Cities and Towns in Fayette County, Illinois
Founded in 1821, Fayette County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Fayette County was formed from Bond, Wayne, Clark, Jefferson, and Crawford County. The city of Vandalia is the county seat. With FIPS code of 51, Fayette County has a population of 21,384 and area of 716 square miles (1,854 km²).
List of all cities in Fayette County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Augsburg, IL | 62885 | 618/730 |
| Bayle, IL | 62080 | 618/730 |
| Bear Grove, IL | 62471 | 618/730 |
| Bingham, IL | 62011 | 217 |
| Brownstown, IL | 62418 | 618/730 |
| Confidence, IL | 62418 | 618/730 |
| Farina, IL | 62838 | 618/730 |
| Frogtown, IL | 62880 | 618/730 |
| Hagarstown, IL | 62247 | 618/730 |
| Iola, IL | 62838 | 618/730 |
| Loogootee, IL | 62838 | 618/730 |
| 62857 | 618/730 | |
| Otego, IL | 62418 | 618/730 |
| Pittsburg, IL | 62471 | 618/730 |
| Ramsey, IL | 62080 | 618/730 |
| Saint Elmo, IL | 62458 | 618/730 |
| Saint James, IL | 62857 | 618/730 |
| Saint Paul, IL | 62880 | 618/730 |
| Saint Peter, IL | 62880 | 618/730 |
| Shafter, IL | 62471 | 618/730 |
| Shobonier, IL | 62885 | 618/730 |
| Stringtown, IL | 62885 | 618/730 |
| Vandalia, IL | 62471 | 618/730 |
| Vera, IL | 62080 | 618/730 |
| Wilberton, IL | 62885 | 618/730 |
| Woodyard, IL | 62885 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Fayette County, Illinois
Vandalia
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 8.27 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,000 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62471
- Latitude: 38.9606° N
- Longitude: 89.0942° W
Location and History
Vandalia, the county seat of Fayette County, is located in south-central Illinois, about 70 miles east of St. Louis. Founded in 1819, Vandalia served as the second capital of Illinois from 1819 to 1839 before the capital was moved to Springfield. During this period, Abraham Lincoln began his political career in Vandalia as a member of the Illinois General Assembly. The city’s early history is closely tied to state government and the development of transportation routes, particularly the National Road, which connected Vandalia to the eastern United States. Today, Vandalia is a thriving small city with a rich historical heritage, serving as a regional center for agriculture, commerce, and tourism.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Vandalia is served by the Vandalia Community Unit School District 203, which includes Vandalia High School and Vandalia Elementary School. The city is known for its historical landmarks, most notably the Vandalia State House, Illinois’ oldest surviving capitol building, where Abraham Lincoln served as a state legislator. The Little Brick House, a preserved 19th-century home, also offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Vandalia Lake provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and camping, while the annual Vandalia Old Capitol Art Fair celebrates local arts and culture. The city’s historic downtown, with its well-preserved buildings, continues to attract visitors interested in Illinois’ early statehood.
St. Elmo
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62458
- Latitude: 39.0156° N
- Longitude: 88.8476° W
Location and History
St. Elmo is a small town located in eastern Fayette County, approximately 12 miles east of Vandalia. The town was founded in 1871 as a railroad stop along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line, which spurred its development as a local agricultural hub. Named after the popular 19th-century novel “St. Elmo” by Augusta Evans Wilson, the town grew quickly during its early years, with farming and livestock production forming the backbone of its economy. St. Elmo has retained its small-town character, with a strong sense of community and close ties to agriculture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. Elmo is served by the St. Elmo Community Unit School District 202, which includes St. Elmo High School and St. Elmo Elementary School. Key landmarks in the town include the St. Elmo Historical Society Museum, which preserves local history through artifacts and exhibits, and Deken Park, a community park offering playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The annual St. Elmo Labor Day Celebration is a major event, featuring parades, a carnival, and various activities for residents and visitors alike. The town’s strong agricultural roots and welcoming atmosphere make it an integral part of Fayette County’s rural landscape.
Brownstown
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.80 square miles
- Population: Approximately 750 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62418
- Latitude: 38.9967° N
- Longitude: 88.9567° W
Location and History
Brownstown is a small village located in central Fayette County, about 10 miles west of Vandalia. Established in the mid-19th century, Brownstown began as an agricultural settlement, with local farmers growing corn, soybeans, and wheat. The town was named after one of its early settlers, and over the years, it developed into a close-knit farming community. The arrival of the railroad helped boost the local economy by providing easier transportation of agricultural products to larger markets. Today, Brownstown remains a rural village with deep ties to farming and local traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Brownstown is part of the Brownstown Community Unit School District 201, which operates Brownstown Elementary School and Brownstown High School. The village’s key landmarks include the Liberty Christian Church, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the region, and Brownstown Park, which provides recreational space for residents. The village hosts the annual Brownstown Community Picnic, a longstanding tradition that includes games, food, and entertainment, bringing together residents from the surrounding areas. Brownstown’s rural charm and agricultural heritage make it a quiet and peaceful community in the heart of Fayette County.
Ramsey
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.89 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62080
- Latitude: 39.1448° N
- Longitude: 89.1101° W
Location and History
Ramsey is a small village located in northern Fayette County, about 15 miles north of Vandalia. Founded in the 1870s, Ramsey developed as a result of the expansion of the railroad, which brought settlers and commerce to the area. The village’s economy has historically been tied to agriculture, with local farmers producing crops such as corn, soybeans, and livestock. Over time, Ramsey grew into a quiet, rural community with a focus on family life and agriculture, while maintaining close connections with the surrounding towns and cities in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ramsey is part of the Ramsey Community Unit School District 204, which includes Ramsey High School and Ramsey Grade School. Major landmarks in the village include the Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts offering fishing, hiking, and camping. The village also features the historic Ramsey Depot, which has been preserved as a reminder of the town’s railroad history. The annual Ramsey Days Festival celebrates the village’s history and community spirit with parades, live music, and family-friendly activities, drawing residents from across the county.
Farina
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.17 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62838
- Latitude: 38.8342° N
- Longitude: 88.7673° W
Location and History
Farina is a small village located in southern Fayette County, near the border with Marion County. The village was founded in 1867, and its name is derived from the Latin word for “flour,” reflecting the importance of wheat farming and flour production in the area. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped to boost Farina’s economy by facilitating the transport of agricultural products. Over the years, Farina has remained a small, agricultural village with deep ties to farming, particularly the production of grain and livestock.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Farina is served by the South Central Community Unit School District 401, which includes South Central High School, located in nearby Kinmundy. The village’s landmarks include the historic Farina Methodist Church, which has been a cornerstone of the community since the late 1800s, and Farina Community Park, which offers a playground, ball fields, and picnic areas. The village also hosts the Farina Fall Festival, a popular event that features parades, games, and local vendors, celebrating the town’s agricultural roots. Farina’s rural charm and its strong community ties make it an important part of Fayette County’s agricultural landscape.
Bingham
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.15 square miles
- Population: Approximately 80 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62011
- Latitude: 39.1314° N
- Longitude: 89.2817° W
Location and History
Bingham is a tiny village located in the northeastern part of Fayette County, near the Montgomery County line. The village was established in the late 19th century as a small farming community. While Bingham has always been a small, rural village, it played an important role in the agricultural economy of the region, serving as a trading post for local farmers. Over the years, the village has maintained its quiet, close-knit atmosphere, with farming continuing to be the primary economic activity in the surrounding areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bingham is part of the Ramsey Community Unit School District 204, with students attending schools in nearby Ramsey. While the village itself is small, it offers access to nearby outdoor attractions, such as the Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area, which provides opportunities for fishing, camping, and hiking. The village’s key landmarks include the Bingham General Store, a historic building that served as a community gathering place for many years. Although Bingham is one of the smallest communities in Fayette County, its rural setting and strong agricultural ties give it a unique charm.
Shobonier
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.24 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62885
- Latitude: 38.8511° N
- Longitude: 89.0481° W
Location and History
Shobonier is a small unincorporated community located in southeastern Fayette County, about 10 miles south of Vandalia. The village was founded in the mid-1800s and named after a local Native American chief. Shobonier developed as an agricultural community, with its economy based on the surrounding farmland. The village has remained a small, rural community with a focus on farming, producing crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Over the years, Shobonier has retained its quiet rural character, with strong community ties and a peaceful way of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Shobonier is part of the Vandalia Community Unit School District 203, with students attending schools in nearby Vandalia. The village is close to several natural attractions, including the Kaskaskia River and Vandalia Lake, both of which offer recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and camping. Although Shobonier is small, its rural setting and proximity to natural resources make it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The village’s annual community events, such as harvest celebrations, reflect its agricultural heritage and close-knit community spirit.