Cities and Towns in Lee County, Illinois
Founded in 1839, Lee County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Lee County was formed from Ogle County. The city of Dixon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 103, Lee County has a population of 34,049 and area of 724 square miles (1,875 km²).
List of all cities in Lee County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Amboy, IL | 61310 | 815/779 |
| Ashton, IL | 61006 | 815/779 |
| Binghampton, IL | 61310 | 815/779 |
| Compton, IL | 61318 | 815/779 |
| Dixon, IL | 61021 | 815/779 |
| Eldena, IL | 61324 | 815/779 |
| Franklin Grove, IL | 61031 | 815/779 |
| Franklin Grv, IL | 61031 | 815/779 |
| Grand Detour, IL | 61021 | 815/779 |
| Harmon, IL | 61042 | 815/779 |
| Lee, IL | 60530 | 815/779 |
| Lee Center, IL | 61331 | 815/779 |
| Maytown, IL | 61310 | 815/779 |
| Nachusa, IL | 61057 | 815/779 |
| Nelson, IL | 61021 | 815/779 |
| Paw Paw, IL | 61353 | 815/779 |
| Prairieville, IL | 61021 | 815/779 |
| Scarboro, IL | 60553 | 815/779 |
| Shaws, IL | 61310 | 815/779 |
| Steward, IL | 60553 | 815/779 |
| Sublette, IL | 61367 | 815/779 |
| The Burg, IL | 61318 | 815/779 |
| Walton, IL | 61021 | 815/779 |
| West Brooklyn, IL | 61378 | 815/779 |
Major Cities and Towns in Lee County, Illinois
Dixon
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 7.86 square miles
- Population: Approximately 15,400
- Zip Codes: 61021
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.8386° N, 89.4795° W
Location and History
Dixon, the county seat of Lee County, is located along the Rock River in northern Illinois, about 100 miles west of Chicago. Founded in 1830 by John Dixon, the city initially served as a ferry crossing point and later developed into a prominent agricultural and manufacturing hub. Dixon is known for its strong historical connections, most notably being the boyhood home of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, which has become a major tourist attraction. The city played an important role during the westward expansion of the United States, as the area was a key point along the Chicago-Galena trail used by early settlers. Today, Dixon combines its rich history with modern amenities, maintaining a small-town charm while being a regional center for business and culture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dixon’s educational institutions include Dixon High School, Reagan Middle School, and Sauk Valley Community College, which serves the greater region. The city is home to the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, a national historic site, as well as the Dixon Historic Center, which showcases local history. The scenic Lowell Park, located along the Rock River, offers outdoor recreation and was once a favorite spot of Reagan himself. Other notable landmarks include the Dixon Arch, a historic symbol of the city, and the Nachusa House, a historic hotel frequented by early pioneers.
Amboy
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.35 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,500
- Zip Codes: 61310
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.7169° N, 89.3295° W
Location and History
Amboy is a small city located in southern Lee County, approximately 15 miles southeast of Dixon. Established in 1854 as a railroad town along the Illinois Central Railroad, Amboy grew rapidly as a hub for agriculture, particularly grain and livestock. The city’s early growth was tied to its status as a transportation center, with the railroad facilitating trade and travel to and from larger cities such as Chicago. The town’s name is derived from Amboy, New Jersey, reflecting the East Coast origins of many of its settlers. Today, Amboy remains a close-knit community with deep agricultural roots, though it has also diversified with small industries and tourism.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Amboy is served by the Amboy School District, which includes Amboy High School and Amboy Junior High School. Major landmarks in the city include the Amboy Depot Museum, housed in the historic Illinois Central Railroad Depot, which highlights the city’s railroad heritage. Another notable attraction is the nearby Green River Ordinance Plant, a remnant of World War II manufacturing. Amboy is also home to the Shady Oaks Country Club, a popular venue for golf and social events. The city’s annual Depot Days Festival celebrates its railroad history and brings together the community for parades, events, and live entertainment.
Franklin Grove
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population: Approximately 950
- Zip Codes: 61031
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.8414° N, 89.3020° W
Location and History
Franklin Grove is a small village in eastern Lee County, located about 10 miles east of Dixon. It was founded in the 1830s by early settlers who were attracted to the area’s fertile land and access to water. Named after Benjamin Franklin, the village quickly became a center for agriculture, with local farmers producing wheat, corn, and livestock. The development of the Chicago and North Western Railway through the village in the mid-1800s further boosted its growth. While its population has remained relatively small, Franklin Grove’s historical significance is highlighted by its connection to the Lincoln Highway, America’s first transcontinental highway, which passes through the village.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Franklin Grove is part of the AFC (Ashton-Franklin Center) School District, with students attending AFC High School in nearby Ashton. The village is perhaps best known for the Franklin Creek State Natural Area, a scenic park that offers hiking, fishing, and camping, along with the historic Franklin Creek Grist Mill, a fully operational, restored mill from the 19th century. Another important landmark is the Chaplin Creek Historic Village, which recreates a 19th-century settlement and serves as a living history museum. These attractions make Franklin Grove a destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Paw Paw
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 0.52 square miles
- Population: Approximately 870
- Zip Codes: 61353
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.6859° N, 88.9853° W
Location and History
Paw Paw is a small village located in the southern part of Lee County, about 20 miles southeast of Dixon and 70 miles west of Chicago. The village was settled in 1834, named after the pawpaw trees that once grew abundantly in the area. It developed as a rural farming community, with its economy largely centered on agriculture, especially corn and soybean farming. Paw Paw’s growth was influenced by its location near the Lincoln Highway, and it was also served by the Chicago and North Western Railway, which facilitated the transportation of goods and people. Though it remains a small village, Paw Paw retains its agricultural heritage while offering a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Paw Paw is part of the Paw Paw Community Unit School District, which includes Paw Paw Junior/Senior High School. The village is home to a number of historic sites, including the Paw Paw Township Hall, which has served as a community gathering place since the 19th century. Another notable landmark is the historic Presbyterian Church, a well-preserved example of 19th-century architecture. Paw Paw also hosts a number of local events throughout the year, including the annual Paw Paw Fall Festival, which celebrates the village’s agricultural roots and brings the community together for a weekend of fun and festivities.
Sublette
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 0.37 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500
- Zip Codes: 61367
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.6428° N, 89.2301° W
Location and History
Sublette is a small village located in the southwestern part of Lee County, about 25 miles south of Dixon. Founded in 1854, Sublette’s early development was closely tied to the expansion of the Illinois Central Railroad, which passed through the village and connected it to larger markets. The village was named after William Sublette, a prominent fur trader and explorer. Like many communities in Lee County, Sublette’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with grain and livestock farming playing a key role in its development. Over the years, the village has remained small but has maintained its tight-knit, rural character.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sublette is part of the Amboy Community Unit School District, with students attending schools in nearby Amboy. The village is perhaps best known for the Woodhaven Lakes camping resort, one of the largest privately-owned campgrounds in Illinois, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. Another landmark in Sublette is the historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a beautiful Gothic-style building that has been a focal point of the community for over a century. The annual Sublette Fest, which celebrates the village’s heritage and brings residents together for parades, food, and entertainment, is a key event in the local calendar.
