Cities and Towns in Madison County, Illinois

Founded in 1812, Madison County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Madison County was formed from St. Clair County and Randolph County. The city of Edwardsville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 119, Madison County has a population of 264,490 and area of 716 square miles (1,854 km²).

List of all cities in Madison County, IL alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Alhambra, IL 62001 618/730
Alton, IL 62002 618/730
Bethalto, IL 62010 618/730
Cloverleaf, IL 62060 618/730
Collinsville, IL 62234 618/730
Cottage Hills, IL 62018 618/730
Dorsey, IL 62021 618/730
Dunlap Lake, IL 62025 618/730
Eagle Park, IL 62060 618/730
East Alton, IL 62024 618/730
Edwardsville, IL 62025 618/730
62026 618/730
Fort Russell, IL 62010 618/730
Glen Carbon, IL 62034 618/730
Godfrey, IL 62035 618/730
Granite City, IL 62040 618/730
Grantfork, IL 62249 618/730
Hamel, IL 62046 618/730
Hartford, IL 62048 618/730
Highland, IL 62249 618/730
Holiday Shores, IL 62025 618/730
Kaufman, IL 62001 618/730
Livingston, IL 62058 618/730
Lumaghi Heights, IL 62234 618/730
Madison, IL 62060 618/730
Marine, IL 62061 618/730
Maryville, IL 62062 618/730
Mitchell, IL 62040 618/730
Moro, IL 62067 618/730
New Douglas, IL 62074 217
Newport, IL 62060 618/730
Pontoon Beach, IL 62040 618/730
Prairietown, IL 62097 618/730
Rosewood, IL 62024 618/730
Roxana, IL 62084 618/730
Saint Jacob, IL 62281 618/730
South Roxana, IL 62087 618/730
Southern Illinois University, IL 62026 618/730
State Park Place, IL 62234 618/730
Troy, IL 62294 618/730
Venice, IL 62090 618/730
Wood River, IL 62095 618/730
Worden, IL 62097 618/730

Major Cities and Towns in Madison County, Illinois

Alton

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 16.74 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 25,500
  • ZIP Codes: 62002
  • Latitude/Longitude: 38.8906° N, 90.1843° W

Location and History

Alton is located on the Mississippi River in the western part of Madison County, adjacent to St. Louis, Missouri. The city was founded in 1837 and quickly became a vital river port and industrial hub due to its strategic location along the Mississippi River. Historically, Alton was known for its role in the abolitionist movement and as the site of the last Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858. During the Civil War, the city hosted a major Union prison for Confederate soldiers. Over the years, Alton has transitioned from an industrial economy based on factories and river trade to one more focused on healthcare, education, and tourism, particularly due to its historic significance and scenic riverfront views.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Alton is served by the Alton Community Unit School District 11, with Alton High School being its largest public school. Major landmarks include the towering Clark Bridge, which connects Illinois to Missouri over the Mississippi River, and the Alton National Cemetery, which dates back to the Civil War. Another significant site is the Piasa Bird mural, a Native American legend depicted on a limestone cliff overlooking the river. The Alton Museum of History and Art and the Robert Wadlow Statue, commemorating the world’s tallest man, also attract numerous visitors. The Great River Road along the Mississippi offers stunning scenic drives and is popular among tourists and locals alike.

Edwardsville

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 20.17 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 26,000
  • ZIP Codes: 62025
  • Latitude/Longitude: 38.8114° N, 89.9532° W

Location and History

Edwardsville, the county seat of Madison County, is located in the central part of the county, about 25 miles northeast of St. Louis. It was founded in 1818 and named after territorial governor Ninian Edwards. Edwardsville is one of the oldest cities in Illinois and played a significant role during the westward expansion of the United States. The city grew steadily as a regional trade center, especially after the establishment of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in 1957, which bolstered the local economy. Today, Edwardsville is known for its excellent schools, growing business community, and as a suburban hub for St. Louis commuters.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Edwardsville School District 7 serves the city, with Edwardsville High School being one of the top-rated schools in the area. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is the city’s primary higher education institution, playing a major role in local development and culture. The city’s historic downtown is home to landmarks like the Madison County Courthouse and the Wildey Theatre, a restored vaudeville theater that now serves as a venue for films and live performances. Edwardsville also features the Watershed Nature Center and the MCT Trails system, which offers extensive recreational trails for biking and hiking across the region.

Granite City

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 19.46 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 27,000
  • ZIP Codes: 62040
  • Latitude/Longitude: 38.7012° N, 90.1487° W

Location and History

Granite City is located in southwestern Madison County, just northeast of St. Louis along the Mississippi River. Founded in 1896 by industrialists William and Frederick Niedringhaus, the city was initially developed to house workers for their graniteware manufacturing business, which is how the town got its name. Granite City became a major steel manufacturing center in the 20th century, with industries related to railroads and construction also flourishing. Though the city experienced economic decline with the downturn of American manufacturing in the late 20th century, Granite City remains an important industrial town with a focus on steel production and other manufacturing sectors.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Granite City School District 9 operates the city’s public schools, with Granite City High School as the main secondary education institution. Landmark attractions include Wilson Park, one of the largest parks in the area, featuring a public pool, tennis courts, and other recreational facilities. The Granite City Art and Design District (GCADD) offers an emerging hub for artists and galleries, revitalizing parts of the historic downtown. Additionally, the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, located just outside the city limits, is a major structure on the Mississippi River, offering visitors tours and educational exhibits about river navigation.

Collinsville

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 14.87 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 25,000
  • ZIP Codes: 62234
  • Latitude/Longitude: 38.6706° N, 89.9860° W

Location and History

Collinsville is located on the eastern edge of Madison County, about 12 miles from downtown St. Louis. The town was settled in the early 19th century, primarily by European immigrants, particularly from Germany and Italy. Collinsville became known for its coal mining industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s, contributing to the town’s rapid growth. Today, Collinsville is better known for its role as the “Horseradish Capital of the World,” producing a significant portion of the world’s horseradish. Its proximity to Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also adds to its historical significance.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 serves the city, with Collinsville High School being the largest school. Cahokia Mounds, just outside the city, is a major archaeological site representing the remnants of one of the largest pre-Columbian Native American settlements in North America. Another iconic landmark is the world’s largest ketchup bottle, a 170-foot tall water tower that has become a quirky symbol of the town. Collinsville also hosts the annual Italian Fest, celebrating the town’s Italian heritage with food, music, and cultural events, drawing visitors from across the region.

Highland

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 7.53 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 10,000
  • ZIP Codes: 62249
  • Latitude/Longitude: 38.7398° N, 89.6723° W

Location and History

Highland is located in the northeastern part of Madison County, approximately 35 miles from St. Louis. It was founded in 1831 by Swiss-German immigrants and originally named Helvetia, which reflected its founders’ Swiss heritage. Highland quickly developed into a strong agricultural and commercial center. Its rich farmlands supported dairy farming, livestock, and grain production. Highland has grown steadily over the years while maintaining its Swiss-German cultural identity, which is evident in its local festivals, architecture, and community traditions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Highland Community Unit School District 5 serves the city, with Highland High School offering a range of academic and extracurricular activities. One of the key landmarks is the historic Highland Square, home to various businesses, restaurants, and the city’s famous Swiss heritage festival, Schweizerfest. Highland also boasts Silver Lake, a man-made reservoir that provides recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and picnicking. The Latzer Homestead, a historic farm and museum, celebrates Highland’s agricultural past and is a popular site for tourists and educational tours. The Korte Recreation Center offers sports and fitness facilities, contributing to the city’s family-friendly appeal.