Cities and Towns in Iroquois County, Illinois
Founded in 1833, Iroquois County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Iroquois County was formed from Vermilion County. The city of Watseka is the county seat. With FIPS code of 75, Iroquois County has a population of 26,827 and area of 1,117 square miles (2,893 km²).
List of all cities in Iroquois County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ashkum, IL | 60911 | 815/779 |
| Beaverville, IL | 60912 | 815/779 |
| Buckley, IL | 60918 | 217 |
| Chebanse, IL | 60922 | 815/779 |
| Cissna Park, IL | 60924 | 815/779 |
| Claytonville, IL | 60926 | 815/779 |
| Clifton, IL | 60927 | 815/779 |
| Crescent City, IL | 60928 | 815/779 |
| Danforth, IL | 60930 | 815/779 |
| Donovan, IL | 60931 | 815/779 |
| Gilman, IL | 60938 | 815/779 |
| Goodwine, IL | 60939 | 815/779 |
| Iroquois, IL | 60945 | 815/779 |
| Loda, IL | 60948 | 217 |
| Martinton, IL | 60951 | 815/779 |
| Milford, IL | 60953 | 815/779 |
| Onarga, IL | 60955 | 815/779 |
| Papineau, IL | 60956 | 815/779 |
| Sheldon, IL | 60966 | 815/779 |
| Stockland, IL | 60967 | 815/779 |
| Thawville, IL | 60968 | 217 |
| Watseka, IL | 60970 | 815/779 |
| Wellington, IL | 60973 | 815/779 |
| Woodland, IL | 60974 | 815/779 |
Major Cities and Towns in Iroquois County, Illinois
Watseka
Overview
Watseka is the county seat of Iroquois County, located in the eastern part of Illinois near the Indiana border. The town was founded in 1865 and named after Watseka, a Native American woman from the Potawatomi tribe, who was married to an early French fur trader. Watseka grew as an agricultural hub due to its proximity to the Iroquois River and the arrival of the railroad. The city played a key role in the development of farming in the region and has since become the economic and administrative center of Iroquois County.
City Details
- Area: 3.14 square miles
- Population: 4,911 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 60970
- Latitude: 40.7767° N
- Longitude: 87.7367° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Watseka is served by the Iroquois County Community Unit School District 9, which includes Watseka Community High School, Glenn Raymond Middle School, and Nettie Davis Elementary School. Notable landmarks include the Iroquois County Courthouse, built in 1965, and the historic Old Courthouse Museum, which showcases the county’s rich history. The Watseka Theatre, a historic downtown venue, offers live performances and movies. The city is also home to Lakeview Park, where residents enjoy fishing, picnicking, and outdoor events.
Gilman
Overview
Gilman is a small city located in the northwestern part of Iroquois County, at the intersection of Interstate 57 and U.S. Route 24. Founded in 1857, the city was named after Samuel Gilman, an early railroad official, and grew rapidly as a railroad junction, serving as a vital shipping point for agricultural goods. Over the years, Gilman has maintained its connection to farming and the railroad while adapting to modern transportation needs, becoming a key stop for travelers along I-57.
City Details
- Area: 2.25 square miles
- Population: 1,680 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 60938
- Latitude: 40.7690° N
- Longitude: 87.9959° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gilman is part of the Iroquois West Community Unit School District 10, which includes Iroquois West High School and Iroquois West Middle School. Major landmarks in the city include the Gilman Railroad Museum, which highlights the town’s historical connection to the railroads, and the Gilman City Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The town also hosts the annual Gilman Days festival, a popular community event with parades, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Clifton
Overview
Clifton is a small village located in the northern part of Iroquois County, near the Kankakee River. The village was founded in 1857, named after a prominent hill or “cliff” near the original settlement site. Clifton grew as a railroad town, with its economy based primarily on agriculture and transportation. The village’s proximity to larger cities like Kankakee has allowed it to maintain a balance between rural charm and access to urban amenities. Today, Clifton remains a quiet residential community with deep agricultural roots.
City Details
- Area: 1.32 square miles
- Population: 1,300 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 60927
- Latitude: 40.9336° N
- Longitude: 87.9342° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Clifton is served by the Central Community Unit School District 4, which includes Central High School and Clifton Grade School. Landmarks in the village include the Clifton Historical Museum, which preserves the village’s agricultural and railroad history, and Clifton Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities and community events. The village is also near the Kankakee River State Park, which offers hiking, fishing, and camping, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers.
Crescent City
Overview
Crescent City is a small village in the central part of Iroquois County, known for its historical connection to the railroad. The village was established in 1880, named after the curve, or crescent-shaped bend, in the railroad tracks that run through the town. Crescent City’s economy has traditionally been tied to agriculture and the railroad, with grain elevators and farms surrounding the village. The town gained national attention in 1970 when a devastating train derailment and explosion occurred, significantly impacting the local community.
City Details
- Area: 0.31 square miles
- Population: 590 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 60928
- Latitude: 40.7745° N
- Longitude: 87.8595° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Crescent City is part of the Iroquois West Community Unit School District 10, with students attending nearby schools in Gilman. Notable landmarks include the Crescent City Park, which serves as a gathering place for local events and recreation. The town also commemorates the 1970 train derailment with a memorial located near the site of the disaster. The Crescent-Iroquois Fire Protection District, which played a heroic role during the incident, remains an important part of the community.
Sheldon
Overview
Sheldon is a village located in the eastern part of Iroquois County, near the Indiana state line. The village was founded in 1863 and named after Colonel Isaac Sheldon, a local landowner. Sheldon quickly became a prominent agricultural and railroad center, with its strategic location along the rail line allowing it to serve as a shipping hub for grain, livestock, and other agricultural products. The village retains its small-town charm and agricultural focus while providing easy access to nearby cities such as Watseka and Chicago.
City Details
- Area: 1.30 square miles
- Population: 1,011 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 60966
- Latitude: 40.7733° N
- Longitude: 87.5687° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sheldon is served by the Milford Area Public Schools District 124 and Iroquois West Community Unit School District 10, with students attending Sheldon Grade School and nearby Milford High School. Landmarks in Sheldon include the Sheldon Prairie Nature Preserve, which offers a glimpse of the region’s native prairie ecosystem, and the Sheldon Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the village’s history. The village is also home to several historic buildings, including churches and homes that date back to the 19th century.
Milford
Overview
Milford is a village located in the southeastern part of Iroquois County, near the Vermilion River. Founded in 1836, the village developed as an agricultural center, with its economy centered around farming and milling. Milford’s name is derived from its original function as a mill town, where settlers built mills along the Vermilion River to process grain. The village has maintained its agricultural focus over the years, but it has also grown into a quiet residential community with a rich historical background.
City Details
- Area: 0.94 square miles
- Population: 1,204 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 60953
- Latitude: 40.6284° N
- Longitude: 87.6941° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Milford is part of the Milford Area Public Schools District 124, which includes Milford High School and Milford Grade School. Key landmarks in Milford include the Milford Park District, which offers recreational facilities, including sports fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The town is also home to the historic Milford Township Library, a Carnegie library that has served the community for over a century. Milford’s annual Fun Days festival is a major event, celebrating the village’s history with parades, music, and family activities.
