Cities and Towns in McDonough County, Illinois
Founded in 1826, McDonough County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, McDonough County was formed from Schuyler County. The city of Macomb is the county seat. With FIPS code of 109, McDonough County has a population of 26,828 and area of 589 square miles (1,526 km²).
List of all cities in McDonough County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Adair, IL | 61411 | 309 |
| Bardolph, IL | 61416 | 309 |
| Blandinsville, IL | 61420 | 309 |
| 61475 | 309 | |
| Bushnell, IL | 61422 | 309 |
| Colchester, IL | 62326 | 309 |
| Fandon, IL | 62326 | 309 |
| Good Hope, IL | 61438 | 309 |
| Industry, IL | 61440 | 309 |
| Macomb, IL | 61455 | 309 |
| Prairie City, IL | 61470 | 309 |
| Sciota, IL | 61475 | 309 |
| Tennessee, IL | 62374 | 309 |
| Walnut Grove, IL | 61470 | 309 |
Major Cities and Towns in McDonough County, Illinois
Macomb
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 12.23 square miles
- Population: Approximately 17,000
- Zip Codes: 61455
- Latitude: 40.4592° N
- Longitude: 90.6713° W
Location and History:
Macomb is the county seat of McDonough County, located in west-central Illinois, approximately 75 miles southwest of Peoria. The city was founded in 1830 and named after General Alexander Macomb, a hero of the War of 1812. Macomb’s growth was fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s, which established the city as a key transportation hub for agricultural products. Macomb is best known as the home of Western Illinois University (WIU), which was established in 1899 and has played a central role in the city’s development. The university brings a dynamic atmosphere to the city, with students and faculty contributing to the local economy and culture.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Macomb is served by the Macomb Community Unit School District 185, which includes Macomb High School and Edison Elementary School. Western Illinois University is the city’s primary educational institution and a major employer. Key landmarks in Macomb include Chandler Park, a large green space in the city center, and the historic McDonough County Courthouse, which dates back to the late 19th century. The WIU campus also features the University Art Gallery and Hanson Field, which hosts university sporting events. The city’s downtown area is a mix of historic architecture, restaurants, and shops, contributing to its small-town charm.
Bushnell
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 1.69 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,000
- Zip Codes: 61422
- Latitude: 40.5523° N
- Longitude: 90.5055° W
Location and History:
Bushnell is located in the northern part of McDonough County, about 15 miles north of Macomb. The town was founded in 1854 by Nehemiah Bushnell, the president of the Northern Cross Railroad, which ran through the town. Bushnell grew as a railroad and agricultural community, with the railroad facilitating the shipment of grain and livestock. Over time, the town diversified its economy but remained primarily focused on agriculture and small manufacturing. Bushnell retains its small-town feel, with many of its historic buildings still in use, and it serves as a quiet residential community within the larger county.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Bushnell is part of the Bushnell-Prairie City Community Unit School District 170, which operates Bushnell-Prairie City High School and Bushnell-Prairie City Junior High. The town’s notable landmarks include the Bushnell Depot Museum, which celebrates the town’s railroad history, and the town square, which serves as a community gathering space. The nearby Argyle Lake State Park is a major attraction, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Bushnell also hosts annual events such as the Bushnell Fall Festival, which draws visitors from the surrounding areas for food, entertainment, and crafts.
Colchester
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 1.13 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300
- Zip Codes: 62326
- Latitude: 40.4242° N
- Longitude: 90.7921° W
Location and History:
Colchester is located in the southwestern part of McDonough County, about 10 miles west of Macomb. Founded in 1854, the town was named after Colchester, England. Colchester grew during the 19th century due to its rich deposits of coal, becoming a coal mining center in the region. The coal industry was a significant part of the town’s economy for many years, although it has since diminished. Despite this, Colchester remains a resilient community, with agriculture now serving as its primary economic driver. The town is known for its peaceful, rural atmosphere and close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Colchester is served by the West Prairie School District, which operates West Prairie High School and West Prairie Middle School. A key landmark in the town is the Argyle Lake State Park, located just a few miles away. The park is a popular destination for outdoor activities, offering scenic hiking trails, a large lake for fishing and boating, and camping facilities. The Colchester City Park provides a local gathering spot with playgrounds and sports fields. Additionally, the town has several historic homes and buildings that reflect its coal mining heritage.
Blandinsville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.61 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600
- Zip Codes: 61420
- Latitude: 40.5561° N
- Longitude: 90.8615° W
Location and History:
Blandinsville is a small village in the northwestern part of McDonough County, about 18 miles northwest of Macomb. The village was established in 1837 and named after Joseph L. Blandin, one of the area’s early settlers. Blandinsville developed as an agricultural community, and farming remains the primary economic activity in the surrounding area. The village has retained much of its rural charm and small-town character, with a quiet residential atmosphere and strong community bonds. Although Blandinsville has not experienced significant growth, it remains a stable and peaceful community.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Blandinsville is part of the West Prairie School District, with students attending West Prairie schools in nearby towns. The village’s landmarks include the Blandinsville Community Center, which serves as a venue for local events and gatherings. The town’s agricultural heritage is also reflected in its annual Blandinsville Farmers Picnic, a tradition that dates back over a century. The nearby Blandinsville Cemetery holds historical significance, with many of the town’s early settlers buried there. The surrounding countryside offers scenic views of the rolling farmland that defines the region.
Industry
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.30 square miles
- Population: Approximately 450
- Zip Codes: 61440
- Latitude: 40.3267° N
- Longitude: 90.6089° W
Location and History:
Industry is a small village located in the southeastern part of McDonough County, about 15 miles southeast of Macomb. The village was settled in 1837 and developed as a small agricultural community. Industry’s name reflects the early settlers’ desire for progress and development. Over the years, the village has maintained its agricultural roots, with much of its local economy based on farming and related industries. The village has remained small, but it serves as a quiet, rural home for its residents and a hub for the surrounding agricultural region.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Industry is part of the Schuyler-Industry Community Unit School District 5, with local students attending schools in nearby Rushville. The village’s key landmarks include the Industry City Park, which provides recreational facilities such as playgrounds and picnic areas for residents. Nearby attractions include the Scripps Park in Rushville and Argyle Lake State Park, offering opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. The village’s peaceful streets and well-preserved historic homes give it a charming, rural character, with much of its history tied to the agricultural development of the region.
Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150
- Zip Codes: 62374
- Latitude: 40.4117° N
- Longitude: 90.8427° W
Location and History:
Tennessee is a very small village in the western part of McDonough County, located about 12 miles west of Macomb. The village was founded in 1836, named after the home state of many of its early settlers. Like much of the region, Tennessee developed as an agricultural community, with farms dotting the surrounding landscape. The village has remained small throughout its history, offering a quiet and peaceful living environment. Tennessee’s location near larger towns allows residents to enjoy the benefits of rural living while being within easy reach of more extensive services and amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Tennessee is part of the West Prairie School District, and students from the village attend nearby West Prairie schools. The village’s main landmark is the historic Tennessee Cemetery, where many of the town’s founders and early settlers are buried. Although Tennessee is a small community, it is located near Argyle Lake State Park, which provides residents with recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. The surrounding countryside is primarily agricultural, with scenic views of the rolling farmlands typical of McDonough County, providing a tranquil setting for this rural village.
