Cities and Towns in Richland County, Illinois
Founded in 1841, Richland County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Richland County was formed from Clay and Lawrence County. The city of Olney is the county seat. With FIPS code of 159, Richland County has a population of 15,796 and area of 360 square miles (932 km²).
List of all cities in Richland County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Berryville, IL | 62419 | 618/730 |
| Bonpas, IL | 62419 | 618/730 |
| Calhoun, IL | 62419 | 618/730 |
| Claremont, IL | 62421 | 618/730 |
| Dundas, IL | 62425 | 618/730 |
| German, IL | 62421 | 618/730 |
| Noble, IL | 62868 | 618/730 |
| Olney, IL | 62450 | 618/730 |
| Orchard Heights, IL | 62450 | 618/730 |
| Parkersburg, IL | 62452 | 618/730 |
| Wynoose, IL | 62868 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Richland County, Illinois
Olney
Location and History
Olney, the county seat of Richland County, is located in southeastern Illinois. Founded in 1841, Olney was established as a central hub for the county’s agricultural economy, specializing in corn, soybeans, and other staple crops. The city is perhaps most famous for its population of albino squirrels, which have become a symbol of the town and are protected by law. Olney’s strategic location along key transportation routes helped it grow throughout the 19th century, making it a center for commerce and trade in the region. Today, Olney continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and small businesses driving its economy.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 6.67 square miles
- Population: Approximately 9,000 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62450
- Latitude: 38.7306° N
- Longitude: 88.0856° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Olney is served by the Richland County Community Unit School District 1, which includes Richland County High School. Major landmarks include Olney City Park, home to the famous albino squirrels, and the historic Carnegie Library, which has served the community since the early 20th century. The city is also home to Olney Central College, part of the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges system, offering educational opportunities for local students. Additionally, East Fork Lake, located just outside the city, provides recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping.
Noble
Location and History
Noble is a small village located in the northeastern part of Richland County. Settled in the mid-19th century, the village was officially incorporated in 1867. Noble grew primarily as an agricultural community, with its economy centered around farming and small businesses that supported local farmers. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helped the village thrive by connecting it to larger markets in Illinois and beyond. Although it has remained a small village, Noble continues to play a key role in the local agricultural landscape of Richland County, with farming remaining its primary economic driver.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.89 square miles
- Population: Approximately 650 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62868
- Latitude: 38.6931° N
- Longitude: 88.2223° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Noble is part of the Richland County Community Unit School District, and students from the village attend schools in nearby Olney. Key landmarks in Noble include the Noble City Park, which provides recreational facilities for local residents, and the historic village hall, a reminder of the village’s rich history. The surrounding farmlands and open spaces offer beautiful rural scenery, making Noble a quiet and peaceful place to live. The village is also known for its annual community events that bring residents together and celebrate local traditions.
Claremont
Location and History
Claremont is a small village located in the eastern part of Richland County, near the Embarras River. Established in the mid-19th century, Claremont grew as an agricultural community, with its fertile land making it ideal for farming. The village was named after the nearby Claremont Township and became a small but thriving settlement thanks to its strong agricultural output. While Claremont has remained small over the years, it has a strong sense of community and maintains its farming heritage. Today, the village serves as a residential area with close ties to the surrounding countryside.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.39 square miles
- Population: Approximately 175 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62421
- Latitude: 38.7131° N
- Longitude: 88.0598° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Claremont is part of the Richland County school system, with students attending schools in nearby Olney. The village is known for its peaceful rural setting and close-knit community. Claremont’s landmarks include the historic Claremont Methodist Church, which dates back to the late 19th century, and the surrounding farmlands that provide beautiful views of the rolling countryside. The village’s location near the Embarras River also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking, making it a tranquil spot for nature lovers.
Parkersburg
Location and History
Parkersburg is a small village located in the northwestern part of Richland County. It was founded in the 19th century and named after a prominent local family, the Parkers, who were early settlers in the area. Parkersburg grew as a farming community, with the local economy based on agriculture and related industries. Like many small towns in the region, Parkersburg was connected to larger markets by the railroad, which helped the village flourish in its early years. Although it remains a small, rural village, Parkersburg has a strong community spirit and continues to thrive on its agricultural roots.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.39 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62452
- Latitude: 38.6345° N
- Longitude: 88.0453° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Parkersburg is served by the Richland County school system, with students attending schools in nearby towns like Olney. The village’s most notable landmarks include the Parkersburg Christian Church, a historic building that serves as a focal point for the community. The surrounding farmlands and rural roads offer scenic views of the Illinois countryside. Parkersburg is also known for its small-town charm and community events that bring residents together to celebrate local traditions and foster a sense of togetherness.
Dundas
Location and History
Dundas is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Richland County. Settled in the late 19th century, Dundas originally grew as a stop along the railroad, which played a vital role in its early development. The village was named after Dundas, Ontario, by an early settler who emigrated from Canada. While Dundas never grew into a large town, it remained an important local center for agriculture, with nearby farms producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. Today, Dundas is a quiet rural community with a rich agricultural heritage.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Not officially designated
- Population: Approximately 100 residents
- Zip Codes: 62425
- Latitude: 38.7933° N
- Longitude: 88.0628° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dundas is part of the Richland County school system, with students attending schools in Olney. The village’s landmarks include several historic homes and churches that reflect its 19th-century origins. Dundas is surrounded by fertile farmland, offering picturesque views of the rural landscape. The community is known for its quiet, peaceful atmosphere, making it an attractive place for those seeking a slower pace of life. Dundas also holds annual local events that celebrate its agricultural heritage and bring the small community together.
