Cities and Towns in Marion County, Illinois
Founded in 1823, Marion County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Marion County was formed from Fayette and Jefferson County. The city of Salem is the county seat. With FIPS code of 121, Marion County has a population of 37,390 and area of 572 square miles (1,481 km²).
List of all cities in Marion County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alma, IL | 62807 | 618/730 |
| Carrigan, IL | 62875 | 618/730 |
| Cartter, IL | 62853 | 618/730 |
| Central City, IL | 62801 | 618/730 |
| Centralia, IL | 62801 | 618/730 |
| Cravat, IL | 62801 | 618/730 |
| Fairman, IL | 62882 | 618/730 |
| Finney Heights, IL | 62801 | 618/730 |
| Glen Ridge, IL | 62882 | 618/730 |
| Haines, IL | 62853 | 618/730 |
| Helm, IL | 62849 | 618/730 |
| Iuka, IL | 62849 | 618/730 |
| Junction City, IL | 62882 | 618/730 |
| Kell, IL | 62853 | 618/730 |
| Kinmundy, IL | 62854 | 618/730 |
| Odin, IL | 62870 | 618/730 |
| Omega, IL | 62849 | 618/730 |
| Patoka, IL | 62875 | 618/730 |
| Pope, IL | 62875 | 618/730 |
| Raccoon, IL | 62801 | 618/730 |
| Salem, IL | 62881 | 618/730 |
| Sandoval, IL | 62882 | 618/730 |
| Slap Out, IL | 62849 | 618/730 |
| Suburban Heights, IL | 62801 | 618/730 |
| Vernon, IL | 62892 | 618/730 |
| Walnut Hill, IL | 62893 | 618/730 |
| Wamac, IL | 62801 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Marion County, Illinois
Centralia
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 9.11 square miles
- Population: Approximately 12,000
- ZIP Codes: 62801
- Latitude/Longitude: 38.5273° N, 89.1317° W
Location and History
Centralia is located in the southwestern part of Marion County and extends into neighboring Clinton, Washington, and Jefferson counties. The town was founded in 1853 by the Illinois Central Railroad, which heavily influenced its name. As a key railroad hub, Centralia quickly grew into a bustling town. The city’s development centered around the railroad and coal mining industries, which attracted a large workforce and diversified the community. Centralia also became known for its vibrant cultural scene and agricultural contributions. In recent decades, the city has experienced economic shifts, moving towards healthcare, retail, and education as key sectors. Its central location makes it a vital transportation hub, connecting various parts of southern Illinois.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Centralia is served by the Centralia City School District 135 and the Centralia High School, which has a storied athletic tradition. The city’s landmarks include Foundation Park, known for its picturesque lake and walking trails, and the Centralia Carillon, one of the largest in the world, towering over the downtown area. The annual Balloon Fest attracts thousands of visitors every summer, featuring colorful hot air balloons that fill the sky. Centralia’s history is also reflected in the Centralia Area Historical Museum, showcasing the town’s rich railroad and coal mining heritage.
Salem
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 7.23 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,400
- ZIP Codes: 62881
- Latitude/Longitude: 38.6262° N, 88.9439° W
Location and History
Salem, the county seat of Marion County, is located in the north-central part of the county. Founded in 1823, it is one of the oldest towns in the region and has a rich history tied to the early days of Illinois statehood. Salem played a role in the Underground Railroad, with several local sites known for helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Its economy traditionally revolved around agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production, along with manufacturing and retail trade. Today, Salem retains its agricultural roots while also focusing on healthcare and education as key components of its local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The Salem Community High School and Franklin Park Middle School serve the educational needs of the community. One of the most notable landmarks in Salem is the William Jennings Bryan Birthplace, commemorating the famous orator and politician born here in 1860. Bryan ran for president three times and was known for his “Cross of Gold” speech. Another prominent feature of the town is Bryan Memorial Park, which includes a lake, sports fields, and a scenic walking trail. The Salem Historical Museum offers insight into the town’s past, including its role in the abolitionist movement and its ties to the early railroads.
Sandoval
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.00 square mile
- Population: Approximately 1,100
- ZIP Codes: 62882
- Latitude/Longitude: 38.6100° N, 89.1234° W
Location and History
Sandoval is a small village located in southwestern Marion County, known for its historical ties to the railroad industry. Established in the mid-19th century along the Illinois Central Railroad, Sandoval became a key stop for trains traveling between Chicago and New Orleans. This helped the town grow rapidly, as it attracted settlers and businesses reliant on rail transportation. Although the village’s growth has slowed in recent years, it remains a tight-knit community with a strong sense of local history, much of which revolves around its railroad heritage and its agricultural surroundings.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sandoval School District 501 operates both elementary and high schools in the village. The town’s notable landmarks include the Sandoval Railroad Depot, which harkens back to the village’s past as a bustling railroad stop. The village also boasts several parks and recreational areas, including Sandoval City Park, which is a popular spot for community gatherings and sports events. A newer addition to the community is the Sandoval Veterans Memorial, which honors the service of local military personnel and stands as a symbol of pride for the village.
Kinmundy
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.16 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800
- ZIP Codes: 62854
- Latitude/Longitude: 38.7734° N, 88.8520° W
Location and History
Kinmundy is located in northern Marion County and is known for its historical connections to the railroad and agriculture. Founded in 1857 when the Illinois Central Railroad extended through the area, Kinmundy grew as a small agricultural community. The town became known for its role in grain and livestock shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Kinmundy is a quiet rural town that maintains its agricultural roots. Its history is closely tied to the railroad, which was central to its early growth, although the town now focuses on local farming and small businesses.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kinmundy is served by the South Central School District, with South Central High School being the primary educational institution for older students in the area. A significant local landmark is the Kinmundy Log Cabin Village, a collection of restored 19th-century log cabins that offer a glimpse into the area’s pioneer past. The village hosts an annual “Fall Festival,” which draws visitors from across the region. The town is also home to several parks, including Kinmundy Lake, a popular spot for fishing and picnicking, providing residents with a place to enjoy the outdoors.
Odin
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.10 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000
- ZIP Codes: 62870
- Latitude/Longitude: 38.6162° N, 89.0532° W
Location and History
Odin is a small village in the southern part of Marion County, with a history tied to the early settlement and transportation routes of southern Illinois. Founded in the early 19th century, Odin became a notable stop along the railroad, much like other towns in Marion County. Agriculture has been the backbone of the local economy for much of its history, with farming families playing a vital role in the town’s development. Odin’s position along major rail lines allowed it to serve as a shipping point for local produce, further strengthening its economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Odin is served by the Odin Public School District, which includes Odin High School and Odin Grade School. The town’s most prominent landmark is the Odin Historic Depot, a reminder of the town’s railroad heritage, which has since been repurposed into a community museum. Odin also hosts an annual “Odin Street Fair,” where residents gather to celebrate the town’s history with games, food, and parades. Additionally, the nearby Raccoon Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping, making it a key recreational area for locals and visitors alike.
