Addison is located in northeastern Illinois within the eastern portion of DuPage County. It lies within the expansive, relatively flat plains of the Midwest, shaped thousands of years ago by the retreating Wisconsin glaciation. The village is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and is bordered by other prominent suburbs, including Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard, Glendale Heights, Bloomingdale, Wood Dale, and Bensenville.
A defining geographic feature of Addison is Salt Creek, which winds its way through the eastern and central portions of the village. The presence of the creek has historically provided a natural corridor for wildlife and recreation, though it has also necessitated careful flood plain management over the years.
The village's landscape is heavily developed, with distinct zoning that separates its large industrial complexes on the south and west sides from the residential neighborhoods and commercial strips that dominate the north and east.
