Cities and Towns in Woodford County, Illinois
Founded in 1841, Woodford County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Woodford County was formed from Tazewell and McLean County. The city of Eureka is the county seat. With FIPS code of 203, Woodford County has a population of 38,225 and area of 527 square miles (1,365 km²).
List of all cities in Woodford County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Benson, IL | 61516 | 309 |
| Cazenovia, IL | 61545 | 309 |
| Congerville, IL | 61729 | 309 |
| El Paso, IL | 61738 | 309 |
| Eureka, IL | 61530 | 309 |
| Germantown Hills, IL | 61548 | 309 |
| Goodfield, IL | 61742 | 309 |
| Kappa, IL | 61738 | 309 |
| Lowpoint, IL | 61545 | 309 |
| Metamora, IL | 61548 | 309 |
| Minonk, IL | 61760 | 309 |
| Oak Ridge, IL | 61548 | 309 |
| Panola, IL | 61738 | 309 |
| Partridge, IL | 61548 | 309 |
| Roanoke, IL | 61561 | 309 |
| Secor, IL | 61771 | 309 |
| Spires, IL | 61760 | 309 |
| Woodford, IL | 61760 | 309 |
Major Cities and Towns in Woodford County, Illinois
1. Eureka
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.48 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,400 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61530
- Latitude: 40.7145° N
- Longitude: 89.2768° W
Location and History
Eureka is located in the heart of Woodford County, Illinois, and serves as the county seat. The city is approximately 20 miles east of Peoria and is nestled within the rolling farmlands that dominate central Illinois. Eureka was founded in 1855 and quickly became known for its strong abolitionist sentiment, playing a significant role in the Underground Railroad. The city is also home to Eureka College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1855, which gained national recognition as the alma mater of President Ronald Reagan. Its location along the old Illinois Central Railroad further bolstered its growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Eureka College is the town’s most prominent educational institution, providing higher education opportunities and hosting significant events. Eureka High School is the main secondary education provider for local students. The Ronald Reagan Museum and Peace Garden, located on the Eureka College campus, are notable landmarks, honoring the legacy of the 40th U.S. president. The Eureka Lake and Lakeview Park offer recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, and the city boasts a charming downtown area that reflects its rich historical past.
2. El Paso
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.59 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,800 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61738
- Latitude: 40.7392° N
- Longitude: 89.0164° W
Location and History
El Paso is situated in the northern part of Woodford County and is located at the intersection of major highways, including Interstate 39 and U.S. Route 24, making it a key transit hub for the region. The town was established in 1854 during the expansion of the railroads in Illinois, which contributed significantly to its early growth. El Paso derived its name from the Spanish word for “the pass,” reflecting the town’s position as a crossroads. Historically, El Paso served as a stopover for travelers and has retained its small-town charm while benefiting from modern infrastructure. Its strategic location has made it an essential link between nearby urban centers such as Bloomington and Peoria.
Major Schools and Landmarks
El Paso-Gridley High School is the town’s primary secondary education institution, serving both El Paso and nearby communities. Parks and outdoor spaces, including South Pointe Park, provide recreational activities. The El Paso Public Library, established in 1897, serves as a cultural and historical resource for residents. A popular local attraction is the El Paso Golf Club, offering a scenic 18-hole course. The town also hosts several historical homes and buildings that echo its railroad-era origins, making it a quaint yet vibrant community.
3. Metamora
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.96 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,700 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61548
- Latitude: 40.7914° N
- Longitude: 89.3601° W
Location and History
Metamora is located in the southern part of Woodford County, roughly 15 miles northeast of Peoria. It was first settled in the early 1830s and became the county seat for a brief period before Eureka assumed that role. The village has retained its historical charm with many 19th-century buildings still standing, including the Woodford County Courthouse, which is now a museum. Metamora’s early development was tied to agriculture and the town became a key market center for the surrounding farms. In recent decades, its proximity to larger cities has made it an attractive residential community for commuters.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Metamora Township High School is the main educational institution in the area, with a reputation for strong academic and athletic programs. The town is also home to the Metamora Grade School, serving younger students. Key landmarks include the historic Metamora Courthouse, which dates back to 1845 and is a key piece of Woodford County’s history. The town square features several quaint shops and eateries, maintaining the village’s old-world charm. Black Partridge Park offers ample recreational facilities, including trails and sports fields, making it a hub for community activities.
4. Roanoke
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.72 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61561
- Latitude: 40.7964° N
- Longitude: 89.1998° W
Location and History
Roanoke is located in the central part of Woodford County, about 20 miles northwest of Bloomington-Normal. The town was founded in 1872 and initially thrived due to its location near railroads and its proximity to fertile farmland. Roanoke grew steadily through the early 20th century as a farming community, and its economy remained closely tied to agriculture. Its name, reportedly derived from a town in Virginia, reflects the influence of early settlers who migrated from the East Coast. Today, Roanoke continues to serve as a tight-knit community with a rural atmosphere, while modern developments have made it a comfortable place for families.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Roanoke-Benson High School is the primary educational facility in the town, providing both academic and extracurricular activities for local youth. The town is home to several parks, including Roanoke Park, which offers baseball fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. A significant local landmark is the Roanoke Mennonite Church, reflecting the town’s deep Mennonite roots and history. The nearby Roanoke Farmers Market is a popular gathering place for local residents and visitors alike, offering a variety of fresh produce and handmade goods from local farmers and artisans.
5. Minonk
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.42 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61760
- Latitude: 40.9042° N
- Longitude: 89.0301° W
Location and History
Minonk is located in the northern part of Woodford County, close to Interstate 39 and about 30 miles south of LaSalle-Peru. The town was founded in 1854 and its name is believed to have been derived from a Native American word meaning “high point,” which reflects its position on the elevated plains of central Illinois. Minonk became an important hub during the expansion of the Illinois Central Railroad, and much of its growth during the late 19th century can be attributed to this connection. Though historically an agricultural town, Minonk has diversified its economy while maintaining its rural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fieldcrest High School serves Minonk and surrounding areas, offering education and athletic programs. The town’s layout features a well-preserved historic downtown area with shops and businesses that reflect its railroad-era past. Sutton Park is a central recreational area, providing residents with playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths. Another landmark is the Filger Library, a historic institution established in 1914, which continues to serve as a community gathering point and resource. Minonk is also known for its wind farms, which are visible from various points in the town and represent its steps toward sustainable energy.
