Cities and Towns in Shelby County, Illinois

Founded in 1827, Shelby County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Shelby County was formed from Fayette County. The city of Shelbyville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 173, Shelby County has a population of 20,789 and area of 758 square miles (1,963 km²).

List of all cities in Shelby County, IL alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Beecher City, IL	62444	217
Bowling Green, IL	62422	217
Clarksburg, IL	62565	217
Cowden, IL	62422	217
	62438	217
Dollville, IL	62571	217
Duvall, IL	62565	217
Fancher, IL	62444	217
Findlay, IL	62534	217
Henton, IL	62565	217
Herborn, IL	62465	217
Herrick, IL	62431	618/730
Hinton, IL	62571	217
Kingman, IL	62463	217
Lakewood, IL	62438	217
Middlesworth, IL	62565	217
Mode, IL	62444	217
Oconee, IL	62553	217
Shelbyville, IL	62565	217
Sigel, IL	62462	217
Stewardson, IL	62463	217
Strasburg, IL	62465	217
Tower Hill, IL	62571	217
Westervelt, IL	62565	217
Windsor, IL	61957	217
Yantisville, IL	62534	217

Major Cities and Towns in Shelby County, Illinois

1. Shelbyville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 4.20 square miles
• Population: Approximately 4,700 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 62565
• Latitude: 39.4064° N
• Longitude: 88.7937° W

Location and History

Shelbyville is the county seat of Shelby County, located in central Illinois along the Kaskaskia River. Founded in 1827, Shelbyville was named after Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky. The city’s early economy was tied to agriculture, with local farmers producing corn, wheat, and livestock. The construction of Lake Shelbyville in the 1960s transformed the town into a popular tourist destination, with the lake providing recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The town’s location near the lake and its scenic riverfront has made it a hub for both tourism and outdoor activities, while it continues to serve as an agricultural center for the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Shelbyville is served by the Shelbyville Community Unit School District 4, with Shelbyville High School being the primary educational institution. Major landmarks include Lake Shelbyville, which draws thousands of visitors each year for its recreational activities, and the Chautauqua Auditorium, a historic site that hosts concerts and events. The Shelby County Courthouse, built in 1881, is a significant architectural landmark in the heart of downtown. The General Dacey Trail offers scenic hiking and biking opportunities, while Forest Park provides picnic areas and playgrounds for local families. The historical significance and natural beauty of Shelbyville make it an important cultural and recreational center in central Illinois.

2. Windsor

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.81 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,100 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 61957
• Latitude: 39.4428° N
• Longitude: 88.5931° W

Location and History

Windsor is a small town located in eastern Shelby County, near the border with Coles County. Established in the mid-1800s, Windsor developed as an agricultural community, with farming playing a central role in its economy. The town was named after Windsor, Connecticut, reflecting the heritage of some of its early settlers. Windsor’s growth was supported by its location along key transportation routes, including the railroad, which facilitated trade and commerce. Over the years, Windsor has maintained its rural character, with agriculture remaining a key part of the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Windsor is served by Windsor Community Unit School District 1, with Windsor High School providing secondary education for local students. Major landmarks in the town include Windsor City Park, which offers recreational facilities such as sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The town also hosts an annual Harvest Picnic, which celebrates Windsor’s agricultural roots with parades, local food, and community entertainment. Windsor’s close proximity to Lake Shelbyville and Wolf Creek State Park provides residents with access to outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The town’s rural charm and strong sense of community make it an appealing place for those seeking a quiet, small-town lifestyle.

3. Cowden

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.60 square miles
• Population: Approximately 600 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 62422
• Latitude: 39.2428° N
• Longitude: 88.8617° W

Location and History

Cowden is a small village located in the southwestern part of Shelby County. Founded in the late 1800s, Cowden developed as a rural farming community, with local agriculture focused on corn, soybeans, and livestock. The village was named after William Cowden, an early settler and landowner. Cowden grew slowly over the years, maintaining its rural character and strong ties to the farming industry. Its location near larger towns such as Shelbyville has allowed it to remain a peaceful, residential community, with much of its economy still based on agriculture.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cowden is part of the Cowden-Herrick Community Unit School District 3A, with Cowden-Herrick High School serving local students. The village’s main landmarks include Cowden City Park, which offers sports facilities, playgrounds, and picnic areas for residents to enjoy. Cowden’s annual Fall Festival is a popular community event, featuring parades, games, and local vendors. The town is also near the Kaskaskia River, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing and hiking. The rural setting and close-knit community make Cowden an attractive location for those who appreciate small-town living.

4. Findlay

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.60 square miles
• Population: Approximately 700 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 62534
• Latitude: 39.5231° N
• Longitude: 88.7528° W

Location and History

Findlay is located in northern Shelby County, near the southern shores of Lake Shelbyville. The town was founded in the mid-1800s and was named after James Findlay, a prominent local figure. Findlay’s early economy was based on agriculture, and the town developed as a farming community with strong ties to the surrounding rural area. The construction of Lake Shelbyville in the 1960s brought new opportunities for tourism and recreation, as Findlay’s proximity to the lake made it a popular destination for visitors seeking outdoor activities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Findlay is part of the Okaw Valley Community Unit School District 302, with Okaw Valley High School providing secondary education for local students. Major landmarks in Findlay include Wolf Creek State Park, located just outside the town, which offers camping, boating, and hiking opportunities along the shores of Lake Shelbyville. The town also hosts an annual Firemen’s Festival, which includes parades, food, and entertainment, bringing the community together to celebrate its rural heritage. The nearby General Dacey Trail provides scenic walking and biking paths, while Findlay City Park offers recreational facilities for families and visitors.

5. Herrick

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.33 square miles
• Population: Approximately 400 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 62431
• Latitude: 39.3169° N
• Longitude: 89.2384° W

Location and History

Herrick is a small village located in the southeastern corner of Shelby County, near the border with Fayette County. The village was founded in the late 1800s and named after local landowner Ephraim Herrick. Herrick developed as a rural farming community, with its economy centered on agriculture. The village’s small population and location in a predominantly agricultural region have allowed it to maintain a peaceful, rural atmosphere. While Herrick has remained small, it is a close-knit community with strong connections to the surrounding farmland.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Herrick is part of the Cowden-Herrick Community Unit School District 3A, with local students attending Cowden-Herrick High School. The village’s key landmarks include Herrick Park, which provides outdoor recreational facilities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. Herrick also hosts an annual Independence Day celebration, featuring fireworks, parades, and local food vendors, bringing the community together for a festive event. The nearby Kaskaskia River offers opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities, contributing to the village’s rural charm and making it an attractive place for those seeking a quiet, small-town lifestyle.