Cities and Towns in Massac County, Illinois
Founded in 1843, Massac County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Massac County was formed from Pope and Johnson County. The city of Metropolis is the county seat. With FIPS code of 127, Massac County has a population of 13,960 and area of 237 square miles (614 km²).
List of all cities in Massac County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bargerville, IL | 62960 | 618/730 |
| Brookport, IL | 62910 | 618/730 |
| Hamletsburg, IL | 62910 | 618/730 |
| Joppa, IL | 62953 | 618/730 |
| Metropolis, IL | 62960 | 618/730 |
| New Liberty, IL | 62910 | 618/730 |
| Round Knob, IL | 62960 | 618/730 |
| Shady Grove, IL | 62910 | 618/730 |
| Unionville, IL | 62910 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Massac County, Illinois
Metropolis
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 5.85 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,000
- Zip Codes: 62960
- Latitude: 37.1517° N
- Longitude: 88.7293° W
Location and History:
Metropolis, the county seat of Massac County, is located along the Ohio River in the southernmost part of Illinois. Established in 1839, Metropolis was strategically situated due to its proximity to the river, which made it an important trading and transportation hub in the 19th century. The city is famously associated with the fictional Superman, and it officially adopted the character as its “hometown” in the 1970s, a move that boosted tourism. While originally a hub for steamboat traffic, the city’s economy diversified over the years to include agriculture, light manufacturing, and tourism. Today, Metropolis is known for its unique blend of historical significance and pop culture connections.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Metropolis is served by the Massac Unit School District 1, with schools including Massac County High School, Metropolis Elementary School, and Massac Junior High School. The city’s most famous landmark is the giant Superman statue located in Superman Square, which draws comic book fans from across the nation. The Super Museum, filled with Superman memorabilia, is another major attraction. Additionally, Fort Massac State Park, which preserves the site of an 18th-century French fort, offers outdoor recreation, historical reenactments, and panoramic views of the Ohio River. The park is central to the city’s cultural and historical identity.
Brookport
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.64 square miles
- Population: Approximately 900
- Zip Codes: 62910
- Latitude: 37.1234° N
- Longitude: 88.6262° W
Location and History:
Brookport is located along the Ohio River, just east of Metropolis, and serves as a small river town with a rich history. Settled in the early 19th century, Brookport was originally known as “Pennyville” but was renamed after a local businessman. Its location along the Ohio River has been central to its development, as the town historically relied on river trade and steamboat traffic for economic growth. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Brookport was a bustling community of riverboat workers and merchants. While the town’s economy has slowed since its peak river traffic days, it remains a small, tight-knit community with a strong local identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Brookport is also part of the Massac Unit School District 1, and students attend schools in nearby Metropolis. A key landmark is the Brookport Bridge, also known as the Irvin S. Cobb Bridge, which connects Brookport to Paducah, Kentucky, across the Ohio River. This bridge is a critical transportation link between Illinois and Kentucky. Brookport City Park provides recreational space for residents, and the Ohio River offers opportunities for fishing and boating. The town’s history as a river trading post remains a vital part of its identity, and many of its historic buildings still stand, reflecting its past prosperity.
Joppa
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.46 square miles
- Population: Approximately 350
- Zip Codes: 62953
- Latitude: 37.2037° N
- Longitude: 88.8448° W
Location and History:
Joppa is a small village located in the western part of Massac County, near the Ohio River. The village was established in the late 19th century and grew as a residential community for workers in nearby industries. Its location along the river allowed for limited trade and transportation, but Joppa remained primarily a residential and agricultural community. The town is closely tied to nearby power plants, with many of its residents historically employed in the energy sector. Joppa has retained its rural character and offers a peaceful environment for its small population, with strong community ties.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Joppa is served by the Joppa-Maple Grove Unit School District 38, which includes Joppa Junior-Senior High School. One of the village’s main landmarks is the Joppa Steam Plant, a large coal-fired power plant that has played a significant role in the local economy. The village is also known for its proximity to the Shawnee National Forest, providing access to hiking, wildlife, and scenic views. The small-town charm and agricultural surroundings of Joppa contribute to its quiet, rural lifestyle, making it a close-knit community with deep roots in the region’s industrial history.
Unionville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.35 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 62910 (shares with Brookport)
- Latitude: 37.1442° N
- Longitude: 88.5798° W
Location and History:
Unionville is a small, unincorporated community in the northern part of Massac County, just a few miles from Brookport. It was established in the early 20th century as a farming community, with its economy centered around agriculture. The area around Unionville is known for its rich, fertile soil, which has made it an ideal location for farming over the years. The town has never grown significantly in population but remains a close-knit rural community, with many families having lived in the area for generations. Unionville is representative of the many small agricultural towns that dot southern Illinois.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Unionville falls under the jurisdiction of the Massac Unit School District 1, with students typically attending schools in Metropolis or Brookport. The primary landmark in Unionville is its surrounding farmland, which reflects the village’s agricultural heritage. The Ohio River is located a short distance away, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. While Unionville does not have the historical landmarks or tourism attractions of nearby Metropolis, it offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle for its residents, with strong connections to the land and agricultural traditions.
Round Knob
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: N/A (unincorporated)
- Population: Approximately 100
- Zip Codes: 62960 (shares with Metropolis)
- Latitude: 37.2328° N
- Longitude: 88.7434° W
Location and History:
Round Knob is an unincorporated community located in central Massac County, nestled between Metropolis and Joppa. Historically, the area around Round Knob has been used for agriculture, with farming and livestock playing a central role in the local economy. The name “Round Knob” likely refers to the gently rolling hills that characterize the landscape in this part of the county. While Round Knob is small and rural, it has been home to a number of farming families for generations, and the community has deep agricultural roots that continue to define it today.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Round Knob falls under the Joppa-Maple Grove Unit School District 38, with students attending schools in nearby Joppa. The surrounding landscape is the primary feature of this small community, with farmland and rural scenery providing the backdrop for daily life. Although there are no major landmarks in Round Knob, its proximity to natural sites such as Fort Massac State Park and the Shawnee National Forest offers residents access to outdoor recreation. The area’s rural charm and quiet atmosphere make it an ideal location for those seeking a simple, peaceful lifestyle connected to the land.
