Cities and Towns in Champaign County, Illinois

Founded in 1833, Champaign County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Champaign County was formed from Vermilion County. The city of Urbana is the county seat. With FIPS code of 19, Champaign County has a population of 205,943 and area of 996 square miles (2,580 km²).

List of all cities in Champaign County, IL alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bondville, IL 61815 217
Broadlands, IL 61816 217
Champaign, IL 61820 217
61821 217
61822 217
61824 217
61825 217
61826 217
Dewey, IL 61840 217
Fisher, IL 61843 217
Foosland, IL 61845 217
Gifford, IL 61847 217
Homer, IL 61849 217
Ivesdale, IL 61851 217
Longview, IL 61852 217
Ludlow, IL 60949 217
Mahomet, IL 61853 217
Ogden, IL 61859 217
Penfield, IL 61862 217
Pesotum, IL 61863 217
Philo, IL 61864 217
Rantoul, IL 61866 217
Royal, IL 61871 217
Sadorus, IL 61872 217
Saint Joseph, IL 61873 217
Savoy, IL 61874 217
Seymour, IL 61875 217
Sidney, IL 61877 217
Thomasboro, IL 61878 217
Tolono, IL 61880 217
Urbana, IL 61801 217
61802 217
61803 217

Major Cities and Towns in Champaign County, Illinois

Champaign

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 23.16 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 88,300 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 61820, 61821, 61822
  • Latitude: 40.1164° N
  • Longitude: 88.2434° W

Location and History

Champaign is one of the largest cities in central Illinois and is located about 135 miles south of Chicago. Founded in 1855 when the Illinois Central Railroad laid tracks through the area, the city originally grew around the railroad and the nearby town of Urbana. The establishment of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1867 played a pivotal role in Champaign’s growth and development. Today, Champaign is known as a thriving hub for technology, research, and education, with the university being one of the top public research institutions in the United States. Over the years, Champaign has evolved into a vibrant city with a diverse economy, mixing academia, technology startups, and manufacturing.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Champaign is home to several major schools, including Centennial High School, Champaign Central High School, and the prestigious University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is a world-renowned research institution. The city’s major landmarks include the Krannert Art Museum and the Virginia Theatre, a historic performing arts venue that hosts concerts, films, and the annual Ebertfest film festival. Downtown Champaign is another highlight, known for its mix of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, making it a lively destination for both residents and visitors. The Champaign Park District also maintains a variety of parks and recreational facilities throughout the city, including the popular Crystal Lake Park.


Urbana

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 12.27 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 38,000 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 61801, 61802
  • Latitude: 40.1106° N
  • Longitude: 88.2073° W

Location and History

Urbana is Champaign’s twin city and serves as the county seat of Champaign County. Founded in 1833, Urbana predates Champaign and grew as a center of local government and commerce. Its early development was supported by agriculture and trade, but the establishment of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1867 transformed the city into a prominent academic and cultural hub. Urbana retains much of its historic charm, with several 19th-century buildings still standing, particularly in its downtown area. The city is known for its tree-lined streets and strong sense of community, blending a small-town feel with the resources of a larger city.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Urbana is part of the Urbana School District 116, which includes Urbana High School and several elementary and middle schools. The University of Illinois, a major landmark, dominates the city’s eastern section and features iconic buildings like Altgeld Hall and the Main Quad. Other significant landmarks include the Urbana Free Library, one of the oldest public libraries in Illinois, and Meadowbrook Park, a large public park with walking trails, sculptures, and prairie restoration areas. Urbana is also home to the historic Lincoln Square Mall, which serves as a community gathering place and hosts events throughout the year.


Rantoul

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 8.47 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 12,000 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 61866
  • Latitude: 40.3081° N
  • Longitude: 88.1544° W

Location and History

Rantoul is located in northern Champaign County, about 15 miles north of Champaign-Urbana. The village was founded in 1854 when the Illinois Central Railroad extended its lines through the area. Rantoul’s development was greatly influenced by the establishment of Chanute Air Force Base in 1917, which operated for several decades and was a major economic driver for the village. After the base closed in 1993, Rantoul underwent economic restructuring and now focuses on industries such as manufacturing, aviation, and logistics. Despite the challenges associated with the base’s closure, Rantoul has continued to grow as a regional center for commerce and housing.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rantoul is served by the Rantoul Township High School District 193 and the Rantoul City School District 137. The village is home to Rantoul Township High School, known for its academic programs and athletic teams. Major landmarks in the village include the Rantoul National Aviation Center, which occupies part of the former Chanute Air Force Base and continues to support aviation-related industries. The Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum, which commemorated the history of aviation and the base, was a major local attraction until its closure in 2015. Heritage Lake Park and Wabash Park provide recreational opportunities, with trails, fishing, and picnic areas, making Rantoul an attractive place for outdoor activities.


Mahomet

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 9.79 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 9,400 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 61853
  • Latitude: 40.1948° N
  • Longitude: 88.4015° W

Location and History

Mahomet is a growing village located in western Champaign County, about 10 miles northwest of Champaign. Originally known as Middletown when it was founded in 1832, the name was changed to Mahomet in 1871 to avoid confusion with another Illinois town. Mahomet developed as a small farming community, but its proximity to the larger Champaign-Urbana area has spurred significant growth in recent decades, particularly in residential housing. Despite its growth, Mahomet has managed to retain its rural charm, with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation and community events.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mahomet is part of the Mahomet-Seymour Community Unit School District 3, which includes Mahomet-Seymour High School, known for its strong academic and athletic programs. Major landmarks in Mahomet include Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, a large park offering a wide range of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and golfing, as well as a museum of natural history. The Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden and the Early American Museum are also located within the park, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors. Mahomet also hosts the annual Sangamon River Music Festival, a community event featuring live music, food, and local vendors.


St. Joseph

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.96 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 4,200 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 61873
  • Latitude: 40.1128° N
  • Longitude: 88.0376° W

Location and History

St. Joseph is a village located in eastern Champaign County, approximately 10 miles east of Urbana. Established in 1873, St. Joseph grew as an agricultural community due to its location near the Salt Fork River. The village has experienced steady growth over the years, particularly as a bedroom community for those working in Champaign-Urbana. St. Joseph retains a small-town atmosphere, with a focus on local businesses, agriculture, and community activities, making it a popular choice for families seeking a quieter lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of the larger cities nearby.

Major Schools and Landmarks

St. Joseph is part of the St. Joseph-Ogden Community High School District 305 and the St. Joseph Community Consolidated School District 169. St. Joseph-Ogden High School is known for its strong academic programs and competitive sports teams. Notable landmarks in St. Joseph include Kolb Park and Crestwood Park, both of which offer recreational facilities and play areas for families. The St. Joseph Heritage Festival is an annual event that celebrates the village’s history and community spirit, featuring parades, food stands, and local entertainment. The nearby Salt Fork River provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking, adding to the village’s outdoor appeal.


Tolono

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 2.08 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 3,400 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 61880
  • Latitude: 39.9861° N
  • Longitude: 88.2587° W

Location and History

Tolono is a small village located in southern Champaign County, about 8 miles south of Champaign. The village was founded in the 1850s as a railroad town, serving as an important stop along the Illinois Central Railroad. Tolono’s growth was closely tied to the railroad industry, and it developed as an agricultural community, with local farmers using the railroad to ship their goods to larger markets. Over the years, Tolono has transitioned into a quiet, residential community while still maintaining its connection to agriculture. The village’s location near Champaign-Urbana has made it an attractive place for families looking for a small-town atmosphere with access to city amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Tolono is part of the Unit 7 School District, which includes Unity High School, known for its strong athletic programs and academic offerings. Landmarks in Tolono include the Tolono Historic Train Depot, a reminder of the village’s railroad history, and West Side Park, which provides a variety of recreational facilities for residents, including playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. The annual Tolono Fun Day is a popular community event that features parades, live entertainment, and fireworks, bringing together residents for a day of family-friendly activities. The village’s quiet, rural setting and close proximity to Champaign-Urbana make it a desirable place to live.


Fisher

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.07 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,900 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 61843
  • Latitude: 40.3150° N
  • Longitude: 88.3465° W

Location and History

Fisher is a village located in the northern part of Champaign County, approximately 15 miles north of Champaign. Established in 1875, Fisher developed as a farming community, with the arrival of the railroad providing a boost to local agriculture by enabling farmers to transport their crops more efficiently. The village has retained its rural roots while experiencing steady growth in recent decades as more families move to the area seeking a quiet, small-town lifestyle. Today, Fisher is known for its strong sense of community and close ties to agriculture.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fisher is served by the Fisher Community Unit School District 1, with Fisher High School providing education to local students. The village is known for its annual Fisher Community Fair, one of the oldest fairs in the state, which features livestock shows, carnival rides, and entertainment, celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage. The Fisher Historical Museum offers insights into the village’s past, displaying artifacts and exhibits related to its founding and development. Fisher’s parks, including Lammle Park, provide outdoor spaces for recreation, with playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths for residents to enjoy.