Cities and Towns in McLean County, Illinois

Founded in 1830, McLean County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, McLean County was formed from Tazewell County. The city of Bloomington is the county seat. With FIPS code of 113, McLean County has a population of 170,889 and area of 1,183 square miles (3,064 km²).

List of all cities in McLean County, IL alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Allin, IL 61774 309
Anchor, IL 61720 309
Arrowsmith, IL 61722 309
Barnes, IL 61701 309
Bellflower, IL 61724 309
BLM, IL 61702 309
61704 309
Bloomington, IL 61701 309
61702 309
61704 309
61705 309
61709 309
61710 309
61791 309
61799 309
Bloomington Heights, IL 61701 309
Bloomington Normal Airport, IL 61701 309
Carlock, IL 61725 309
Chenoa, IL 61726 815/779
Colfax, IL 61728 309
College Hills Mall, IL 61761 309
Cooksville, IL 61730 309
Covell, IL 61704 309
Cropsey, IL 61731 309
Danvers, IL 61732 309
Dawson Township, IL 61737 309
Downs, IL 61736 309
Eastland Commons, IL 61701 309
Eastland Shopping Center, IL 61701 309
Ellsworth, IL 61737 309
Fletcher, IL 61701 309
Funks Grove, IL 61754 309
Gillum, IL 61701 309
Glen Avon, IL 61724 309
Gridley, IL 61744 309
Heyworth, IL 61745 309
Hilltop, IL 61753 309
Holder, IL 61736 309
Hudson, IL 61748 309
Illinois State University, IL 61790 309
Internal Revenue Service, IL 61799 309
Kerrik, IL 61701 309
Kumler, IL 61724 309
Leroy, IL 61752 309
Lexington, IL 61753 309
Lyttleville, IL 61745 309
McLean, IL 61754 309
Meadows, IL 61726 815/779
Merna, IL 61758 309
61761 309
Money Creek, IL 61753 309
Normal, IL 61761 309
61790 309
Oldtown, IL 61701 309
Padua, IL 61737 309
Randolph, IL 61745 309
Sabina, IL 61722 309
Saybrook, IL 61770 309
Shirley, IL 61772 309
Stanford, IL 61774 309
State Farm Ins Il Region Ofc, IL 61709 309
State Farm Plaza, IL 61710 309
61791 309
Towanda, IL 61776 309
Waldo, IL 61744 309
West, IL 61722 309
Weston, IL 61726 815/779
Yates, IL 61726 815/779
Yuton, IL 61701 309

Major Cities and Towns in McLean County, Illinois

Bloomington

Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:

  • Area: 27.23 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 78,680
  • Zip Codes: 61701, 61704, 61705
  • Latitude: 40.4842° N
  • Longitude: 88.9937° W

Location and History:

Bloomington is located in central Illinois, roughly halfway between Chicago and St. Louis. It serves as the county seat of McLean County and is part of the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area. Bloomington’s origins date back to the early 1820s when settlers began moving into the area. The city’s growth accelerated after the arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad in the mid-1800s, turning Bloomington into a transportation and agricultural hub. Bloomington has a rich history, including connections to Abraham Lincoln, who practiced law here. The city also developed a strong insurance industry, most notably with State Farm Insurance being founded in the city in 1922.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Bloomington is served by Bloomington District 87, offering a range of schools including Bloomington High School. Other notable educational institutions include Illinois Wesleyan University, a prestigious private liberal arts college. Major landmarks in Bloomington include the McLean County Museum of History, which is housed in the former county courthouse, and the David Davis Mansion, home of one of Abraham Lincoln’s close political allies. Miller Park offers residents a beautiful green space with a lake, zoo, and other recreational facilities. The Grossinger Motors Arena is a venue for sports and concerts, adding to the city’s cultural vibrancy.


Normal

Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:

  • Area: 18.52 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 54,300
  • Zip Codes: 61761, 61790
  • Latitude: 40.5142° N
  • Longitude: 88.9906° W

Location and History:

Normal, Illinois, is located directly adjacent to Bloomington, forming the “twin cities” of Bloomington-Normal. The town was originally named North Bloomington, but in 1865, it was renamed “Normal” after Illinois State Normal University (now Illinois State University), the state’s first public university. Normal grew as a center of higher education and teacher training, with Illinois State University (ISU) playing a central role in the town’s development. The town has also benefited from its strategic location on major rail and highway routes, contributing to its steady growth and development as a residential and educational hub.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Normal is home to Illinois State University, a major public university, and Heartland Community College, offering a wide array of educational opportunities. Normal Community High School and Normal West High School serve the local school district. The town’s cultural and educational landmarks include the ISU campus and the historic Ewing Manor, a stunning Tudor-style estate. The Children’s Discovery Museum in downtown Normal offers interactive exhibits for children and families. Uptown Normal, a revitalized downtown district, features modern shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, including the Normal Theater, a restored Art Deco cinema.


Le Roy

Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:

  • Area: 2.44 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 3,400
  • Zip Codes: 61752
  • Latitude: 40.3473° N
  • Longitude: 88.7629° W

Location and History:

Le Roy is a small city located in the southeastern part of McLean County, approximately 15 miles east of Bloomington-Normal. The town was founded in 1835 and was named after the French word for “the king.” Le Roy developed as an agricultural community, benefiting from its proximity to major transportation routes, including U.S. Route 150 and Interstate 74. Over time, the town grew steadily, retaining its rural character while expanding its services and infrastructure. Today, Le Roy is a peaceful community with a strong agricultural heritage and close connections to the surrounding farmland.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Le Roy is part of the Le Roy Community Unit School District 2, which includes Le Roy High School, Le Roy Junior High, and Le Roy Elementary School. The town’s major landmarks include the Empire Township Historical Museum, which highlights the area’s agricultural and pioneer history. The nearby Moraine View State Recreation Area provides residents and visitors with outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Le Roy’s downtown area also features several historic buildings, including the iconic Le Roy Theater, which has been entertaining residents for decades.


Lexington

Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:

  • Area: 1.34 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,100
  • Zip Codes: 61753
  • Latitude: 40.6411° N
  • Longitude: 88.7834° W

Location and History:

Lexington is located about 20 miles northeast of Bloomington-Normal, along Interstate 55, which provides easy access to the Chicago area. Founded in 1828, Lexington developed as a small farming town and later became a stop along historic Route 66. The town’s agricultural roots are still evident today, though its location near Bloomington-Normal has also made it a bedroom community for commuters. Lexington’s history is reflected in its well-preserved downtown and numerous historical buildings, many of which date back to the 19th century. The town remains a quiet, friendly place with a close-knit community.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Lexington Community Unit School District 7 serves the town, with Lexington High School and Lexington Junior High providing education for local students. One of the town’s major landmarks is the Lexington Historical Society, which maintains a collection of artifacts and photographs related to the town’s history. The town is also home to the Lexington Park District, which offers recreational facilities including a pool, sports fields, and walking trails. The Route 66 Memory Lane is a popular attraction, showcasing historic sites and buildings from the heyday of America’s most famous highway.


Chenoa

Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:

  • Area: 1.36 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,800
  • Zip Codes: 61726
  • Latitude: 40.7389° N
  • Longitude: 88.7152° W

Location and History:

Chenoa is located in the northern part of McLean County, near the intersection of Interstate 55 and U.S. Route 24. Founded in 1854, the town grew rapidly due to its strategic position on the railroad line between Chicago and St. Louis. Named after a Native American word meaning “dove,” Chenoa thrived as a grain shipping point and agricultural hub. Over the years, the town expanded its industries and became known for its historic downtown, which has been preserved to reflect its 19th-century heritage. Today, Chenoa is a small but vibrant community with deep roots in the region’s agricultural economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Chenoa is served by Prairie Central Community Unit School District 8, which includes Chenoa Grade School and Prairie Central High School in nearby Fairbury. The town’s historic downtown features several notable buildings, including the Chenoa Hotel and the Presbyterian Church, both dating back to the 1800s. The nearby Chenoa City Park offers recreational opportunities for residents, while the town also hosts an annual 4th of July celebration that draws visitors from the surrounding areas. The Chenoa Historical Society works to preserve the town’s rich heritage, showcasing exhibits and events related to its history.


Heyworth

Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:

  • Area: 1.75 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,900
  • Zip Codes: 61745
  • Latitude: 40.3139° N
  • Longitude: 88.9784° W

Location and History:

Heyworth is situated in the southwestern part of McLean County, about 12 miles south of Bloomington. Founded in 1859, Heyworth was named after Lawrence Heyworth, a prominent Chicago businessman. The town’s location along the Illinois Central Railroad allowed it to flourish as an agricultural community, shipping grain and livestock to markets across the Midwest. Over time, Heyworth grew into a residential community while maintaining its agricultural roots. Today, it offers a small-town atmosphere with modern amenities, making it an appealing place to live for those seeking a quieter lifestyle close to Bloomington.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Heyworth is part of the Heyworth Community Unit School District 4, which includes Heyworth High School and Heyworth Elementary School. One of the town’s major landmarks is the Heyworth Heritage Days Festival, an annual event celebrating the town’s history and community spirit. Other notable landmarks include the Heyworth Centennial Park, which offers playgrounds, walking trails, and sports facilities. The town also has several historic homes that reflect its 19th-century origins, and the McLean County Barn Quilt Heritage Trail, a popular local attraction, includes stops in the Heyworth area.