Belvidere, Illinois was incorporated as a village in 1858 and it became an official city two decades later in 1877. It is known for being home to many different ethnic groups throughout its history, including African American settlers who came after the Civil War ended. The population today stands at 25,123 people according to 2019 estimates released by the US Census Bureau. This number reflects an increase of nearly 4% since 2010 when there were 24,079 recorded inhabitants living in Belvidere.
The local economy is largely driven by manufacturing industries such as automotive parts production and food processing businesses. Additionally, tourism plays an important role with attractions like Anderson Japanese Gardens drawing visitors from across the country every year. Thanks to these economic activities, the unemployment rate remains low here standing at only 3%. In addition to having numerous job opportunities available for locals and newcomers alike, public transportation options make commuting easier than ever before.