Elwin is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in South Wheatland Township, Macon County, Illinois, United States. It was first listed as a CDP in 2020, with a population of 119.

History

Elwin was formed in 1859 on land owned by William Martin and Daniel H. Elwood. It was laid out after completion of the railroad. The name "Elwin" is an amalgamation of the surnames of founders Elwood and Martin.

Geography

Elwin is located in central Macon County at 39.85167°N, -88.94417°W (39.851636, -88.944228). Centrally located within South Wheatland Township, it was once known as South Wheatland. It is 5 mi south of the center of Decatur, the Macon county seat. U.S. Route 51 bypasses Elwin on its east side, with its old alignment passing through the center of the community as U.S. Route 51 Business. The two routes join south of Elwin and lead south 30 mi to Pana. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Elwin CDP has an area of 0.83 sqmi, all land. The community is in the Spring Creek watershed, which flows north to the Sangamon River in Decatur.

Demographics

Elwin first appeared as a census designated place in the 2020 U.S. Census.