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Alphabetical List of Cities in Illinois

October 19, 2024 / Last updated : October 19, 2024 Oblak MLB

Alphabetical List of Cities in Illinois

Illinois, known as the “Land of Lincoln,” boasts a diverse landscape of bustling cities, charming towns, and rural communities. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply curious about the geography of the Prairie State, knowing the cities within its borders can be helpful. Here’s a comprehensive Alphabetical List Of Cities In Illinois to guide you.

A – C: From Abingdon to Carlyle

A

Abingdon: Located in Knox County, known for its antique shops and historical architecture.
Aledo: The county seat of Mercer County, with a strong agricultural heritage.
Alton: Situated along the Mississippi River, rich in history and home to the impressive Robert Wadlow Statue.
Anna: Found in Union County, recognized for its apple orchards and the Shawnee National Forest nearby.
Arlington Heights: A vibrant suburb of Chicago, renowned for the Arlington International Racecourse.
Aurora: The second-largest city in Illinois, known for its historic downtown and riverfront.

B

Belleville: Located in St. Clair County, home to Scott Air Force Base.
Belvidere: The county seat of Boone County, with a rich industrial past.
Benton: Found in Franklin County, known for its coal mining history.
Berwyn: A close-in suburb of Chicago, recognized for its diverse population.
Bloomington: A central Illinois city, home to Illinois State University.

C

Cairo: Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, steeped in historical significance.
Calumet City: A suburb of Chicago, known for its industrial heritage.
Canton: Found in Fulton County, home to the International Harvester Company’s former headquarters.
Carbondale: A southern Illinois city, home to Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Carlinville: The county seat of Macoupin County, known for its historic courthouse square.
Carlyle: Located in Clinton County, situated near Carlyle Lake, a popular recreational area.

D – F: From Danville to Freeport

D

Danville: Located on the Vermilion River, known for its historic downtown and connection to the railroad.
Decatur: A central Illinois city, recognized for its agricultural industry and the birthplace of the Caterpillar tractor.
DeKalb: Home to Northern Illinois University, known for its research and academic programs.
Dixon: Located on the Rock River, known as the “Petunia Capital of the World” for its annual Petunia Festival.
Downers Grove: A western suburb of Chicago, known for its strong sense of community.

E

East Moline: Situated on the Mississippi River, part of the Quad Cities region.
East Peoria: Located across the Illinois River from Peoria, known for its manufacturing industry.
East St. Louis: Located in St. Clair County, with a rich history and cultural heritage.
Edwardsville: Home to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, recognized for its growth and development.
Effingham: Located in central Illinois, known for its crossroads location and transportation hub.
Elgin: Located on the Fox River, known for its historic downtown and the Elgin National Watch Company.

F

Fairfield: The county seat of Wayne County, known for its oil production.
Flora: Located in Clay County, known for its annual Watermelon Festival.
Freeport: Located in northwestern Illinois, known for its manufacturing history and connection to the Underground Railroad.

Illinois State Street

G – I: From Galesburg to Jacksonville

G

Galesburg: Located in Knox County, known for its railroad history and Knox College.
Geneseo: The county seat of Henry County, known for its Victorian architecture and antique shops.
Geneva: Located on the Fox River, known for its historic downtown and scenic riverfront.
Granite City: Located in Madison County, known for its steel industry and Croatian heritage.

H

Harrisburg: The county seat of Saline County, known for its coal mining history.
Harvey: A south suburb of Chicago, known for its industrial past.
Havana: Located on the Illinois River, known for its connection to Abraham Lincoln and its historic downtown.
Highland Park: A North Shore suburb of Chicago, known for its affluent community and lakefront location.

I

Jacksonville: Located in Morgan County, known for Illinois College and its historical significance.

J – L: From Jerseyville to Lincoln

J

Jerseyville: The county seat of Jersey County, known for its historic downtown square.
Johnston City: Located in Williamson County, known for its coal mining history.

K

Kankakee: Located on the Kankakee River, known for its industrial past and proximity to Chicago.
Kewanee: Located in Henry County, known for its manufacturing history.

L

La Salle: Situated on the Illinois River, known for its connection to French explorers and its industrial past.
Lawrenceville: The county seat of Lawrence County, known for its oil production.
Lebanon: Located in St. Clair County, known for its German heritage.
Lincoln: Named after Abraham Lincoln, known for its historical significance and its connection to Route 66.

Illinois Countryside

M – O: From Macomb to Olney

This is just a glimpse into the many cities that contribute to the rich tapestry of Illinois. Each city and town has its unique charm, history, and character, making Illinois a fascinating state to explore.

M

Macomb: Home to Western Illinois University, known for its academic programs and contributions to the region.
Marion: Located in Williamson County, known for its coal mining history and proximity to the Shawnee National Forest.
Mattoon: Located in Coles County, known for its manufacturing industry and connection to the railroad.

N

Naperville: A western suburb of Chicago, known for its highly-rated schools and family-friendly atmosphere.
Normal: Home to Illinois State University, known for its academic programs and vibrant college town atmosphere.

O

Olney: Located in Richland County, known for its annual White Squirrel Celebration.

P – R: From Paris to Robinson

P

Paris: The county seat of Edgar County, known for its historic downtown square and connection to the railroad.
Paxton: Located in Ford County, known for its agricultural heritage and small-town charm.
Pekin: Located in Tazewell County, known for its manufacturing industry and riverfront location.
Peoria: Located on the Illinois River, known for its history, culture, and connection to the Caterpillar company.

Q

Quincy: Located on the Mississippi River, known for its historical significance, architecture, and connection to Mark Twain.

R

Robinson: The county seat of Crawford County, known for its oil production and agricultural industry.

S – U: From Salem to Urbana

S

Salem: The county seat of Marion County, known for its historical significance and connection to the Underground Railroad.
Savanna: Located on the Mississippi River, known for its scenic beauty and historic architecture.
Shawneetown: Located on the Ohio River, one of the oldest cities in Illinois, known for its historical significance.
Springfield: The capital of Illinois, known for its connection to Abraham Lincoln and its historical sites.
Spring Valley: Located in Bureau County, known for its coal mining history.
Sterling: Located on the Rock River, known for its manufacturing industry and connection to the hardware industry.
Streator: Located in LaSalle County, known for its glassmaking history and connection to the Union Mission.

T

Taylorville: The county seat of Christian County, known for its agricultural heritage.

U

Urbana: Home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, known for its renowned academic programs and research institutions.

V – Z: From Vandalia to Zion

V

Vandalia: Located in Fayette County, the former capital of Illinois, known for its historical significance.

W

Washington: Located in Tazewell County, known for its agricultural industry and small-town charm.
Waterloo: Located in Monroe County, known for its German heritage and historic architecture.
Watseka: The county seat of Iroquois County, known for its agricultural heritage.
Waukegan: Located on Lake Michigan, known for its industrial history and diverse population.
West Frankfort: Located in Franklin County, known for its coal mining history.

Z

Zion: Located on Lake Michigan, known for its religious history and scenic lakefront location.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cities in Illinois

1. What is the largest city in Illinois?

Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, known for its iconic skyline, world-class museums, and vibrant cultural scene.

2. How many cities are there in Illinois?

Illinois has over 1,200 incorporated municipalities, including cities, towns, and villages.

3. What are some of the best cities to live in Illinois?

Illinois offers a range of desirable cities to live in, each with its own unique appeal. Some highly-rated cities include Naperville, Buffalo Grove, and Evanston, known for their excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and amenities.

4. What is the oldest city in Illinois?

Kaskaskia, founded in 1703, is recognized as the oldest city in Illinois, with a rich history dating back to the French colonial era.

5. What are some of the most affordable cities to live in Illinois?

If you’re looking for affordability, cities like Decatur, Danville, and Galesburg offer a lower cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas in Illinois.