Cities and Towns in Stark County, Illinois
Founded in 1839, Stark County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Stark County was formed from Knox and Putnam County. The city of Toulon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 175, Stark County has a population of 5,294 and area of 288 square miles (746 km²).
List of all cities in Stark County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bradford, IL | 61421 | 309 |
| Broadmoor, IL | 61421 | 309 |
| Castleton, IL | 61426 | 309 |
| Elmira, IL | 61483 | 309 |
| Goshen, IL | 61483 | 309 |
| La Fayette, IL | 61449 | 309 |
| Lombardville, IL | 61421 | 309 |
| Milo, IL | 61421 | 309 |
| Modena, IL | 61491 | 309 |
| Osceola, IL | 61421 | 309 |
| Saxton, IL | 61483 | 309 |
| Speer, IL | 61479 | 309 |
| Toulon, IL | 61483 | 309 |
| West Jersey, IL | 61483 | 309 |
| Wyoming, IL | 61491 | 309 |
Major Cities and Towns in Stark County, Illinois
1. Toulon
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.92 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61483
- Latitude: 41.0945° N
- Longitude: 89.8637° W
Location and History
Toulon, the county seat of Stark County, is located in north-central Illinois, about 40 miles northwest of Peoria. Founded in 1837, Toulon was named after the French city of Toulon. The town developed as a regional center for agriculture, with local farms producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. Its location along key transportation routes, including railroads and highways, allowed it to become a hub for trade and commerce in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Toulon’s historical charm is evident in its well-preserved downtown area, which features buildings that date back to the 19th century. The city has retained its small-town character while serving as a quiet residential community for those working in surrounding areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Toulon is part of the Stark County Community Unit School District 100, with Stark County High School serving local students. Landmarks in Toulon include the Stark County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the center of county government. Toulon City Park offers recreational facilities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths. The town also celebrates its agricultural heritage through annual events such as the Stark County Fair, which features livestock shows, parades, and local food vendors. The Toulon Public Library, housed in a historic building, provides cultural and educational resources for the community.
2. Wyoming
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.98 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,400 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61491
- Latitude: 41.0611° N
- Longitude: 89.7735° W
Location and History
Wyoming is located in the southern part of Stark County, about 35 miles northwest of Peoria. The town was founded in 1836 and named after Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. Wyoming grew steadily as an agricultural center, with its economy largely based on farming, especially the production of corn and soybeans. The town also developed a strong industrial presence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with manufacturing plants contributing to local employment. Wyoming’s small-town charm, combined with its historical significance, has made it a stable and close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wyoming is part of Stark County Community Unit School District 100, with Wyoming students attending Stark County High School. Key landmarks include Thomas Park, which features a historic bandstand, sports fields, and playgrounds. The Wyoming Historical Society operates a museum that showcases the town’s rich history, including artifacts from its early days as a farming and industrial center. Wyoming’s downtown area features several well-preserved buildings from the 19th century, offering a glimpse into the town’s past. The town’s annual celebrations, such as the Wyoming Fall Festival, draw visitors and highlight the strong sense of community that defines Wyoming.
3. Bradford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.52 square miles
- Population: Approximately 750 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61421
- Latitude: 41.1767° N
- Longitude: 89.6551° W
Location and History
Bradford is a small village located in the northeastern part of Stark County, about 45 miles north of Peoria. Founded in 1871, Bradford was named after Bradford County in Pennsylvania, reflecting the origins of many of its early settlers. The village grew around agriculture, with farms producing crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred additional growth, making Bradford a key shipping point for agricultural products in the region. Although small, Bradford has maintained its rural charm and agricultural heritage over the years.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bradford is part of the Bradford Community Unit School District 1, with Bradford High School serving local students. Notable landmarks in the village include the Bradford Community Park, which offers sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas for residents. The village also hosts the annual Bradford Labor Day Festival, which features parades, food vendors, and community entertainment, celebrating the town’s agricultural roots. The Bradford Public Library serves as a community hub, offering educational resources and events. Bradford’s peaceful, rural setting and strong community ties make it a desirable place for those seeking a quiet, small-town lifestyle.
4. LaFayette
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.23 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61449
- Latitude: 41.1095° N
- Longitude: 89.9418° W
Location and History
LaFayette is a small village located in the western part of Stark County, approximately 40 miles northwest of Peoria. Founded in 1836, the village was named after the French hero of the American Revolution, Marquis de Lafayette. Like many other towns in the region, LaFayette’s growth was driven by agriculture, with the surrounding farmland producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. The village remained a small, rural community throughout its history, serving as a residential and farming hub for local families. Its historical roots are reflected in the village’s quiet, pastoral setting.
Major Schools and Landmarks
LaFayette is served by the Stark County Community Unit School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns such as Toulon. The village’s key landmarks include LaFayette Community Park, a small but well-maintained park that offers outdoor recreational facilities and hosts local events. The village is also home to several historic buildings, including old farmhouses that date back to the 19th century. LaFayette’s rural charm and strong sense of community are celebrated during local events like the LaFayette Homecoming, which brings residents together for food, music, and entertainment, fostering a sense of pride in the village’s history and heritage.
5. Castleton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.20 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61426
- Latitude: 41.1190° N
- Longitude: 89.7859° W
Location and History
Castleton is a small village located in the northern part of Stark County, about 40 miles north of Peoria. Established in the mid-19th century, Castleton originally developed as a farming community, with local families producing corn, wheat, and other crops. The village’s economy was closely tied to agriculture and small-scale trade, and its growth remained modest over the years. Despite its small size, Castleton has retained its historical charm and continues to serve as a peaceful residential area for those who appreciate rural life and close community connections.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Castleton is part of the Stark County Community Unit School District 100, with students attending schools in nearby towns such as Wyoming and Toulon. The village’s main landmarks include Castleton Park, which offers open green spaces and picnic areas for local residents. Castleton’s rural setting makes it an attractive location for those interested in farming, outdoor activities, and a slower pace of life. The village is also home to several historical homes that date back to the 19th century, reflecting its agricultural heritage. Community events are held throughout the year, bringing together residents to celebrate the village’s history and traditions.