Cities and Towns in Jackson County, Illinois

Founded in 1816, Jackson County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Jackson County was formed from Randolph County and Johnson County. The city of Murphysboro is the county seat. With FIPS code of 77, Jackson County has a population of 52,565 and area of 584 square miles (1,513 km²).

List of all cities in Jackson County, IL alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Ava, IL 62907 618/730
Boskydell, IL 62901 618/730
Briarwood Trace, IL 62901 618/730
Brush Hill, IL 62901 618/730
Bush, IL 62924 618/730
Campbell Hill, IL 62916 618/730
Carbondale, IL 62901 618/730
62902 618/730
62903 618/730
CDALE, IL 62901 618/730
Chamnesstown, IL 62932 618/730
Crab Orchard Estates, IL 62901 618/730
De Soto, IL 62924 618/730
Degognia, IL 62950 618/730
Dowell, IL 62927 618/730
Elkville, IL 62932 618/730
Etherton, IL 62966 618/730
Fountain Bluff, IL 62950 618/730
Gorham, IL 62940 618/730
Grand Tower, IL 62942 618/730
Grimsby, IL 62940 618/730
Hallidayboro, IL 62932 618/730
Howardton, IL 62942 618/730
Jacob, IL 62950 618/730
Kinkaid, IL 62907 618/730
Lake Tacoma, IL 62901 618/730
Lakewood Park, IL 62901 618/730
Levan, IL 62966 618/730
Makanda, IL 62958 618/730
Mboro, IL 62966 618/730
Midland Hills, IL 62958 618/730
Mount Carbon, IL 62966 618/730
Murphysboro, IL 62966 618/730
Neunert, IL 62950 618/730
Oraville, IL 62971 618/730
Pomona, IL 62975 618/730
Raddle, IL 62950 618/730
Red Town, IL 62942 618/730
Sand Ridge, IL 62940 618/730
Shiloh Hill, IL 62916 618/730
Somerset, IL 62966 618/730
Triple Lake Heights, IL 62901 618/730
Vergennes, IL 62994 618/730

Major Cities and Towns in Jackson County, Illinois

Carbondale

Overview

Carbondale, the largest city in Jackson County, is located in southern Illinois and is home to Southern Illinois University (SIU). Founded in 1852 by Daniel Harmon Brush, Carbondale was established as a railroad town due to its location along the Illinois Central Railroad. The city’s name reflects the area’s early ties to the coal mining industry. Carbondale grew rapidly with the arrival of the railroad and later with the founding of SIU in 1869, which has since become a central part of the city’s identity. Carbondale has evolved into a vibrant cultural and educational hub with a diverse population.

City Details

  • Area: 17.66 square miles
  • Population: 25,083 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 62901, 62902
  • Latitude: 37.7273° N
  • Longitude: 89.2168° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Carbondale is served by Carbondale Community High School District 165, and the city is home to Southern Illinois University, which offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Major landmarks include the SIU campus, which features Shryock Auditorium and the Morris Library. The city also boasts the Carbondale Civic Center, which hosts local events, and the historic Varsity Center for the Arts, a restored theater offering cultural performances. Giant City State Park, located nearby, is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and rock climbing.

Murphysboro

Overview

Murphysboro is the county seat of Jackson County, situated along the Big Muddy River. The town was founded in 1843 after the original county seat, Brownsville, was destroyed by flooding. Named after William C. Murphy, an early Illinois state representative, Murphysboro became a center for coal mining and agriculture. The town’s location near the Shawnee National Forest and along the Illinois Central Railroad helped it grow throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Murphysboro retains its historic charm and is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its famous barbecue tradition.

City Details

  • Area: 5.24 square miles
  • Population: 7,093 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 62966
  • Latitude: 37.7642° N
  • Longitude: 89.3365° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Murphysboro is served by Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186, which includes Murphysboro High School. Key landmarks in the town include the Jackson County Courthouse, a prominent historical building, and the General John A. Logan Museum, which honors the life of the Civil War general and founder of Memorial Day. The town also hosts the annual Murphysboro Apple Festival, one of the longest-running festivals in southern Illinois. The nearby Kinkaid Lake offers recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping.

De Soto

Overview

De Soto is a small village in northeastern Jackson County, named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. The village was established in the mid-19th century and grew as a small farming community. De Soto is perhaps best known for the 1925 Tri-State Tornado, one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, which caused widespread devastation in the village. Despite this tragedy, De Soto rebuilt and remains a resilient community with strong ties to agriculture and small businesses. Its location near U.S. Route 51 makes it easily accessible to neighboring towns.

City Details

  • Area: 1.22 square miles
  • Population: 1,590 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 62924
  • Latitude: 37.8189° N
  • Longitude: 89.2298° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

De Soto is served by the De Soto Consolidated School District 86, which includes De Soto Grade School. Landmarks in the village include the De Soto Historical Museum, which preserves the history of the 1925 tornado and the village’s rebuilding efforts. The village park offers recreational spaces for families and children. De Soto’s proximity to Carbondale and Southern Illinois University allows residents to benefit from the educational and cultural opportunities in the region, while the surrounding farmlands underscore its agricultural roots.

Ava

Overview

Ava is a small city located in the western part of Jackson County. Established in 1875, the city developed as a farming and coal mining community. The arrival of the railroad helped Ava grow, but its economy has remained largely agricultural. Surrounded by the scenic landscapes of southern Illinois, Ava offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle. The town is located near the Shawnee National Forest, providing residents and visitors with easy access to outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, and fishing.

City Details

  • Area: 1.12 square miles
  • Population: 590 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 62907
  • Latitude: 37.8892° N
  • Longitude: 89.4965° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ava is part of the Trico Community Unit School District 176, which serves the town and surrounding areas, with students attending Trico High School in nearby Campbell Hill. The key landmarks in Ava include the Ava City Park, which hosts community events and provides recreational facilities. Ava is also close to the Kinkaid Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The town’s rural landscape and agricultural heritage are celebrated during local festivals, and its proximity to the Shawnee National Forest attracts outdoor enthusiasts.

Elkville

Overview

Elkville is a village in northern Jackson County, named after the large population of elk that once roamed the area. Founded in the mid-19th century, Elkville grew as a small farming community, with its economy centered around agriculture and coal mining. The village is located along Illinois Route 51, providing convenient access to nearby towns such as Carbondale and Du Quoin. Elkville remains a quiet, rural village that has maintained its agricultural traditions while benefiting from its proximity to larger cities and transportation routes.

City Details

  • Area: 1.17 square miles
  • Population: 928 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 62932
  • Latitude: 37.9131° N
  • Longitude: 89.2358° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Elkville is part of the Elverado Community Unit School District 196, which includes Elverado High School and Elverado Grade School. Key landmarks in Elkville include the Elkville Community Park, which provides recreational spaces for residents and hosts local events. The village is also located near the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Du Quoin State Fair, attracting visitors from across the region. Elkville’s close proximity to the Shawnee National Forest offers additional opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.

Vergennes

Overview

Vergennes is a small village in the northern part of Jackson County, established in 1872. The village grew around the railroad, which connected it to larger markets in the region, making it an important agricultural shipping point. Like many small towns in southern Illinois, Vergennes’ economy has been closely tied to farming, with corn and soybean production playing a central role. The village’s rural setting provides a peaceful atmosphere for residents, and its proximity to Carbondale and other nearby towns makes it an attractive option for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.

City Details

  • Area: 0.16 square miles
  • Population: 298 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 62994
  • Latitude: 37.9050° N
  • Longitude: 89.3361° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Vergennes is served by the Elverado Community Unit School District 196, with students attending schools in nearby Elkville and Dowell. The village’s key landmarks include the Vergennes Village Hall, which serves as a gathering place for community events and meetings. The surrounding farmland and natural landscapes offer opportunities for outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing. Vergennes’ small-town charm and agricultural heritage are celebrated during local events, which bring the community together throughout the year.