Cities and Towns in Randolph County, Illinois
Founded in 1795, Randolph County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Randolph County was formed from St. Clair County. The city of Chester is the county seat. With FIPS code of 157, Randolph County has a population of 30,142 and area of 575 square miles (1,489 km²).
List of all cities in Randolph County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Baldwin, IL | 62217 | 618/730 |
| Bremen, IL | 62233 | 618/730 |
| Chester, IL | 62233 | 618/730 |
| Coulterville, IL | 62237 | 618/730 |
| Eden, IL | 62286 | 618/730 |
| Ellis Grove, IL | 62241 | 618/730 |
| Evansville, IL | 62242 | 618/730 |
| Glenn, IL | 62280 | 618/730 |
| Grigg, IL | 62278 | 618/730 |
| Houston, IL | 62286 | 618/730 |
| Menard, IL | 62259 | 618/730 |
| Modoc, IL | 62261 | 618/730 |
| Percy, IL | 62272 | 618/730 |
| Prairie du Rocher, IL | 62261 | 618/730 |
| 62277 | 618/730 | |
| Red Bud, IL | 62278 | 618/730 |
| Rockwood, IL | 62280 | 618/730 |
| Ruma, IL | 62278 | 618/730 |
| Schulines, IL | 62286 | 618/730 |
| Sparta, IL | 62286 | 618/730 |
| Steeleville, IL | 62288 | 618/730 |
| Swanwick, IL | 62237 | 618/730 |
| Tilden, IL | 62292 | 618/730 |
| Walsh, IL | 62297 | 618/730 |
| Welge, IL | 62288 | 618/730 |
| Wine Hill, IL | 62288 | 618/730 |
| Winkle, IL | 62237 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Randolph County, Illinois
Chester
Location and History
Chester, the county seat of Randolph County, is located along the Mississippi River in southwestern Illinois. Established in 1829, Chester was named after Chester, England, the hometown of one of the town’s founders. Its position on the Mississippi River allowed it to become a key port town in the region, facilitating trade and transportation throughout the 19th century. Chester’s economy historically relied on steamboat traffic, agriculture, and coal mining. The town is best known today as the birthplace of Elzie Crisler Segar, the creator of the famous comic strip character Popeye. Chester celebrates this legacy with statues and events in honor of Popeye and his associated characters.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 5.93 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,000 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62233
- Latitude: 37.9131° N
- Longitude: 89.8226° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chester is served by Chester Community Unit School District 139, which includes Chester High School. Major landmarks in Chester include the Popeye Character Trail, where visitors can find statues of various Popeye characters throughout the town. The historic Randolph County Courthouse is another notable site, reflecting the city’s long-standing role as the county seat. Chester’s proximity to the Mississippi River provides beautiful scenic views, and the town hosts annual festivals like the Popeye Picnic, which draws visitors from all over to celebrate its unique heritage.
Sparta
Location and History
Sparta is located in the northern part of Randolph County, about 50 miles southeast of St. Louis. Founded in 1829, Sparta grew primarily as a farming community, but it soon became a hub for coal mining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of coal in the region transformed the town, attracting workers and businesses. By the 20th century, Sparta was also known for its vibrant printing industry, with numerous newspapers and magazines being produced there. Although coal mining has declined, Sparta remains a regional center for commerce, healthcare, and education in Randolph County.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 11.45 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,300 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62286
- Latitude: 38.1301° N
- Longitude: 89.7015° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sparta is home to Sparta High School, which is part of the Sparta Community Unit School District 140. The town’s major landmarks include the World Shooting and Recreational Complex, a large outdoor shooting range that hosts international events and competitions. Another key site is the Sparta Historic District, which features buildings dating back to the 19th century. Sparta’s downtown area includes a mix of local shops, restaurants, and historical structures that reflect the town’s coal mining and printing heritage.
Red Bud
Location and History
Red Bud is a small city located in the northwestern part of Randolph County, about 40 miles southeast of St. Louis. The town was settled in the early 19th century and incorporated in 1867. It gets its name from the abundance of redbud trees that grew in the area when the first settlers arrived. Historically, Red Bud was an agricultural community, known for its production of grain, livestock, and dairy. Over the years, it has grown into a suburban community with a strong sense of local pride and a focus on small business development, while still retaining its rural roots.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,600 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62278
- Latitude: 38.2128° N
- Longitude: 89.9940° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Red Bud is served by Red Bud Community Unit School District 132, with Red Bud High School being the main educational institution in the area. The town’s major landmarks include the Red Bud City Hall, a historical building reflecting the town’s civic pride, and the Red Bud Historic District, which features well-preserved buildings from the 19th century. Red Bud is also home to the Red Bud Winery, which attracts visitors from across the region. Its proximity to St. Louis makes it a popular place for those who seek a peaceful, rural lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of a large city.
Steeleville
Location and History
Steeleville is located in the northeastern part of Randolph County and was founded in the mid-1800s. The town was named after George Steele, one of the early settlers in the region. Steeleville developed as a small farming community, focusing on grain and livestock production. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, the town experienced moderate growth, attracting businesses and residents from nearby rural areas. Today, Steeleville is a quiet town that maintains its agricultural roots, with a strong community spirit and local traditions.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.31 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,900 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62288
- Latitude: 38.0106° N
- Longitude: 89.6581° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Steeleville is served by Steeleville Community Unit School District 138, which includes Steeleville High School. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Steeleville Historic District, which contains buildings from the town’s early days. Additionally, Steeleville is known for its annual Fourth of July celebrations, which include parades, fireworks, and other community events. The surrounding rural landscape offers outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting and fishing, making Steeleville a popular destination for those who appreciate small-town life and the outdoors.
Coulterville
Location and History
Coulterville is a small village located in the northeastern corner of Randolph County. It was founded in 1850 and named after James Coulter, an early settler in the area. The village initially grew as a coal mining community, with the discovery of coal deposits driving much of its early economic development. As the coal industry expanded in the late 19th century, Coulterville saw a surge in population and infrastructure. Today, while the coal industry has declined, Coulterville remains a quiet, rural village with a strong sense of local history and community.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.69 square miles
- Population: Approximately 900 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62237
- Latitude: 38.1867° N
- Longitude: 89.6059° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Coulterville is served by Coulterville Community Unit School District 1, with Coulterville High School being the main educational institution. The village’s major landmarks include the Coulterville Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town’s coal mining history and early settlement artifacts. Additionally, Coulterville hosts several local festivals throughout the year, including a fall festival celebrating the town’s heritage. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and birdwatching in the nearby nature reserves and parks.