Cities and Towns in Perry County, Illinois
Founded in 1827, Perry County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Perry County was formed from Randolph and Jackson County. The city of Pinckneyville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 145, Perry County has a population of 20,985 and area of 441 square miles (1,142 km²).
List of all cities in Perry County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Conant, IL | 62274 | 618/730 |
| Cutler, IL | 62238 | 618/730 |
| Du Quoin, IL | 62832 | 618/730 |
| Pinckneyville, IL | 62274 | 618/730 |
| Tamaroa, IL | 62888 | 618/730 |
| Willisville, IL | 62997 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Perry County, Illinois
Pinckneyville
Overview
Pinckneyville, the county seat of Perry County, was established in 1818 and named after Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a South Carolina statesman and Revolutionary War hero. The city grew as a regional hub for agriculture, coal mining, and transportation, with the arrival of the railroad in the 19th century solidifying its status as a key town in southern Illinois. Pinckneyville’s history is deeply intertwined with the coal mining industry, which played a significant role in the local economy for decades. Today, the town has transitioned into a more diversified economy while retaining its rural charm and historical roots.
City Details
- Area: 4.43 square miles
- Population: 5,066 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62274
- Latitude: 38.0801° N
- Longitude: 89.3829° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pinckneyville is served by Pinckneyville Community High School District 101 and Pinckneyville Elementary School District 50. The town’s major landmarks include the Perry County Courthouse, a historic building at the center of the downtown area, and the Pinckneyville City Park, which hosts the annual Mardi Gras festival. Another notable site is Pyramid State Recreation Area, the largest state park in Illinois, offering fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities. The Perry County Jail Museum, housed in a historic jail, showcases the region’s law enforcement history and offers a glimpse into local life over the past century.
Du Quoin
Overview
Du Quoin is the second-largest city in Perry County and is located in the eastern part of the county. Founded in 1853, Du Quoin grew rapidly as a railroad town and became a major center for agriculture and coal mining. The town’s name is derived from Chief Jean Baptiste Ducoigne, a Kaskaskia Native American chief. Over the years, Du Quoin became famous for hosting the Du Quoin State Fair, which draws visitors from across Illinois each summer. Despite the decline of the coal industry, Du Quoin remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy and strong agricultural base.
City Details
- Area: 7.06 square miles
- Population: 5,761 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62832
- Latitude: 38.0117° N
- Longitude: 89.2362° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Du Quoin is served by Du Quoin Community Unit School District 300, which includes Du Quoin High School and Du Quoin Middle School. The city’s major landmarks include the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, home to the annual state fair and other major events like car racing and concerts. The Du Quoin City Lake provides recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The nearby Du Quoin Fairgrounds Racetrack is another popular attraction, with a long history of harness racing and other events. The annual Du Quoin Holiday Lights Fair is also a popular winter attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
Tamaroa
Overview
Tamaroa is a small village in the northern part of Perry County, originally founded in the 1860s as a railroad town. The village was named after the Tamaroa tribe, part of the Illiniwek Native American confederacy. In its early years, Tamaroa served as an important stop along the Illinois Central Railroad, facilitating trade and transport of agricultural products. Although it has remained a small, rural community, Tamaroa is known for its peaceful setting and strong agricultural traditions, with much of the surrounding area dedicated to farming and livestock.
City Details
- Area: 0.63 square miles
- Population: 566 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62888
- Latitude: 38.1381° N
- Longitude: 89.2345° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Tamaroa is served by the Tamaroa Grade School District 5, with older students attending high school in nearby Du Quoin. The village’s key landmarks include St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a historic site that has long been a focal point of the community. The village is also located near the Rend Lake, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Tamaroa hosts several local festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rural heritage and bringing the community together for events like the Tamaroa Fall Festival.
Cutler
Overview
Cutler is a small village in southern Perry County, established in the late 19th century as a coal mining town. Named after one of its early settlers, the village grew as coal mining became a major industry in the region. However, with the decline of mining, Cutler shifted towards agriculture, with farms surrounding the village producing crops like corn and soybeans. Today, Cutler remains a quiet, rural community that retains its small-town charm, offering residents a peaceful and relaxed lifestyle.
City Details
- Area: 0.24 square miles
- Population: 421 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62238
- Latitude: 38.0820° N
- Longitude: 89.5875° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cutler is served by the Trico Community Unit School District 176, which includes Trico High School located in Campbell Hill. Landmarks in the village include the Cutler Village Hall, which serves as the heart of local government and community events. Cutler is also close to Pyramid State Recreation Area, the largest state park in Illinois, where residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and hiking. Cutler’s annual Fourth of July celebration is a key community event, featuring fireworks, parades, and family-friendly activities.
St. Johns
Overview
St. Johns is a small village located in Perry County, Illinois, near the city of Du Quoin. Established as a coal mining community in the late 19th century, St. Johns was initially built to house miners working in the region’s numerous coal mines. As the mining industry declined, the village transitioned into a more rural, residential area. Today, St. Johns remains a small and quiet community, with many of its residents commuting to nearby Du Quoin or Pinckneyville for work and services.
City Details
- Area: 0.52 square miles
- Population: 200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62874
- Latitude: 38.0064° N
- Longitude: 89.2619° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. Johns is part of the Du Quoin Community Unit School District 300, with students attending schools in nearby Du Quoin. The village itself is primarily residential, with a small number of local businesses and services. Landmarks in St. Johns include the St. Johns Baptist Church, which has been a central institution in the community for many years. The village is located near the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, where residents can enjoy various events and recreational activities. St. Johns’ proximity to the larger cities of Perry County makes it a convenient, quiet place to live.
Willisville
Overview
Willisville is a small village located in the southwestern part of Perry County. Established in the late 19th century, Willisville began as a coal mining town, serving the needs of miners and their families who worked in the surrounding coal fields. As coal mining declined, the village’s economy shifted towards agriculture and small local businesses. Willisville remains a quiet, close-knit rural community, with a strong emphasis on family and tradition. Despite its small size, the village maintains a sense of pride in its history and heritage.
City Details
- Area: 0.27 square miles
- Population: 570 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62997
- Latitude: 37.9806° N
- Longitude: 89.5565° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Willisville is part of the Trico Community Unit School District 176, with students attending Trico High School in nearby Campbell Hill. Major landmarks in the village include the Willisville Community Park, which provides outdoor recreational space for residents and hosts local events throughout the year. The village is also near the Kinkaid Lake, a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Willisville’s proximity to both the natural beauty of southern Illinois and larger towns makes it an attractive place for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.
