Where is Palos Hills, Illinois

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Palos Hills is a suburban city in southwestern Illinois, located in Cook County about 20 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. The city sits near the Palos Forest Preserves and is close to Moraine Valley Community College. It is known for its wooded surroundings, parks, and easy access to the larger Chicago metropolitan area.

Location Map of Palos Hills, Cook County, Illinois

Where is Palos Hills Located in Cook County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Palos Hills in Cook County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Palos Hills Map, Illinois

About Palos Hills Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Palos Hills in Cook County, Illinois. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Palos Hills Located?

Palos Hills is a city located in Cook County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago, about 20 miles southwest of downtown Chicago and roughly 12 miles north of Joliet. Palos Heights is immediately east, while Palos Park is about 3 miles west. Palos Hills is positioned near 41.696° North latitude and 87.819° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 17,366 residents. The city covers about 4.20 square miles, or 10.88 square kilometers. Palos Hills developed as a suburban community during the 20th century and is closely connected to the extensive forest preserves in southwest Cook County. Nearby trails, woodlands, wetlands, and lakes provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and birdwatching. Moraine Valley Community College is one of the area's major educational landmarks and has a large campus in the city. Palos Hills was incorporated in 1959. A unique feature of the city is its location beside the Palos Forest Preserve system, one of the largest natural areas in the Chicago metropolitan region. The city also provides convenient access to major roads, public transportation, and nearby communities such as Hickory Hills, Worth, Palos Heights, and Orland Park.

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Palos Hills City Facts

CityPalos Hills
StateIllinois
CountyCook County
CountryUnited States
RegionChicago Metropolitan Area and Southwest Suburbs
Incorporated1959
Founded1920s
Total Area4.20 sq mi (10.88 sq km)
Land Area4.19 sq mi (10.85 sq km)
Water Area0.01 sq mi (0.03 sq km)
Elevation650 ft (198 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 17,200
Population (2020 Census)17,366
Population Density4,144 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time (CST/CDT)
ZIP Codes60465
Area Code708
Major HighwaysIL-7, IL-43, US-45, and Interstate 294 nearby
Public TransitPace
Major AttractionsMoraine Valley Community College, Palos Forest Preserves, Lake Katherine, and Swallow Cliff Woods
Official Websitehttps://www.palos-hills.org/

Distance from Palos Hills, IL to Nearby Cities

  • Hickory Hills, IL – 2 miles (3 km)
  • Palos Heights, IL – 3 miles (5 km)
  • Palos Park, IL – 3 miles (5 km)
  • Worth, IL – 3 miles (5 km)
  • Bridgeview, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Chicago Ridge, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Alsip, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Oak Lawn, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
  • Orland Park, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
  • Justice, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
  • Tinley Park, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Evergreen Park, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Blue Island, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Chicago, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Joliet, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Naperville, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Gary, IN – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Rockford, IL – 75 miles (121 km)

Top Attractions in Palos Hills

  • Moraine Valley Community College – A major educational institution with a large campus, cultural programs, walking areas, and community facilities.
  • Palos Forest Preserves – An extensive network of forests, prairies, wetlands, and lakes offering hiking, cycling, fishing, horseback riding, and birdwatching.
  • Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens – A nearby nature area featuring a lake, wetlands, gardens, walking paths, and wildlife habitat.
  • Swallow Cliff Woods – A popular Cook County forest preserve known for wooded trails, scenic landscapes, and its historic staircase.
  • Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center – A nearby nature center with trails, wetlands, educational programs, and exhibits about local wildlife.
  • Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve – A large natural area with trails through woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and scenic landscapes.
  • Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve – A nearby preserve with rugged wooded terrain, hiking trails, and protected natural habitat.
  • Palos Heights Recreation Center – A nearby community facility offering sports, fitness programs, aquatic activities, and public recreation.

Airports Near Palos Hills, IL

  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 15 miles
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 30 miles
  • Lewis University Airport (LOT) – 25 miles
  • Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) – 40 miles
  • Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) – 40 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Palos Hills city website and local government records.

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