Cities and Towns in Moultrie County, Illinois
Founded in 1843, Moultrie County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Moultrie County was formed from Shelby and Macon County. The city of Sullivan is the county seat. With FIPS code of 139, Moultrie County has a population of 14,510 and area of 335 square miles (868 km²).
List of all cities in Moultrie County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Allenville, IL | 61951 | 217 |
| Bethany, IL | 61914 | 217 |
| Dalton City, IL | 61925 | 217 |
| Gays, IL | 61928 | 217 |
| Kirksville, IL | 61951 | 217 |
| Lovington, IL | 61937 | 217 |
| Sullivan, IL | 61951 | 217 |
Major Cities and Towns in Moultrie County, Illinois
Sullivan, Illinois
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.68 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,440 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 61951
- Latitude: 39.5989° N
- Longitude: 88.6070° W
Location and History
Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie County, is located in the central part of the county, approximately 30 miles south of Decatur, Illinois. Established in 1845, the city was named after Revolutionary War General John Sullivan. Its development was spurred by the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, which connected the city to larger markets and allowed for the transportation of goods, particularly agricultural products. Sullivan’s economy has traditionally revolved around farming, with corn and soybeans being primary crops. Over time, the city evolved into a small, close-knit community, balancing its agricultural roots with modest industrial growth.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 serves the educational needs of the city, with Sullivan High School being the primary institution. Major landmarks in Sullivan include the Little Theatre on the Square, a professional theater that draws visitors from across the state, and Wyman Park, which offers recreational facilities and community events throughout the year. The Moultrie County Courthouse, located in the city’s center, is a historic building and a focal point of civic life. Lake Shelbyville, located just a few miles away, offers boating, fishing, and camping, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lovington, Illinois
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.49 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 61937
- Latitude: 39.7150° N
- Longitude: 88.6351° W
Location and History
Lovington is situated in the northeastern part of Moultrie County, roughly 12 miles northeast of Sullivan. The village was founded in 1850, and like many small towns in the region, its growth was tied to agriculture, particularly grain farming. The construction of the Illinois Central Railroad in the 1870s brought a modest boost to the local economy, providing farmers with better access to markets. Though Lovington remains a small rural community, its history is marked by its residents’ deep connection to the land and farming traditions, which still shape the town’s economy and way of life today.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lovington’s educational system is part of the Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond (ALAH) School District, with Lovington Grade School serving local students. Key landmarks in the village include the Lovington Public Library, a cornerstone of community life, and the Lovington Township Hall, where civic activities are centered. Lovington also hosts the annual Lovington Homecoming, a tradition that brings together residents for a parade, festival, and celebration of the town’s agricultural heritage. The village’s proximity to Lake Shelbyville provides access to outdoor recreation, adding to its charm as a quiet, rural community.
Bethany, Illinois
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.59 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,255 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 61914
- Latitude: 39.6436° N
- Longitude: 88.7392° W
Location and History
Bethany is located in the western part of Moultrie County, near the Shelby County line, and approximately 10 miles southwest of Sullivan. The town was founded in the mid-19th century, and its name, derived from a biblical village, reflects the strong religious and community-oriented values of its early settlers. Agriculture has been the backbone of Bethany’s economy since its inception, with its fertile soils ideal for corn and soybean production. Over time, Bethany grew modestly but has maintained its small-town charm and rural character, offering a peaceful, tight-knit community atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bethany is part of the Okaw Valley Community Unit School District, with Okaw Valley High School serving students from both Bethany and surrounding areas. Notable landmarks include the Bethany Veterans Memorial, which honors local veterans and is a focal point for community gatherings during national holidays. The town’s proximity to Lake Shelbyville makes it a gateway to outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, camping, and hiking. The town’s annual Fall Festival brings together residents and visitors for a celebration of local culture, with food, games, and a parade that highlights the town’s community spirit.
Dalton City, Illinois
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.37 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 61925
- Latitude: 39.7112° N
- Longitude: 88.7987° W
Location and History
Dalton City is located on the northern edge of Moultrie County, near the Macon County line and about 20 miles southwest of Decatur. The village was established in the late 19th century and developed primarily as an agricultural community. Its small size and rural setting have helped it retain a quiet, residential atmosphere throughout its history. Dalton City was once a stop along the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railway, which aided in the town’s growth during the early 1900s. Today, it remains a small but proud village, deeply connected to the surrounding farmlands.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dalton City is part of the Mount Zion School District, which serves students from the village and neighboring areas. Although small, the village has a few key landmarks, including the Dalton City Community Center, which hosts local events and activities for residents. Nearby, the Friends Creek Conservation Area offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking trails and picnic areas. Dalton City’s annual community events, such as the Fourth of July celebration, draw visitors from neighboring towns, providing a glimpse into the village’s close-knit and family-oriented culture.
Gays, Illinois
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.16 square miles
- Population: Approximately 280 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 61928
- Latitude: 39.4584° N
- Longitude: 88.5059° W
Location and History
Gays is a small village located in the southeastern corner of Moultrie County, near the Coles County line. Founded in the late 19th century, Gays developed as a rural farming community, much like its neighboring towns. Its growth has remained limited over the decades, with its population peaking in the early 20th century before stabilizing at its current small size. The village’s history is closely tied to the agricultural economy, with many of its residents working on farms or in agriculture-related industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gays is part of the Windsor Community Unit School District, with nearby schools in Windsor serving the village’s students. The most unique landmark in Gays is the Two-Story Outhouse, a quirky and historic structure that has become a popular roadside attraction and symbol of the town’s lighthearted spirit. Additionally, Gays’ location near Lake Shelbyville provides residents with easy access to outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. Despite its small size, Gays remains a proud community with a strong sense of identity and connection to the surrounding countryside.
