Cities and Towns in White County, Illinois
Founded in 1815, White County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, White County was formed from Gallatin County. The city of Carmi is the county seat. With FIPS code of 193, White County has a population of 13,784 and area of 494 square miles (1,279 km²).
List of all cities in White County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Brownsville, IL | 62821 | 618/730 |
| Bungay, IL | 62887 | 618/730 |
| Burnt Prairie, IL | 62820 | 618/730 |
| Calvin, IL | 62827 | 618/730 |
| Carmi, IL | 62821 | 618/730 |
| Crossville, IL | 62827 | 618/730 |
| Dogtown, IL | 62821 | 618/730 |
| Emma, IL | 62834 | 618/730 |
| Enfield, IL | 62835 | 618/730 |
| Epworth, IL | 62821 | 618/730 |
| Gossett, IL | 62869 | 618/730 |
| Grayville, IL | 62844 | 618/730 |
| Herald, IL | 62869 | 618/730 |
| Heralds Prairie, IL | 62869 | 618/730 |
| Maunie, IL | 62861 | 618/730 |
| Mill Shoals, IL | 62862 | 618/730 |
| Norris City, IL | 62869 | 618/730 |
| Phillips, IL | 62827 | 618/730 |
| Phillipstown, IL | 62827 | 618/730 |
| Prairie, IL | 62820 | 618/730 |
| Rising Sun, IL | 62821 | 618/730 |
| Springerton, IL | 62887 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in White County, Illinois
1. Carmi
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.54 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,240 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62821
- Latitude: 38.0903° N
- Longitude: 88.1581° W
Location and History
Carmi is the county seat of White County, located in southeastern Illinois along the Little Wabash River. Founded in 1816, Carmi was named after the biblical figure Carmi by one of the town’s founders, Thomas Gray. The town’s early growth was fueled by agriculture, with farms producing crops like corn and soybeans, as well as livestock. Carmi also became an important trading post due to its proximity to the river. In the 20th century, the discovery of oil in the region spurred economic growth, bringing new industries and residents to the area. Today, Carmi continues to serve as the commercial and governmental center of White County, while maintaining its agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Carmi is served by the Carmi-White County Community Unit School District #5, with Carmi-White County High School as the primary institution for secondary education. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Ratcliff Inn, built in 1828 and now a museum showcasing local history. The historic Carmi Courthouse, dating back to 1883, still stands as a symbol of the city’s long-standing role as the county seat. The Little Wabash River provides recreational opportunities for fishing and boating, while Burrell Park offers walking trails, sports facilities, and a playground for local residents and visitors.
2. Grayville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.12 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,600 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62844
- Latitude: 38.2595° N
- Longitude: 87.9984° W
Location and History
Grayville is located in the northeastern part of White County, on the border with Indiana along the Wabash River. The city was founded in 1810 by James Gray and quickly grew as a river town, benefiting from its position on the Wabash River, which facilitated trade and transportation. Grayville’s economy was historically based on agriculture, and its location made it a key shipping point for crops and livestock. In the early 20th century, the oil boom brought new industries to the area, further stimulating economic growth. Today, Grayville retains its small-town charm and is known for its rich historical past and close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grayville Community Unit School District #1 serves the town’s students, with Grayville Junior-Senior High School as the primary secondary education institution. The city’s most notable landmark is the Grayville City Hall, a historic building that houses the Grayville Museum, which showcases artifacts from the town’s history, including its oil industry heritage. The historic Gray Mansion, a stately home built in the 19th century, is another key attraction. Additionally, the nearby Beall Woods State Park offers visitors hiking, birdwatching, and camping opportunities, providing a natural escape just outside the city.
3. Norris City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.93 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62869
- Latitude: 37.9784° N
- Longitude: 88.3270° W
Location and History
Norris City is located in the central part of White County, approximately 15 miles south of Carmi. The town was founded in 1871 when the Springfield and Illinois South-Eastern Railway was constructed through the area, leading to a small farming community rapidly expanding around the new rail station. Named after a local pioneer family, Norris City thrived as an agricultural hub, with farmers cultivating corn, soybeans, and wheat. The development of the railroad also made the town a shipping point for local goods. In the 20th century, Norris City expanded further, adding businesses and services to support its growing population.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Norris City is part of the Norris City-Omaha-Enfield (NCOE) Community Unit School District #3, with Norris City-Omaha-Enfield High School serving students in the town and surrounding areas. The Enfield-Norris City Museum preserves the history of the town and nearby communities, displaying local artifacts and historical documents. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Dairy Days Festival, which celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. Shawnee National Forest, located nearby, provides residents and visitors with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
4. Enfield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.41 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62835
- Latitude: 38.1031° N
- Longitude: 88.3328° W
Location and History
Enfield is a small village located in the western part of White County, just a few miles from Norris City. The village was established in the early 1800s as a rural farming community. Like many towns in the region, Enfield’s growth was tied to agriculture, with local farms producing a variety of crops, including corn, wheat, and soybeans. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Enfield remained a quiet, close-knit community focused on farming. Although it has remained small, Enfield has a rich history, and many of its residents are descendants of the area’s early settlers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Enfield is also part of the Norris City-Omaha-Enfield (NCOE) Community Unit School District #3, with students attending schools in nearby Norris City. The Enfield Cemetery, established in the 19th century, is a notable landmark that reflects the town’s long history. The village is also located near the Little Wabash River, providing opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation. The surrounding farmland and countryside are a key part of the village’s identity, with scenic views and a peaceful rural atmosphere making Enfield a quiet and attractive place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
5. Maunie
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.10 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62861
- Latitude: 38.0317° N
- Longitude: 88.0447° W
Location and History
Maunie is a small village located in southeastern White County, near the confluence of the Little Wabash River and the Wabash River. The village was founded in the late 19th century and was originally established as a rail and river transportation hub. Its proximity to the rivers made it a key point for shipping agricultural goods, particularly crops and timber. Over time, as transportation shifted away from rivers and railroads, Maunie’s population declined. Today, Maunie is a quiet, rural community with a deep connection to its natural surroundings and history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Maunie is served by the Carmi-White County Community Unit School District #5, with students attending schools in nearby Carmi. Although small, Maunie offers access to several natural attractions, including the Wabash River, which provides opportunities for fishing and boating. The nearby Beall Woods State Park offers hiking and wildlife viewing, giving residents and visitors access to some of the most beautiful natural areas in the region. While the village itself is small, its location near these rivers and parks makes it a peaceful retreat for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a slower pace of life.
