Cities and Towns in Edgar County, Illinois
Founded in 1823, Edgar County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Edgar County was formed from Clark County. The city of Paris is the county seat. With FIPS code of 45, Edgar County has a population of 16,520 and area of 623 square miles (1,614 km²).
List of all cities in Edgar County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Brocton, IL | 61917 | 217 |
| Chrisman, IL | 61924 | 217 |
| Hume, IL | 61932 | 217 |
| Kansas, IL | 61933 | 217 |
| Metcalf, IL | 61940 | 217 |
| Paris, IL | 61944 | 217 |
| Redmon, IL | 61949 | 217 |
| Vermilion, IL | 61955 | 217 |
Major Cities and Towns in Edgar County, Illinois
Paris
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 5.90 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,200 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61944
- Latitude: 39.6111° N
- Longitude: 87.6964° W
Location and History
Paris, the county seat of Edgar County, is located in east-central Illinois, near the Indiana state line. Founded in 1826, Paris developed as a key agricultural and trading center, with its location near the confluence of several major roads boosting its growth. The town’s proximity to the railroad in the mid-19th century further stimulated its economy by facilitating the transport of agricultural products like grain and livestock. Paris experienced steady growth throughout the 20th century, expanding its infrastructure and economy. The town’s historic downtown area still features 19th-century architecture, reflecting its long-standing role as a regional center for commerce and government.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Paris is part of the Paris Union School District 95, which includes Paris High School and Mayo Middle School. The town is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Edgar County Courthouse, a stately building constructed in 1891, which is the focal point of the town square. Paris hosts the annual Honeybee Festival, a popular event that celebrates local history and culture with parades, arts and crafts, and entertainment. Paris Carnegie Public Library, built in 1904, is another notable landmark, providing both historical significance and community services. Twin Lakes Park, a large recreational area, offers fishing, picnicking, and walking trails, making it a favorite local destination.
Chrisman
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.84 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61924
- Latitude: 39.8039° N
- Longitude: 87.6731° W
Location and History
Chrisman is a small town located in northern Edgar County, roughly 15 miles north of Paris. Established in 1872, the town was named after John B. Chrisman, a prominent local figure who played a major role in its development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred Chrisman’s growth, making it an important agricultural hub in the region. Farmers used the railroads to transport grain and livestock to larger markets, which helped the town flourish. Though Chrisman remains a small rural community, it has preserved its historical roots, with much of its development centered around farming and small businesses.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chrisman is served by the Chrisman Community Unit School District 6, which includes Chrisman High School and Chrisman Grade School. The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the Chrisman Opera House, built in 1876, which once hosted a variety of performances and public gatherings. Today, it stands as a symbol of the town’s rich cultural heritage. Another key landmark is the Chrisman City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields for local families. The town’s annual Chrisman Days Festival brings the community together with parades, games, and entertainment, celebrating the town’s agricultural history and strong sense of community.
Kansas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.72 square miles
- Population: Approximately 750 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61933
- Latitude: 39.5545° N
- Longitude: 87.9395° W
Location and History
Kansas is a village located in western Edgar County, about 12 miles southwest of Paris. Founded in 1857, the town was named after the Kansas Territory, which was a prominent topic in national politics at the time. Kansas grew primarily as a farming community, with agriculture forming the backbone of its economy. The town’s location near major rail lines facilitated the export of grain, livestock, and other agricultural products. Throughout the 20th century, Kansas remained a small but stable community, maintaining its agricultural focus and close-knit rural atmosphere. The village retains its historic charm, with many buildings reflecting its 19th-century origins.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kansas is part of the Kansas Community Unit School District 3, which operates Kansas High School and Kansas Elementary School, serving students from the town and surrounding rural areas. Landmarks in the village include the Kansas Village Hall, which stands as a reminder of the town’s historic past, and several churches dating back to the late 1800s. The annual Kansas Old Settlers Reunion is a key event in the town, drawing visitors for parades, games, and community gatherings. Kansas also offers access to the nearby Walnut Point State Park, which provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hume
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.33 square miles
- Population: Approximately 350 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61932
- Latitude: 39.8028° N
- Longitude: 87.8704° W
Location and History
Hume is a small village located in northwestern Edgar County, close to the county’s border with Douglas County. Established in 1873, Hume developed as a rural farming community, with its early growth driven by the railroad, which allowed local farmers to transport crops and livestock to larger markets. Agriculture remains the primary economic activity in Hume, with corn, soybeans, and livestock being the major products. Although the village is small, it has a rich history tied to the development of farming in central Illinois and retains much of its rural charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hume is part of the Shiloh Community Unit School District 1, which serves students from Hume and the surrounding area. The village is home to the Hume Veterans Memorial, which honors local residents who served in the military. Another notable landmark is the historic Hume Bank building, a reminder of the village’s early days as a rural trading center. The village park offers a playground and picnic area, serving as a gathering spot for community events. Each summer, Hume hosts the Hume Picnic, a tradition that dates back over a century and brings together residents for a celebration of the town’s agricultural heritage.
Brocton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.34 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61917
- Latitude: 39.7156° N
- Longitude: 87.9306° W
Location and History
Brocton is a small village located in central Edgar County, about 20 miles west of Paris. Founded in 1872, the village grew as a result of the expansion of the railroad, which allowed local farmers to efficiently transport their goods. Like many other towns in the region, Brocton’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and livestock as the primary products. The village’s early prosperity was closely tied to its location along the railroad, and although the population has remained small, Brocton continues to be an active farming community with deep roots in rural Illinois life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Brocton is part of the Shiloh Community Unit School District 1, with students attending schools in nearby Hume. The village is home to several historic landmarks, including the Brocton Town Hall, which serves as the center of local government and community activities. The town also features the Brocton Park, a small but well-maintained green space that offers a playground and picnic facilities for local residents. Each year, Brocton hosts the Brocton Fall Festival, which brings together the community for a weekend of food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities, celebrating the village’s agricultural heritage and community spirit.
Metcalf
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.14 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61940
- Latitude: 39.8031° N
- Longitude: 87.8059° W
Location and History
Metcalf is a small village located in the northern part of Edgar County, just south of the Douglas County border. Established in 1875, the village was named after its founder, Samuel Metcalf. Like many other towns in the region, Metcalf developed as a rural farming community, with its economy centered on agriculture. Over the years, the village has remained small but has continued to serve as a local center for farming operations, with the surrounding farmlands producing crops such as corn and soybeans. Despite its small size, Metcalf has a rich history tied to the agricultural development of central Illinois.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Metcalf is served by the Shiloh Community Unit School District 1, with local students attending schools in nearby Hume. The village is home to the Metcalf Community Center, which hosts local events and serves as a gathering place for residents. Another notable feature of the village is its proximity to Walnut Point State Park, located just a few miles away, offering opportunities for camping, fishing, and hiking. The village’s small size and rural charm make it a quiet and peaceful place to live, with a strong sense of community and close ties to the land.
