Manhattan is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. The population was 6,071 at the 2006 special census. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the population to be 7,093. The community is located in northeastern Illinois approximately 50 miles southwest of Chicago.HistoryManhattan was incorporated in 1886. It is an old and established community. Due to railroad construction in the mid-19th century, many immigrants, especially Irish, moved to the area. It was eventually incorporated to obtain a saloon license. Having its roots in farming, the village has grown over the last ten years to accommodate over 6,071 people. Its forebears of German and Irish heritage give expression in the early spring festival Irish Fest.GeographyManhattan is located at .According to the 2010 census, Manhattan has a total area of 6.57sqmi, all land.DemographicsAs of the census of 2000, there were 3,330 people, 1,144 households, and 870 families residing in the village. The population density was 989.3 people per square mile (381.5/km²). There were 1,163 housing units at an average density of 345.5 per square mile (133.2/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 97.21% White, 0.21% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 1.17% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.03% of the population.