Adams County, Illinois

Adams County sits on the western edge of Illinois, right along the Mississippi River. Quincy, the county seat, is a mid-sized city known for its rich history.

The county features a mix of rolling hills and flat farmland, creating a diverse landscape. Corn and soybeans are the main crops, with fields stretching for miles across the countryside. The Mississippi River plays an important role in daily life and offers excellent opportunities for fishing and boating, along with typical Midwest weather.

The county was founded in 1825 and named after John Quincy Adams. Quincy is known for its beautiful historic architecture, including numerous Victorian mansions. The county also has a strong German heritage, which can still be seen in many local traditions.

CategoryDetails
County NameAdams County
County SeatQuincy
PopulationApproximately 65,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesQuincy, Camp Point, Clayton, Columbus, Coatsburg, Fall Creek, Golden, Liberty, Lima, Loraine, Mendon, Payson, Ursa, and various other unincorporated communities.
Interstates and HighwaysInterstate 172, U.S. Highway 24, U.S. Highway 36, Illinois Route 57, Illinois Route 96
FIPS Code17-001
Total Area (Land and Water)871 square miles (land: 855 sq mi, water: 16 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Hancock County (North), Brown County (East), Schuyler County (East), Pike County (South), Marion County, Missouri (West), Lewis County, Missouri (West)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CT)
StateIllinois
Coordinates39.9886° N, 91.1875° W
EtymologyNamed after John Adams, the second President of the United States
Major LandmarksVilla Kathrine, Quincy Museum, Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design, Siloam Springs State Park
Scroll to Top