Welcome to Thornton Township

Township government, established in Providence, Rhode Island in 1636, is the oldest existing unit of government on our continent today. It is a local government for the people; an administration close to home.

Centuries ago, land was divided “like a checkerboard” into six-mile squares called townships of which today our nation holds 17,000. Illinois’ 1,434 townships continue to serve more than 8 million of the state’s residents. Thornton Township, the largest township in the State of Illinois, has approximately 185,000 residents.

Thornton Township is made up of seventeen communities. The towns included in these boundaries fully are: Burnham, Calumet City, Dixmoor, Dolton, East Hazel Crest, Phoenix, South Holland, and Thornton. The towns that are partially located within the township boundaries are: Blue Island, Glenwood, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Lansing, Markham, Posen, and Riverdale.

Our services include providing local residents with assistance regarding real estate tax information, exemptions and general information about property in Thornton Township; registering citizens to vote; providing financial assistance to persons who are not eligible for any other state or federal assistance and do not have income or resources to provide for their basic needs; construction and maintenance of roads in unincorporated areas within the township; assisting seniors through a wide range of services and special events; providing youth and families with the interventions, opportunities and skills necessary to expand their possibilities through Counseling and Youth Development services; and more.