Edgar County, Illinois
Edgar County is located along the eastern edge of Illinois, bordering Indiana. Paris serves as the county seat, offering the charm of a small Midwestern community with a strong local spirit.
Agriculture is the leading industry in Edgar County, with wide fields of corn and soybeans covering much of the landscape. With just over 17,000 residents, the county has a close-knit community where many families have deep local roots and take pride in their agricultural heritage.
Edgar County is known for its peaceful pace and lack of big-city bustle. Twin Lakes, just outside Paris, provide opportunities for fishing and boating, while the fall harvest season brings farms to life with activity. The combination of rural landscapes, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm gives Edgar County its distinct character.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Edgar County |
| County Seat | Paris |
| Etymology | Named after John Edgar, an Irish-born American merchant and politician |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Paris, Chrisman, Kansas, Hume, Metcalf, Brocton, Redmon, Vermilion, and various other unincorporated communities. |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 36, Illinois Route 1, Illinois Route 16, Illinois Route 49 |
| FIPS Code | 17-045 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 624 square miles (land: 623 sq mi, water: 1 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Vermilion County (North), Vermillion County, Indiana (Northeast), Vigo County, Indiana (Southeast), Clark County (South), Coles County (Southwest), Douglas County (West), Champaign County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 39.6836° N, 87.7361° W |
| Major Landmarks | Paris Twin Lakes Park, Edgar County Courthouse, Horace Mann Historical Marker, Castle Finn Winery |
| Population | Approximately 16,500 |
