Cities and Towns in Franklin County, Illinois
Founded in 1818, Franklin County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Franklin County was formed from White County and Gallatin County. The city of Benton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 55, Franklin County has a population of 37,442 and area of 408 square miles (1,057 km²).
List of all cities in Franklin County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Akin, IL | 62805 | 618/730 |
| Barren, IL | 62812 | 618/730 |
| Benton, IL | 62812 | 618/730 |
| Buckner, IL | 62819 | 618/730 |
| Cave, IL | 62890 | 618/730 |
| Christopher, IL | 62822 | 618/730 |
| Cleburne, IL | 62865 | 618/730 |
| Coello, IL | 62825 | 618/730 |
| Corinth, IL | 62890 | 618/730 |
| Deering, IL | 62896 | 618/730 |
| Denning, IL | 62896 | 618/730 |
| Eastern, IL | 62812 | 618/730 |
| Ewing, IL | 62836 | 618/730 |
| Ezra, IL | 62896 | 618/730 |
| Frankfort Heights, IL | 62840 | 618/730 |
| Frisco, IL | 62836 | 618/730 |
| Goode, IL | 62884 | 618/730 |
| Hanaford, IL | 62856 | 618/730 |
| Logan, IL | 62856 | 618/730 |
| Mulkeytown, IL | 62865 | 618/730 |
| Orient, IL | 62874 | 618/730 |
| Parrish, IL | 62890 | 618/730 |
| Plumfield, IL | 62896 | 618/730 |
| Rend City, IL | 62812 | 618/730 |
| Royalton, IL | 62983 | 618/730 |
| Sesser, IL | 62884 | 618/730 |
| Six Mile, IL | 62999 | 618/730 |
| Steel City, IL | 62812 | 618/730 |
| Stiritz, IL | 62896 | 618/730 |
| Thompsonville, IL | 62890 | 618/730 |
| Urbain, IL | 62865 | 618/730 |
| Valier, IL | 62891 | 618/730 |
| West City, IL | 62812 | 618/730 |
| West End, IL | 62890 | 618/730 |
| West Frankfort, IL | 62896 | 618/730 |
| Whittington, IL | 62897 | 618/730 |
| Zeigler, IL | 62999 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Franklin County, Illinois
Benton
Overview
Benton is the county seat of Franklin County, located in the southern part of Illinois, about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Established in 1841, the city was named after Thomas Hart Benton, a Missouri senator and proponent of westward expansion. Benton flourished as a coal mining hub in the early 20th century, which significantly contributed to its growth. Today, Benton retains its small-town charm while serving as a center for government, education, and commerce within the county.
City Details
- Area: 5.66 square miles
- Population: 6,709 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62812
- Latitude: 37.9967° N
- Longitude: 88.9209° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Benton Consolidated High School serves as the main educational institution, with younger students attending Benton Grade School and Benton Middle School. Landmarks include the Franklin County Courthouse, known for its distinctive clock tower, and the Benton City Park, a popular spot for community events. The town is also known for the George Harrison Home, where the famous Beatles guitarist stayed in 1963, and the nearby Rend Lake, which provides opportunities for outdoor recreation like fishing, boating, and camping.
West Frankfort
Overview
West Frankfort, located just south of Benton, has a rich coal mining history that shaped its development. The city was officially founded in 1905, when residents from the nearby town of Frankfort moved to be closer to coal mining opportunities. West Frankfort grew rapidly during the coal boom in the early 20th century. Although mining has since declined, the city remains a vibrant community with a focus on manufacturing and agriculture. The city is situated along Interstate 57, making it easily accessible to nearby towns and cities.
City Details
- Area: 5.11 square miles
- Population: 7,858 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62896
- Latitude: 37.8981° N
- Longitude: 88.9273° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
West Frankfort is home to Frankfort Community High School, which serves students from the surrounding areas. The city also has several elementary and middle schools, including Central Junior High School. Major landmarks include the West Frankfort City Park, known for its festivals and sports facilities, and the Coal Miner’s Memorial, which honors the region’s mining heritage. Additionally, the West Frankfort Mall and Veterans Memorial are central gathering spots for residents and visitors alike.
Christopher
Overview
Christopher is a small city in Franklin County, located southwest of Benton. Founded in the late 19th century, the city was named after Christopher Harrison, a local settler. Like many other towns in the region, Christopher’s growth was largely driven by the coal mining industry, which brought workers and their families to the area. Despite the decline in mining, Christopher continues to thrive as a residential community with a close-knit feel. The city is easily accessible via Illinois Route 14 and is situated near Rend Lake.
City Details
- Area: 2.54 square miles
- Population: 2,698 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62822
- Latitude: 37.9728° N
- Longitude: 89.0551° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Christopher High School and Christopher Grade School are the primary educational institutions serving the town’s youth. The town’s key landmarks include the Christopher City Park, which hosts local events, and the Christopher Civic Center, a hub for community gatherings. Additionally, the city is known for its proximity to the Coal Miner’s Cemetery, which reflects its mining past, and the Christopher Public Library, a local historic site.
Sesser
Overview
Sesser, located in the western part of Franklin County, was established in 1904 during the coal mining boom that swept through southern Illinois. The city was named after John Sessher, a local landowner. Like many other towns in the region, Sesser’s early economy was tied to coal, but as mining declined, the town transitioned to other industries, including agriculture. Sesser is located along Illinois Route 154, which provides easy access to nearby Rend Lake, a popular destination for outdoor activities.
City Details
- Area: 1.09 square miles
- Population: 1,931 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62884
- Latitude: 38.0912° N
- Longitude: 89.0512° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sesser-Valier High School and Sesser-Valier Elementary School serve students in the area. Key landmarks include the Sesser Opera House, a historic building that has been converted into a community center, and the nearby Rend Lake, which offers camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities. The city also hosts the annual Rend Lake Days festival, which attracts visitors from all over the region. Other notable spots include the Sesser Public Library and the Sesser Veterans Memorial.
Royalton
Overview
Royalton is a small village in the southern part of Franklin County, established in the early 1900s during the height of the coal mining era. Like many towns in the region, Royalton was built around a mining community, and it experienced significant growth when coal production was at its peak. Today, the town remains a residential community with a focus on agriculture and local businesses. It is located near Illinois Route 149, offering easy access to neighboring towns like West Frankfort and Herrin.
City Details
- Area: 1.07 square miles
- Population: 1,128 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62983
- Latitude: 37.8801° N
- Longitude: 89.1128° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Royalton is served by the Zeigler-Royalton Community Unit School District, which includes Zeigler-Royalton High School and Zeigler-Royalton Elementary School. Landmarks in the town include the Royalton Community Center, a key gathering place for residents, and the Royalton Park, which hosts local festivals and recreational activities. The town’s history is preserved in the Royalton Coal Mine Museum, which provides insights into the region’s mining past. Additionally, Royalton is close to the scenic Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, offering outdoor enthusiasts a place to explore.
Thompsonville
Overview
Thompsonville, located in the eastern part of Franklin County, was established in the mid-19th century and named after an early settler, John Thompson. The town has a strong agricultural heritage and is known for its peaceful, rural environment. Unlike many other towns in Franklin County, Thompsonville was not heavily involved in the coal mining industry, instead focusing on farming and small-scale manufacturing. It is located near Illinois Route 34, providing access to larger cities like Benton and Harrisburg.
City Details
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 543 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62890
- Latitude: 37.9145° N
- Longitude: 88.7620° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Thompsonville Community High School and Thompsonville Grade School serve students from the village and surrounding rural areas. Landmarks in Thompsonville include the Thompsonville Veterans Memorial and the historic Thompsonville Church of God, a focal point for the community. The town also hosts an annual Fall Festival, which brings together residents for a celebration of local culture and history. Nearby, the Shawnee National Forest offers outdoor recreation opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and camping.
