Winnetka is a village in northern Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 12,187 at the 2010 census. An affluent North Shore village located approximately 16 miles (26 km) north of downtown Chicago, Winnetka is thought to be the wealthiest town in Illinois. In addition, the town was featured on the list of America's 25 top-earning towns by CNN Money in 2011. The area is one of the most exclusive and wealthy suburbs in the nation.