Cities and Towns in Macon County, Illinois

Founded in 1829, Macon County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Macon County was formed from Shelby County. The city of Decatur is the county seat. With FIPS code of 115, Macon County has a population of 102,432 and area of 580 square miles (1,502 km²).

List of all cities in Macon County, IL alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Argenta, IL	62501	217
Bearsdale, IL	62526	217
Blue Mound, IL	62513	217
Boody, IL	62514	217
Decatur, IL	62521	217
	62522	217
	62523	217
	62524	217
	62525	217
	62526	217
Elwin, IL	62532	217
Forsyth, IL	62535	217
Harristown, IL	62537	217
Heman, IL	62573	217
Hervey City, IL	62549	217
Macon, IL	62544	217
Maroa, IL	61756	217
Mount Zion, IL	62549	217
Newburg, IL	62501	217
Niantic, IL	62551	217
Oakley, IL	62501	217
Oreana, IL	62554	217
Warrensburg, IL	62573	217

Major Cities and Towns in Macon County, Illinois

Decatur

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 47.90 square miles
• Population: Approximately 70,000
• ZIP Codes: 62521, 62522, 62526
• Latitude/Longitude: 39.8403° N, 88.9548° W

Location and History

Decatur is located in the central part of Macon County and serves as the county seat. Founded in 1829, Decatur grew rapidly due to its location along the Sangamon River, which provided waterpower for early industries. The city gained additional importance with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, making it a transportation and industrial hub. It is famously known as the original home of Abraham Lincoln when he first moved to Illinois in 1830. Throughout the 20th century, Decatur became a key agricultural processing center, especially known for companies like Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Caterpillar. Today, Decatur remains a significant industrial city, though it has diversified into healthcare and education as well.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Decatur is served by Decatur Public School District 61, which includes Eisenhower and MacArthur High Schools. Higher education institutions include Millikin University and Richland Community College. Major landmarks include the Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park, which commemorates Abraham Lincoln’s early years in Illinois. The Decatur Transfer House and the historic Millikin Homestead are also popular attractions. Scovill Zoo and Lake Decatur offer recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors. The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater hosts concerts and events, adding to the city’s cultural offerings.

Mount Zion

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 3.40 square miles
• Population: Approximately 5,800
• ZIP Codes: 62549
• Latitude/Longitude: 39.7719° N, 88.8712° W

Location and History

Mount Zion is located just southeast of Decatur in central Macon County. The village was established in the 1850s and originally developed as an agricultural community. Mount Zion remained a small town throughout much of its history, focusing on farming and small-scale trade. In recent decades, its proximity to Decatur has made it a popular residential area for commuters, contributing to steady population growth. While it maintains a rural atmosphere, Mount Zion has seen increased residential and commercial development in recent years, making it one of the more desirable suburbs of Decatur.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mount Zion Community Unit School District 3 serves the village, with Mount Zion High School being a well-regarded institution known for its academic and athletic programs. Major landmarks in the area include Spitler Woods State Natural Area, a large forest preserve offering hiking trails and picnic areas. The Mount Zion Convention Center is a local hub for events, including trade shows, weddings, and community gatherings. Fletcher Park is another popular recreational area, featuring sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths. The town also hosts several community events, including the annual Pony Express Days festival.

Forsyth

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 3.11 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,500
• ZIP Codes: 62535
• Latitude/Longitude: 39.9317° N, 88.9543° W

Location and History

Forsyth is located just north of Decatur and has become a suburban community with a blend of residential and commercial developments. Founded in 1854 along the railroad, Forsyth was initially a small farming community. Its growth accelerated in the late 20th century as commercial developments, particularly the Hickory Point Mall, attracted more residents and businesses to the area. Forsyth has since become one of the fastest-growing towns in Macon County, offering a quieter lifestyle while still providing easy access to the amenities of nearby Decatur.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Forsyth is served by the Maroa-Forsyth Community Unit School District 2, with Maroa-Forsyth High School being the main educational institution. The Hickory Point Mall is one of the town’s central landmarks, serving as a retail and entertainment hub for the region. Forsyth Park is another major attraction, offering walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and community events such as the Forsyth Family Festival. The Forsyth Public Library is a key community resource, providing educational programs and activities for residents of all ages. The town’s proximity to Lake Decatur and Scovill Zoo makes it a convenient location for outdoor recreation.

Maroa

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 1.29 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,700
• ZIP Codes: 61756
• Latitude/Longitude: 40.0344° N, 88.9554° W

Location and History

Maroa is located in the northern part of Macon County and was founded in the mid-19th century as a small farming community along the Illinois Central Railroad. Like many small towns in the area, Maroa’s early economy centered around agriculture, specifically corn and soybean farming. The arrival of the railroad helped Maroa develop as a shipping point for agricultural goods, although it remained a relatively small town. Today, Maroa continues to serve as a rural farming community with a growing emphasis on residential development, attracting families looking for a quieter lifestyle outside of Decatur.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Maroa is part of the Maroa-Forsyth School District, with Maroa-Forsyth High School serving students from the town and surrounding areas. The town’s key landmarks include the Maroa City Park, which offers recreational amenities such as playgrounds, ball fields, and picnic areas. Maroa is also home to the historical Maroa Public Library, which plays a vital role in the community’s educational and cultural activities. The annual Maroa Old-Fashioned Days festival brings together residents for a celebration of the town’s history, featuring parades, live music, and local vendors.

Warrensburg

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 1.15 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,200
• ZIP Codes: 62573
• Latitude/Longitude: 39.9339° N, 89.0695° W

Location and History

Warrensburg is located northwest of Decatur in Macon County and was established in the mid-1800s as an agricultural town. The village grew slowly over the years, maintaining its focus on farming and small-scale industry. Its proximity to Decatur has allowed Warrensburg to develop into a suburban community, though it retains its rural character. The town’s population has remained relatively stable, and it continues to be a center for farming activities, with many families involved in agriculture.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Warrensburg is served by the Warrensburg-Latham Community Unit School District 11, with Warrensburg-Latham High School providing educational opportunities for local students. A key landmark in the town is the historic Prairie Farmer’s Agricultural Hall, which celebrates the town’s long history with farming and rural life. Another important site is Boiling Springs Golf Course, located just outside Warrensburg, offering recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors. The village also has a strong community spirit, exemplified by its annual events such as the Warrensburg Corn Festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with food, music, and family-friendly activities.