin, Illinois

Pekin, Illinois
Motto: 
"Your Place To Grow"
Interactive map of Pekin, Illinois
Pekin
Pekin
Coordinates: 40°34′14″N 89°36′55″W / 40.57056°N 89.61528°W / 40.57056; -89.61528
CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
CountiesTazewell, Peoria (small portion)
TownshipsPekin, Groveland, Cincinnati, Elm Grove, Hollis
Founded1824
Named afterBeijing, China
Government
 • TypeCouncil-Manager
 • MayorMary Burress
Area
 • City
16.57 sq mi (42.91 km2)
 • Land15.72 sq mi (40.71 km2)
 • Water0.85 sq mi (2.20 km2)
Elevation
538 ft (164 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • City
31,731
 • Estimate 
(2024)
31,266
 • Density13,543.5/sq mi (5,229.19/km2)
 • Metro
402,391
Time zoneUTC−6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP Code(s)
61554
61555 (P.O. Boxes only)
Area code309
FIPS code17-58447
GNIS feature ID2396172
Websitewww.ci.pekin.il.us

Pekin (/ˈpkɪn/ PEE-kin) is located in, and is the county seat of, Tazewell County, Illinois, United States. It is located along the Illinois River in Central Illinois. The population was 31,731 at the 2020 census. Pekin is the largest city in Tazewell County and the second-most populous city in the Peoria metropolitan area. A small portion of the city limits extend into Peoria County.

Mineral Springs Park in Pekin is located near Pekin Hospital and the Miller Senior Center. The city is home to a high-rise residential facility operated by the United Auto Workers; the Federal Correctional Institution, Pekin; and the headquarters of the regional insurance provider Pekin Insurance.