Cities and Towns in Johnson County, Illinois
Founded in 1812, Johnson County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Johnson County was formed from Randolph County. The city of Vienna is the county seat. With FIPS code of 87, Johnson County has a population of 13,463 and area of 343 square miles (888 km²).
List of all cities in Johnson County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Belknap, IL | 62908 | 618/730 |
| Boles, IL | 62909 | 618/730 |
| Buncombe, IL | 62912 | 618/730 |
| Cypress, IL | 62923 | 618/730 |
| Dixon Springs, IL | 62943 | 618/730 |
| Eagle Point Bay, IL | 62939 | 618/730 |
| Elvira, IL | 62912 | 618/730 |
| Ganntown, IL | 62943 | 618/730 |
| Goreville, IL | 62939 | 618/730 |
| Grantsburg, IL | 62943 | 618/730 |
| Lick Creek, IL | 62912 | 618/730 |
| Mermet, IL | 62908 | 618/730 |
| New Burnside, IL | 62967 | 618/730 |
| New Columbia, IL | 62943 | 618/730 |
| Ozark, IL | 62972 | 618/730 |
| Pulleys Mill, IL | 62939 | 618/730 |
| Reevesville, IL | 62943 | 618/730 |
| Reynoldsburg, IL | 62972 | 618/730 |
| Robbs, IL | 62985 | 618/730 |
| Samoth, IL | 62943 | 618/730 |
| Simpson, IL | 62985 | 618/730 |
| Tunnel Hill, IL | 62972 | 618/730 |
| Vienna, IL | 62995 | 618/730 |
| Wartrace, IL | 62943 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Johnson County, Illinois
Vienna
Overview
Vienna is the county seat and largest city in Johnson County, located in southern Illinois near the intersection of Interstate 24 and Illinois Route 146. Founded in 1818, Vienna was established as a farming and administrative center for the region. The city’s name is believed to have been inspired by the capital of Austria, and it quickly grew due to its strategic location on key transportation routes. Throughout the 19th century, Vienna became known as a trade hub for local agriculture, particularly corn and livestock. Today, Vienna is a quiet, rural community that serves as the heart of Johnson County’s governmental and economic activities.
City Details
- Area: 2.89 square miles
- Population: 1,434 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62995
- Latitude: 37.4156° N
- Longitude: 88.8976° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Vienna is served by the Vienna High School District 133 and Vienna Elementary School District 55. Major landmarks include the Johnson County Courthouse, a historic structure that houses county government offices, and the Vienna City Park, which hosts local events and provides recreational facilities. Vienna is also a gateway to the scenic Shawnee National Forest, attracting outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of southern Illinois. The nearby Tunnel Hill State Trail, a popular biking and hiking path, follows a historic rail route and offers picturesque views of the countryside.
Goreville
Overview
Goreville is a small village located in the northern part of Johnson County, near the confluence of Interstate 57 and Illinois Route 37. The town was founded in the late 1800s and grew primarily as a farming and coal mining community. Its early economy was driven by agriculture and the mining industry, but over time, Goreville has become known for its proximity to the natural attractions of southern Illinois. Today, Goreville serves as a peaceful residential community with a strong connection to outdoor recreation, particularly due to its location near Ferne Clyffe State Park and Lake of Egypt.
City Details
- Area: 2.39 square miles
- Population: 1,049 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62939
- Latitude: 37.5545° N
- Longitude: 88.9723° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Goreville is part of the Goreville Community Unit School District 1, which includes Goreville High School and Goreville Elementary School. Major landmarks in the village include Ferne Clyffe State Park, a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and camping, known for its stunning waterfalls and rock formations. Lake of Egypt, located just west of the village, offers boating, fishing, and lakeside recreation. The village also hosts community events such as the Goreville Freedom Fest, celebrating local culture with parades, fireworks, and live entertainment.
New Burnside
Overview
New Burnside is a small village located in the northeastern part of Johnson County. Established in the late 1800s as a coal mining town, New Burnside thrived during the peak of the mining industry. However, as coal mining declined, the village’s population also shrank. Today, New Burnside is a quiet, rural community surrounded by natural beauty, offering residents a peaceful lifestyle with access to outdoor activities. Its location near the Shawnee National Forest makes it a prime spot for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
City Details
- Area: 1.16 square miles
- Population: 190 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62967
- Latitude: 37.5806° N
- Longitude: 88.7729° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Burnside is part of the Vienna High School District, with students attending schools in nearby Vienna. Landmarks in the village include the historic New Burnside Baptist Church, which has served the community for generations. The nearby Shawnee National Forest offers abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. New Burnside’s location near the Tunnel Hill State Trail also provides access to one of the region’s most scenic biking and hiking routes, making it a popular stop for outdoor enthusiasts.
Buncombe
Overview
Buncombe is a small village located in the southern part of Johnson County. Founded in the late 19th century, the village was named after Buncombe County, North Carolina, from which many of its early settlers originated. The town grew as a farming community, with agriculture remaining the backbone of its economy to this day. Buncombe is surrounded by rich farmland and rolling hills, offering residents a peaceful, rural lifestyle. Despite its small size, the village has a strong sense of community and a rich agricultural heritage.
City Details
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population: 206 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62912
- Latitude: 37.4678° N
- Longitude: 89.0387° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Buncombe is served by the Vienna High School District, with students attending schools in nearby Vienna. The village is home to the Buncombe Community Church, a central gathering place for residents, and a small park that offers recreational space for families and community events. Buncombe is also close to the Cache River State Natural Area, a wetland preserve known for its ancient cypress trees and diverse wildlife, providing opportunities for canoeing, birdwatching, and hiking. The village’s agricultural roots are celebrated through local events that bring the community together.
Cypress
Overview
Cypress is a village located in the southwestern part of Johnson County. Founded in the late 1800s, Cypress developed as a small farming and railroad community, serving as a stop along the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad. The village’s economy has traditionally been tied to agriculture, with the surrounding farmlands producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. Today, Cypress remains a quiet, rural community with a close-knit population. Its location near major natural attractions, such as the Cache River State Natural Area, has made it a gateway to outdoor activities in southern Illinois.
City Details
- Area: 0.30 square miles
- Population: 234 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62923
- Latitude: 37.3657° N
- Longitude: 89.0182° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cypress is part of the Vienna High School District, with students attending schools in nearby Vienna. Major landmarks in the village include the Cypress United Methodist Church and the Cypress Community Park, which serves as a venue for local events and outdoor recreation. The village is also located near the Cache River State Natural Area, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the region’s unique wetland ecosystem. Cypress’s rural atmosphere and proximity to nature make it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet, peaceful lifestyle.
Simpson
Overview
Simpson is a small village located in southeastern Johnson County, surrounded by the natural beauty of southern Illinois. Established in the late 19th century, Simpson began as a rural farming community. Agriculture remains the village’s primary economic activity, with many residents engaged in farming and related industries. Simpson’s location near the Shawnee National Forest and the Tunnel Hill State Trail makes it an attractive destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The village offers a peaceful rural lifestyle, with a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
City Details
- Area: 1.08 square miles
- Population: 54 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62985
- Latitude: 37.4812° N
- Longitude: 88.7071° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Simpson is part of the Vienna High School District, with students attending schools in nearby Vienna. Key landmarks in Simpson include the nearby Tunnel Hill State Trail, which runs through the village and offers biking and hiking opportunities along a scenic rail-to-trail route. Simpson is also close to the Shawnee National Forest, providing access to hiking trails, camping, and other outdoor activities. The village’s quiet rural setting and proximity to natural attractions make it a favored location for those seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure in southern Illinois.
