Mendota is a city located in La Salle County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 7,272, making it the fifth largest city in La Salle County.
Mendota is served by Interstate Highway 39 and by many state highways. There is also daily train service by AMTRAK to Chicago and also to points west. Mendota's annual Sweet Corn Festival attracts thousands of visitors each August, featuring a parade, a carnival, free sweet corn, and other special events.
The city has two lakes used for boating and fishing. Mendota also maintains a community swimming pool.
Mendota is located at 41°32'58" North, 89°7'6" West (41.549397, -89.118377).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.0 km2 (3.9 mi2). 9.8 km2 (3.8 mi2) of it is land and 0.3 km2 (0.1 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 2.58% water.
As of the census of 2000, there are 7,272 people, 2,748 households, and 1,901 families residing in the city. The population density is 742.8/km2 (1,924.3/mi2). There are 2,939 housing units at an average density of 300.2/km2 (777.7/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 89.37% White, 0.40% African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 8.42% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. 18.15% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 2,748 households out of which 32.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.5% are married couples living together, 9.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% are non-families. 27.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.56 and the average family size is 3.10.
In the city the population is spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $39,354, and the median income for a family is $46,279. Males have a median income of $35,344 versus $20,556 for females. The per capita income for the city is $17,731. 11.2% of the population and 7.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 16.6% of those under the age of 18 and 4.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.