Clinton County, Illinois
Clinton County is located in southern Illinois, with Carlyle serving as the county seat. The county sits along the shores of Carlyle Lake, a popular destination for boating and fishing and one of the area’s major recreational attractions.
Farms cover much of Clinton County, with dairy cattle being a common sight across the countryside. The county also has a strong German heritage, which can be seen through its local traditions, celebrations, and community festivals.
The county is named after DeWitt Clinton, a former governor of New York. Small towns are scattered throughout the rural landscape, particularly along U.S. Highway 50, which connects communities across the county.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Clinton County |
| County Seat | Carlyle |
| Etymology | Named after DeWitt Clinton, the 6th Governor of New York |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Carlyle, Breese, Centralia (part), Aviston, Trenton, Albers, New Baden, Germantown, Beckemeyer, Hoffman, Bartelso, and various other unincorporated communities. |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 64, U.S. Highway 50, Illinois Route 127, Illinois Route 160, Illinois Route 161 |
| FIPS Code | 17-027 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 503 square miles (land: 474 sq mi, water: 29 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Bond County (North), Fayette County (Northeast), Madison County (Northwest), Marion County (East), St. Clair County (West), Washington County (South) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 38.6067° N, 89.4236° W |
| Major Landmarks | Carlyle Lake, Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, General Dean Suspension Bridge, Clinton County Courthouse |
| Population | Approximately 36,000 |
