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West Frankfort is a city in Franklin County, Illinois, USA. The population was 12,949 at the 2000 census.
History
Although one might associate the name "West Frankfort" with the cities named "Frankfurt" in Germany or Frankfort in Kentucky, the truth is far more local. Around 1810, an early settler named Frank Jordan built a fort that came to be called "Frank's Fort". The name was then shortened to "Frankfort". Once the railroad came through Frankfort a new community was formed west of the tracks and named West Frankfort. The two cities eventually merged together and have retained the name of West Frankfort.
The city of West Frankfort was so named because the R.R. Track's were built west of (Franks Fort), the population then began to build around the Rail Road hence the name West Frankfort. The section of West Frankfort where Frank's Fort was located is called the height's.
Geography
West Frankfort is located at (37.898545, -88.923315).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.3 km² (4.8 mi²). 12.3 km² (4.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.21% is water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 12,949 people, 6,005 households, and 5,486 families residing in the city. The population density was 666.2/km² (1,726.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.40% White, 0.20% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.77% of the population.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.3% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 86.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $25,358, and the median income for a family was $34,432. Males had a median income of $32,621 versus $18,765 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,671. About 13.9% of families and 18.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.0% of those under age 18 and 10.7% of those age 65 or over.
External links
- Local government and community info
- Frankfort Community Unit School District No. 168
- West Frankfort Daily American newspaper
- 3ABN Satelite Channel located in West Frankfort
"West Frankfort, Illinois"