Cities and Towns in Jefferson County, Illinois
Founded in 1819, Jefferson County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Jefferson County was formed from Edwards and White County. The city of Mount Vernon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 81, Jefferson County has a population of 36,877 and area of 571 square miles (1,479 km²).
List of all cities in Jefferson County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bakerville, IL | 62864 | 618/730 |
| Belle Rive, IL | 62810 | 618/730 |
| Bluford, IL | 62814 | 618/730 |
| Bonnie, IL | 62816 | 618/730 |
| Boyd, IL | 62830 | 618/730 |
| Camp Ground, IL | 62864 | 618/730 |
| Divide, IL | 62889 | 618/730 |
| Dix, IL | 62830 | 618/730 |
| Dodds, IL | 62864 | 618/730 |
| Drivers, IL | 62898 | 618/730 |
| Grand Prairie, IL | 62898 | 618/730 |
| Idlewood, IL | 62864 | 618/730 |
| Ina, IL | 62846 | 618/730 |
| Marcoe, IL | 62864 | 618/730 |
| Marlow, IL | 62872 | 618/730 |
| Miller Lake, IL | 62864 | 618/730 |
| Moores Prairie, IL | 62810 | 618/730 |
| Mount Vernon, IL | 62864 | 618/730 |
| Mount Vernon Outland Airport, IL | 62864 | 618/730 |
| Nason, IL | 62866 | 618/730 |
| Opdyke, IL | 62872 | 618/730 |
| Roaches, IL | 62898 | 618/730 |
| Scheller, IL | 62883 | 618/730 |
| Spring Garden, IL | 62846 | 618/730 |
| Summersville, IL | 62864 | 618/730 |
| Texico, IL | 62889 | 618/730 |
| Waltonville, IL | 62894 | 618/730 |
| Woodlawn, IL | 62898 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Jefferson County, Illinois
Mount Vernon
Overview
Mount Vernon is the county seat and largest city in Jefferson County, located in southern Illinois at the intersection of Interstate 57 and Interstate 64. Founded in 1817, the city was named after George Washington’s Virginia estate. Mount Vernon grew rapidly in the 19th century due to its strategic location as a crossroads for railroad and highway routes. The city’s economy was initially driven by agriculture and rail transportation, but it has since diversified with a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and retail industries. Today, Mount Vernon serves as a regional hub for commerce and cultural activities.
City Details
- Area: 14.68 square miles
- Population: 14,600 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62864
- Latitude: 38.3173° N
- Longitude: 88.9031° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mount Vernon is served by Mount Vernon Township High School and the Mount Vernon City Schools District 80, which includes primary and middle schools. The city is home to notable landmarks such as the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, a cultural hub offering art exhibitions, sculpture gardens, and educational programs. The Jefferson County Courthouse, located downtown, is another historic site. Residents and visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities at Rend Lake, located nearby, offering boating, fishing, and camping.
Woodlawn
Overview
Woodlawn is a small village located in northern Jefferson County, approximately 10 miles northwest of Mount Vernon. Founded in the late 19th century, Woodlawn developed primarily as an agricultural community, with farming playing a central role in its local economy. The village’s quiet rural setting and close proximity to Mount Vernon make it an attractive residential area for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle while being within reach of larger towns and cities. The town’s community-centered atmosphere is reflected in its strong support for local schools and events.
City Details
- Area: 0.98 square miles
- Population: 607 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62898
- Latitude: 38.3911° N
- Longitude: 89.0445° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Woodlawn is served by the Woodlawn Unit School District 209, which includes Woodlawn High School and Woodlawn Grade School. The town’s major landmarks include the Woodlawn Community Park, which hosts local events and recreational activities such as sports, picnics, and family gatherings. Woodlawn’s proximity to Mount Vernon provides residents with access to additional amenities and services, while the village itself maintains its rural charm. Annual events, such as the Woodlawn Fall Festival, bring together the community to celebrate local traditions.
Waltonville
Overview
Waltonville is a village located in the southern part of Jefferson County, approximately 12 miles south of Mount Vernon. Founded in the mid-19th century, the village grew as a small farming community and later became known for coal mining in the early 20th century. Waltonville’s economy has traditionally been centered on agriculture and small-scale industry, and it has maintained its rural character over the years. The village offers a peaceful lifestyle, with a strong sense of community and close ties to the surrounding farmland.
City Details
- Area: 1.03 square miles
- Population: 434 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62894
- Latitude: 38.2145° N
- Longitude: 89.0417° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Waltonville is served by Waltonville Community Unit School District 1, which includes Waltonville High School and Waltonville Grade School. The village’s key landmarks include Waltonville City Park, which provides recreational facilities such as sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The village is also near Rend Lake, offering residents access to outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. Waltonville celebrates its agricultural and mining heritage through local events, including the annual Waltonville Homecoming, which draws residents and visitors alike.
Bluford
Overview
Bluford is a small village located in eastern Jefferson County, about 10 miles east of Mount Vernon. The village was founded in the early 20th century and developed as a farming community. Bluford has retained its small-town character, with agriculture continuing to play a key role in the local economy. The village is known for its peaceful, rural lifestyle, and its proximity to larger towns such as Mount Vernon provides residents with access to amenities and services while maintaining a quiet, close-knit community atmosphere.
City Details
- Area: 0.88 square miles
- Population: 597 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62814
- Latitude: 38.3436° N
- Longitude: 88.7386° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bluford is part of the Webber Township High School District 204, with students attending Webber Township High School and Bluford Grade School. Key landmarks in Bluford include Bluford Park, which offers a playground and space for community events and outdoor recreation. The village also benefits from its proximity to Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park and Rend Lake, where residents can enjoy fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Bluford’s community spirit is reflected in events such as the annual Bluford Fall Festival, which celebrates the village’s rural heritage.
Dix
Overview
Dix is a small village located in northern Jefferson County, about 9 miles north of Mount Vernon. The village was established in the mid-19th century and initially developed as a farming community. Over time, Dix grew as a local trading center for surrounding farmers, and agriculture continues to be the primary economic activity in the area. Dix offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with easy access to nearby Interstate 57, connecting it to larger cities like Mount Vernon and Effingham.
City Details
- Area: 1.21 square miles
- Population: 431 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62830
- Latitude: 38.4457° N
- Longitude: 88.9401° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dix is served by the Rome Community Consolidated School District 2, with students attending Rome Grade School and nearby Mount Vernon Township High School. The village’s landmarks include the historic Dix United Methodist Church, a focal point for community gatherings, and Dix Community Park, which offers playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The village’s proximity to Rend Lake provides additional opportunities for outdoor recreation, while its small-town charm and agricultural roots are celebrated through local events and festivals.
Bonnie
Overview
Bonnie is a small village located in southern Jefferson County, approximately 10 miles south of Mount Vernon. The village was established in the late 19th century and developed primarily as a farming community. Agriculture continues to be the mainstay of the local economy, with the village surrounded by farmland. Bonnie offers a rural lifestyle with access to nearby natural attractions, including Rend Lake, which draws visitors for its outdoor recreational opportunities.
City Details
- Area: 1.00 square miles
- Population: 357 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62816
- Latitude: 38.2028° N
- Longitude: 88.9091° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bonnie is part of the Ina Community Consolidated School District 8, with students attending nearby schools in Ina and Mount Vernon. The village’s primary landmarks include Bonnie Park, which provides recreational facilities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and space for community events. Bonnie’s location near Rend Lake offers residents and visitors access to boating, fishing, and camping. The village’s rural atmosphere and connection to the natural landscape are celebrated through local festivals and outdoor activities.
Nason
Overview
Nason is a small city located in the southwestern part of Jefferson County, near the shores of Rend Lake. Founded in 1923 during a coal mining boom, Nason grew quickly as a mining town but saw a decline after the closure of the mines. Today, the city is known for its proximity to Rend Lake, a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Nason offers a quiet, rural setting with access to the lake’s extensive facilities, making it an attractive place for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle near nature.
City Details
- Area: 0.48 square miles
- Population: 236 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62816
- Latitude: 38.1824° N
- Longitude: 88.9785° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Nason is served by the Sesser-Valier Community Unit School District 196, with students attending schools in nearby Sesser and Valier. The city’s most notable landmark is its proximity to Rend Lake, which offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. The nearby Rend Lake Resort and Rend Lake Golf Course provide additional attractions for visitors. Nason’s history as a former coal mining town is commemorated through local heritage events and festivals that celebrate the city’s past.
