Peoria County
Known as the Heart of Illinois, Peoria County is at the center of a multiple county region along the Illinois River midway between Chicago and St. Louis. Peoria County, Illinois (pop. 182,495) combines big city assets with a small town lifestyle and is an attractive location for new businesses. The region's central location and moderate population encourage local economic growth and support a variety of recreational and cultural opportunities.
Woodford County
Woodford County, home to 35,503 residents, was organized in 1841 by a committee of pioneers, headed by Thomas Bullock who came to Walnut Grove (now Eureka) in 1835 from his birthplace of Versailles in Woodford County, Kentucky. The County and its first County Seat, Versailles, were both named by Mr. Bullock in honor of his boyhood home. Abraham Lincoln was one of the early-day lawyers who practiced in the Versailles Court.
Knox County
In Knox County the 52,919 residents enjoy the beauty that its numerous lakes, streams, and campgrounds provide. In addition to the tranquil nature of the area, another point of pride is the excellent health and education services that employ many in the County.
Stark County
Stark County is located in north central Illinois and has a population of 5,994. The county was formed on March 2, 1839 out of Knox and Putnam Counties. It was named for General Colonel John Stark (August 28, 1728 – May 8, 1822) who served in the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He became widely known as the "Hero of Bennington" for his exemplary service at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.
Marshall County
The 12,640 people that call charming Marshall County home enjoy the warm small town feel with an affluent historical background and a focus on the manufacturing industry. The County is 388 square miles and home to Marshalltown Community College, Rust College, and B M Spurr School of Practical Nursing.
Mason County
Mason County’s 14,666 citizens are bordered by the Sangamon and Illinois Rivers. Mason County is well situated for industry as well as agriculture. With its fertile soil, the county has been recognized as one of the leading agricultural areas in Illinois. Since the advent of irrigation, its farmers have diversified into many specialty crops such as popcorn, cucumbers, melons, and tomatoes earning the county title: "The Imperial Valley of the Midwest."
Putnam County
Putnam County is the smallest county in the state of Illinois, encompassing only 166 square miles and around 6,000 citizens. The county’s namesake, Israel Putnam [1718-1790] served in the French & Indian War and Pontiac's War, prior to being a major general in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Macon County
Macon County, Illinois was organized in 1829, and at that time included not only its present geographic area, but also in portions of the present-day Piatt, DeWitt, and Moultrie Counties. The county was named in honor of Nathaniel Macon of North Carolina, who was a prominent national character during many of the early years of our Republic, having served with distinction throughout the Revolutionary War. Macon’s 110,768 citizens are surrounded by many historical sites. Abraham Lincoln associated sites include the log house where Lincoln tried several cases as a lawyer in the 1830's, the site of his famous "Stump Speech", the site where Lincoln was nominated for President, and the Lincoln Homestead where Lincoln and his family lived.
Cass County
Cass County, Illinois--home of Arenzville, Ashland, Beardstown, Chandlerville, and Virginia, has a population of 13,643. The County has a politically rich history—Lewis Cass, the town namesake, was an important political figure in the early 1800’s.
Menard County
Menard County was established in the winter of 1839 by action of the Illinois State Legislature, being one of three counties split off from Sangamon County. At the time, Abraham Lincoln was a Representative to the State Legislature and Chairman of the Committee on Counties. Menard County is located slightly west of the center of the state and contains approximately 314 square miles. Petersburg, the county seat, is about 20 miles northwest of Springfield. A large number of settlers from Southern states and European immigrants came to Menard County to farm. The county continues to be known for agriculture and its rural character, while also providing a diversity of residential living options, quality schools and a service-based economy that caters to the area’s 12,705 residents and numerous businesses.
Schuyler County
Whether your interest lies in sports, golf, hunting, fishing, theatre, music, antiques, the arts, or movies, there is an opportunity to enjoy it in Schuyler County. The first thing you will notice when you arrive in Rushville is the lovely town square. Centered by a graceful bandstand, it is surrounded by blossoming trees in springtime and glorious lights during the holidays. The population of 7,544 enjoys the thriving shops that surround the square. The lovingly restored 19th century Schuyler County Courthouse merits a visit, as does the nationally acclaimed Schuyler Jail Museum, a treasure house of pioneer artifacts and genealogical information.
Brown County
Brown County, Illinois is a small, agricultural community that is home to nearly 5,000 residents. They are unique in the fact that it has one school district for the whole county, along with a faith based school. The school systems are rapidly improving student performances and raising academic expectations. Brown County is home to the Hornets! Enthusiasm for school spirit prevails in Brown County whether they are striving for smarter Hornets in our classrooms or stronger Hornets on their playing fields.
Adams County
Located in west central Illinois, Adams County provides its 67,103 citizens with opportunity, diversity, and quality. Most of the residents live in or near the City of Quincy, while most of the land is used for agriculture. The county is on the banks of the Mississippi River, which provides transportation and recreation.Quincy is the regional hub for medical services, manufacturing, entertainment, and education. As the largest city within 100 miles, Quincy provides the entire county with some of the amenities of larger cities. And several smaller communities compliment Quincy by offering superb quality of life in rural settings.
Pike County
Pike County and its 16,430 population are located in west central Illinois, bound on the east by the Illinois River and on the west by the Mississippi. The area is renowned for its trophy whitetail deer hunting, wild turkey and other bird hunting, and beautiful scenery. Pittsfield is closely connected to the villages of Barry, Griggsville, and Pleasant Hill. Each town has its own governmental and educational infrastructure and community identity. However, they share resources (Pittsfield is the area’s primary source of health care) and many citizens have multiple leadership roles in community or business activities.
Sangamon County
The beautiful County of Sangamon located in the heartland of the nation. Sangamon County, Illinois was established in 1821 and has seen many changes over the years. The 197,465 citizens enjoy continued to growth and prosperity due to excellent economic conditions. There are many factors that contribute to the quality of life in Sangamon County, most importantly excellent neighborhoods with a great sense of community. Sangamon County is a wonderful place to live, do business and visit.
Scott County
Scott County is part of the great-plains landscape of Central Illinois, the county's western border consists of the scenic rolling hills on the bluffs of the Illinois River. Jacksonville, Illinois, a community of 20,000 residents, and rich in manufacturing, retail and service businesses, lies just to the East. Interstate 72, just 3 miles to the North, makes the community easily accessible to travelers.
Morgan County
The area was originally part of Madison County, which was formed in 1812, before Illinois become a state. Morgan County borders the Illinois River at Meredosia, located in the northwest corner of the county and is home to 36,000 residents. The rolling hills of the river gently flatten to the plains around Waverly in the southeast. In every part of Morgan County, agriculture plays a major role in the area’s economic stability.
Bureau County
Offering a slice of heaven, with the Hennepin Canal and other beautiful places, Bureau County and its 53,503 citizens experience some of the finest fishing, hiking, and golfing the north central Illinois has to offer. Bureau County and explore Captain Swifts Covered Bridge, The Red Covered Bridge, The Flags of Freedom, and other attractions during a stay in Bureau County. Many are drawn to Bureau County in the autumn when the mild temperatures and the multitude of fall colors create a perfect fall environment.
Logan County
Logan County, Illinois is situated almost directly in the center of Illinois and is surrounded by 5 major cities, including the state capitol of Springfield. Logan County is filled with history and historical sites that are directly connected with Abraham Lincoln and Route 66. Logan County’s population of around 30,000 are employed by main industries such as manufacturing, wholesale trade, and retail.
Tazewell County
Tazewell County is the central Illinois community combines city assets with the serene beauty and quiet countryside of rural living. It is located on the Illinois River adjacent to Peoria and part of the Peoria-Pekin Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has an estimated population of 352,164. Tazewell County offers something for everyone, with a strong commitment of maintaining a high quality of life and friendly communities. Tazewell County provides a hometown feel in the middle of a growing, progressive region with a strong employment base and plenty of amenities to complement the rural landscape. Individuals can enjoy the services and benefits of traditional urban services and the peaceful, quiet countryside of rural life. Agriculture is an important component of Tazewell County’s history and economy and it is ingrained with the County’s identity and way of life. The flat fertile fields, wooded slopes, ravines and forested riparian areas contribute to a diverse landscape that provides many benefits to residents of the county.
