Boone County, Illinois
Boone County sits in northern Illinois, not far from Chicago. Belvidere, the county seat, is surrounded by a mix of farmland and growing suburban areas. The Kishwaukee River winds through the county and offers good opportunities for fishing and canoeing.
Corn and soybeans cover much of the land, but the county also has a strong industrial presence, with a major auto plant providing jobs for many residents. Boone County is also home to numerous parks and preserves, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
The county is named after Daniel Boone and was formed in 1837 from part of Winnebago County. Old barns and new subdivisions stand side by side, making Boone County a community clearly shaped by ongoing growth and change.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Boone County |
| County Seat | Belvidere |
| Population | Approximately 54,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Belvidere, Poplar Grove, Capron, Caledonia, Garden Prairie, and various other unincorporated communities. |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway), U.S. Highway 20, Illinois Route 76, Illinois Route 173 |
| FIPS Code | 17-007 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 282 square miles (land: 280 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Rock County, Wisconsin (North), Walworth County, Wisconsin (Northeast), McHenry County (East), DeKalb County (South), Ogle County (Southwest), Winnebago County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 42.3244° N, 88.8263° W |
| Etymology | Named after Daniel Boone, a famous American pioneer and explorer |
| Major Landmarks | Boone County Fairgrounds, Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, Spencer Conservation Area |
