Where is Prospect Heights, Illinois

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

Prospect Heights is a suburban city in northeastern Illinois and part of the Chicago metropolitan area. Located in Cook County, it sits about 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and near Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, and Wheeling. The city is known for its convenient location, forest preserves, Metra access, and proximity to major attractions across the northwest Chicago suburbs.

Location Map of Prospect Heights, Cook County, Illinois

Where is Prospect Heights Located in Cook County, Illinois

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

Prospect Heights Map, Illinois

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

Where is Prospect Heights Located?

Prospect Heights is a city located in Cook County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, about 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and roughly 5 miles north of Arlington Heights. Mount Prospect is about 5 miles southwest, while Wheeling is around 5 miles northeast. Prospect Heights is positioned near 42.095° North latitude and 87.938° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 16,058 residents. The city covers about 4.50 square miles, or 11.66 square kilometers. Prospect Heights was incorporated as a city in 1976 after developing as a residential community during the rapid suburban growth of the Chicago area. A notable local feature is its access to the Des Plaines River corridor and nearby forest preserves, which provide trails, open spaces, and wildlife habitat. The Prospect Heights Metra station provides commuter rail service toward Chicago and communities farther northwest. A unique fact about the city is that it was one of the later communities in the area to receive city status after decades of suburban development. Nearby attractions include River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook's Techny Prairie Activity Center, and the many shopping and entertainment areas of the northwest suburbs. Interstate 294, Interstate 90, and major arterial roads provide convenient connections throughout the Chicago region.

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Prospect Heights City Facts

CityProspect Heights
StateIllinois
CountyCook County
CountryUnited States
RegionChicago Metropolitan Area and Northeastern Illinois
Incorporated1976
FoundedLate 19th century
Total Area4.50 sq mi (11.66 sq km)
Land Area4.48 sq mi (11.60 sq km)
Water Area0.02 sq mi (0.05 sq km)
Elevation650 ft (198 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 16,000
Population (2020 Census)16,058
Population Density3,584 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time (CST/CDT)
ZIP Codes60070
Area Code847 and 224
Major HighwaysI-294, I-90, IL-83, and IL-62
Public TransitMetra and Pace
Major AttractionsRiver Trail Nature Center, Prospect Heights Metra Station, nearby forest preserves, and northwest suburban Chicago attractions
Official Websitehttps://www.prospect-heights.il.us/

Distance from Prospect Heights, IL to Nearby Cities

  • Wheeling, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Arlington Heights, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Mount Prospect, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Des Plaines, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Northbrook, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Palatine, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Buffalo Grove, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Rolling Meadows, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
  • Park Ridge, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Schaumburg, IL – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Skokie, IL – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Evanston, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Elgin, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Naperville, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Chicago, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Oak Park, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Joliet, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Rockford, IL – 55 miles (89 km)

Top Attractions in Prospect Heights

  • River Trail Nature Center – A nearby Cook County Forest Preserve nature center with trails, native habitats, wildlife exhibits, and educational programs.
  • Prospect Heights Metra Station – A commuter rail station providing access to Chicago and communities along the North Central Service.
  • Sledding Hill Park – A local recreation area offering open space and seasonal outdoor activities.
  • Willow Stream Park – A nearby park with walking paths, sports facilities, playgrounds, and green space.
  • Busse Woods Forest Preserve – A large forest preserve near Elk Grove Village with trails, boating, fishing, picnic areas, and wildlife habitat.
  • Deer Grove Forest Preserve – A nearby natural area with hiking and biking trails, wetlands, wooded areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Chicago Botanic Garden – A major botanical garden in nearby Glencoe featuring extensive gardens, walking paths, plant collections, and seasonal displays.
  • Woodfield Mall – A major shopping and entertainment destination in nearby Schaumburg with hundreds of stores, restaurants, and family attractions.

Airports Near Prospect Heights, IL

  • Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) – 5 miles
  • O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 12 miles
  • DuPage Airport (DPA) – 30 miles
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 35 miles
  • Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) – 55 miles

Sources:

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

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