Cities and Towns in Bureau County, Illinois
Founded in 1837, Bureau County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Bureau County was formed from Putnam County. The city of Princeton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 11, Bureau County has a population of 32,883 and area of 869 square miles (2,251 km²).
List of all cities in Bureau County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Arlington, IL | 61312 | 815/779 |
| Buda, IL | 61314 | 309 |
| Bureau, IL | 61315 | 815/779 |
| Bureau Junction, IL | 61315 | 815/779 |
| Cherry, IL | 61317 | 815/779 |
| Coal Hollow, IL | 61356 | 815/779 |
| Dalzell, IL | 61320 | 815/779 |
| Depue, IL | 61322 | 815/779 |
| Depue Junction, IL | 61322 | 815/779 |
| Dover, IL | 61323 | 815/779 |
| Hollowayville, IL | 61356 | 815/779 |
| Howe, IL | 61322 | 815/779 |
| Kasbeer, IL | 61328 | 815/779 |
| La Moille, IL | 61330 | 815/779 |
| Ladd, IL | 61329 | 815/779 |
| Ladd Junction, IL | 61329 | 815/779 |
| Limerick, IL | 61349 | 815/779 |
| Lone Tree, IL | 61368 | 815/779 |
| Malden, IL | 61337 | 815/779 |
| Manlius, IL | 61338 | 815/779 |
| Mineral, IL | 61344 | 309 |
| Neponset, IL | 61345 | 309 |
| New Bedford, IL | 61346 | 815/779 |
| Normandy, IL | 61376 | 815/779 |
| Ohio, IL | 61349 | 815/779 |
| Ottoville, IL | 61362 | 815/779 |
| Princeton, IL | 61356 | 815/779 |
| Providence, IL | 61368 | 815/779 |
| Seatonville, IL | 61359 | 815/779 |
| Sheffield, IL | 61361 | 815/779 |
| Spring Valley, IL | 61362 | 815/779 |
| Tiskilwa, IL | 61368 | 815/779 |
| Van Orin, IL | 61374 | 815/779 |
| Walnut, IL | 61376 | 815/779 |
| Webster Park, IL | 61362 | 815/779 |
| Wyanet, IL | 61379 | 815/779 |
| Zearing, IL | 61337 | 815/779 |
Major Cities and Towns in Bureau County, Illinois
Princeton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 7.56 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,700 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61356
- Latitude: 41.3689° N
- Longitude: 89.4648° W
Location and History
Princeton, the county seat of Bureau County, is located in north-central Illinois, about 100 miles southwest of Chicago and 60 miles northeast of Peoria. Princeton was founded in 1831 and became a key stop along the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, which contributed to its growth. The city’s early economy was heavily based on agriculture, with surrounding fertile farmlands supporting corn, soybeans, and dairy farming. Over time, Princeton developed a vibrant community with a mix of industries, including manufacturing and services. The city is also known for its historic homes and buildings, many of which reflect 19th-century architecture, and has long been a center of cultural and social life in Bureau County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Princeton is served by Princeton Elementary School District 115 and Princeton High School, which offer a variety of academic and extracurricular programs. Notable landmarks include the Lovejoy Homestead, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and the Bureau County Courthouse, a historic building constructed in 1937. The town also features the Princeton Public Library, a cultural hub, and the Princeton Art District, where local artists display their works. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy City-County Park and Zearing Park, which offer hiking, fishing, and sports facilities.
Spring Valley
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 7.37 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,300 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61362
- Latitude: 41.3323° N
- Longitude: 89.2059° W
Location and History
Spring Valley is a city located along the Illinois River in southeastern Bureau County, about 50 miles north of Peoria. Founded in 1884 as a mining town, Spring Valley attracted immigrants from Italy, Poland, and other parts of Europe, giving the town a rich cultural diversity. Coal mining was the primary industry during its early years, with several mines operating in and around the city. As the coal industry declined, Spring Valley transitioned to a more diversified economy, with agriculture and small-scale manufacturing playing significant roles. Today, the city maintains its strong working-class roots, with many residents still involved in farming and local industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Spring Valley is part of the Hall High School District 502 and Spring Valley Elementary District 99, which offer education for K-12 students. Major landmarks include the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Bridge, a tribute to local veterans, and St. Margaret’s Health, a regional hospital serving Bureau County and surrounding areas. The Spring Valley Boat Club and Kirby Park, located along the Illinois River, provide recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and picnicking, making the city a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ladd
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.42 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61329
- Latitude: 41.3817° N
- Longitude: 89.2104° W
Location and History
Ladd is a small village located in eastern Bureau County, just north of Spring Valley. It was founded in 1890 as a coal mining town, and like many other towns in the region, it saw a large influx of European immigrants who came to work in the mines. The Ladd Mine was once one of the largest producers of coal in Illinois. As coal mining declined in the 20th century, the village’s economy shifted toward agriculture and small manufacturing. Despite its small size, Ladd has retained much of its historic charm, with many buildings reflecting its mining heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ladd is served by the Ladd Community Consolidated School District 94, which provides elementary education, while high school students attend nearby Hall High School in Spring Valley. Notable landmarks in the village include the famous Ladd Tavern, known for its traditional Italian-American cuisine, reflecting the town’s immigrant heritage. Additionally, Ladd Memorial Park serves as a community hub with sports fields and a playground. The nearby Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing, attracting both residents and visitors alike.
Walnut
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.95 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,400 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61376
- Latitude: 41.5587° N
- Longitude: 89.5937° W
Location and History
Walnut is a village located in the northern part of Bureau County, about 25 miles north of Princeton. Established in 1857, Walnut grew as a farming community with its economy centered around agriculture, particularly corn, soybeans, and livestock. The village was named after the numerous walnut trees in the area. Over the years, Walnut has remained a close-knit rural community with a strong agricultural tradition. Although small, Walnut has a reputation for its community spirit, with various events and festivals held throughout the year.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Walnut is served by the Bureau Valley Community Unit School District 340, with Walnut Elementary School providing education for younger students and high schoolers attending Bureau Valley High School in nearby Manlius. Landmarks in Walnut include the Walnut Public Library and the historic Walnut Grain Elevator, reflecting the village’s agricultural roots. The village is also home to several parks, including Walnut Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. The annual Walnut Antique Show, held every summer, is one of the largest events in the area, attracting visitors from across the Midwest.
Sheffield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.71 square miles
- Population: Approximately 900 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61361
- Latitude: 41.3575° N
- Longitude: 89.7349° W
Location and History
Sheffield is a village located in southwestern Bureau County, near the Hennepin Canal. The village was founded in 1852 by Joseph E. Sheffield, a railroad financier who played a key role in the construction of the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad. The railroad’s arrival spurred the growth of Sheffield as an agricultural and transportation hub. For many years, the village thrived on farming and the grain trade. The nearby Hennepin Canal, completed in the early 20th century, further boosted the village’s economy by providing an additional transportation route for goods. Today, Sheffield is a quiet rural community that prides itself on its history and agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sheffield is part of the Bureau Valley Community Unit School District 340, with Bureau Valley High School located in nearby Manlius. Key landmarks in Sheffield include the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, which offers miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, and fishing. Another important landmark is the Sheffield Historical Society, which preserves the village’s rich history, including its railroad heritage. Sheffield hosts several community events, such as the annual Sheffield Music Festival and antique tractor shows, which celebrate the village’s rural roots and bring together residents and visitors alike.
Neponset
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.76 square miles
- Population: Approximately 450 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61345
- Latitude: 41.2942° N
- Longitude: 89.7965° W
Location and History
Neponset is a small village located in southern Bureau County, about 10 miles south of Princeton. Established in 1855, the village was named after Neponset, Massachusetts, by settlers who hailed from that region. Neponset initially grew as an agricultural community, with the railroad playing a crucial role in transporting crops and livestock to larger markets. Like many small towns in the region, Neponset has maintained its agricultural focus, with surrounding farms producing corn, soybeans, and dairy products. The village has a rich history tied to rural life and the development of Illinois agriculture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Neponset is part of the Neponset Community Consolidated School District 307, with local students attending high school in nearby Kewanee. Landmarks in Neponset include the Neponset Depot, a reminder of the village’s railroad past, and the Neponset Grain Elevator, which serves as a symbol of its agricultural economy. The village also boasts several parks, including Neponset Park, where local residents gather for outdoor activities and community events. Neponset is known for its welcoming, small-town atmosphere and its commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage.