Jasper County, Illinois
Jasper County is a quiet patch of east-central Illinois that most folks just zip through on their way to somewhere else. It’s pretty much a perfect square, with Newton, the county seat, located almost in the center.
Corn and soybeans stretch as far as the eye can see. The population has held steady at around 9,000 for years. You won’t find any big-box stores here, but the mom-and-pop shops are still hanging on.
The Embarras River cuts through the county, with some decent fishing spots along the way. Sam Parr State Park is the go-to place for camping and boating. Jasper County is a welcoming place to call home.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Jasper County |
| County Seat | Newton |
| Etymology | Named after Sergeant William Jasper, an American Revolutionary War hero |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Newton, Ste. Marie, Wheeler, Rose Hill, Hidalgo, Willow Hill, Yale, and various other unincorporated communities. |
| Interstates and Highways | Illinois Route 33, Illinois Route 130 |
| FIPS Code | 17-079 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 498 square miles (land: 494 sq mi, water: 4 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Cumberland County (North), Clark County (Northeast), Crawford County (East), Richland County (South), Clay County (Southwest), Effingham County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 9,500 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 38.9881° N, 88.1512° W |
| Major Landmarks | Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area, Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Embarras River, Jasper County Courthouse |
