Macon County, Illinois
Macon County is in the middle of Illinois, with Decatur at its heart. Archer Daniels Midland has a huge presence here, and you can smell the corn processing for miles. Lake Decatur is the centerpiece, offering fishing opportunities if you don’t mind the algae.
The county is flatter than a pancake, with corn and soybean fields stretching to the horizon. Summer brings the Decatur Celebration, a street festival that’s much bigger than you’d expect. Some neighborhoods still look straight out of the 1950s.
The Hieronymus Mueller Museum is a quirky spot in Decatur. Riveting stuff, really. Millikin University brings some life to the area, and you’ll find plenty of die-hard Bears fans here, even though the county is closer to St. Louis.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Macon County |
| County Seat | Decatur |
| Etymology | Named after Nathaniel Macon |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Decatur, Mt. Zion, Warrensburg, Macon, and several unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 72, U.S. Highway 51, U.S. Highway 36, Illinois Route 48, Illinois Route 121 |
| FIPS Code | 17-115 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 581 square miles (land: 579 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | DeWitt County (North), Piatt County (Northeast), Moultrie County (Southeast), Shelby County (South), Christian County (Southwest), Sangamon County (West), Logan County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 90,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 39.8494° N, 88.9540° W |
| Major Landmarks | Millikin University, the Decatur Public Library, and the Macon County Historical Museum |
PHYSICAL MAP
Macon County Topographic Map
Mostly flat with rich farmland, Macon County is part of Illinois’ vast central plains. Lake Decatur, a large reservoir on the Sangamon River, breaks up the open fields. Our zoom tool lets you explore the subtle elevation changes across the county.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Macon County Satellite Map
The most striking feature is Lake Decatur, a sprawling blue oval surrounded by Decatur. Farmland dominates the view, forming a grid of rectangular fields crisscrossed by straight rural roads. Highways like I-72 cut across the county in clean, straight lines.
OUTLINE MAP
Macon County Blank Map
Macon County is nearly a perfect rectangle, with straight borders on all sides—a classic example of Midwestern surveyor-drawn boundaries. No rivers define its edges, and it doesn’t border another state.
Illinois County Maps
Illinois County Map
Ready to explore Illinois? Discover counties full of surprises, from the energy of Chicago and Cook County to the quiet beauty of Shawnee National Forest. Explore rich history, farmland, natural scenery, and small-town charm with our Illinois county map. Find your next adventure and discover all that Illinois has to offer.