Marion County, Illinois
Marion County sits in the south-central part of Illinois, about an hour away from St. Louis, Missouri. There’s plenty of farming here, with corn and soybeans being the big crops.
Salem, the county seat, is located in the center of the county and is where you’ll find most of the action. Centralia is known for its hot air balloon festival, while folks across the county take pride in their strong sense of community.
Oil put this place on the map back in the day. Yep, there was an oil boom in Salem way back when. Now, agriculture is number one. Outdoor recreation is also popular, with plenty of hiking trails and fishing spots to enjoy.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Marion County |
| County Seat | Salem |
| Etymology | Named in honor of Francis Marion, a general in the American Revolutionary War |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Salem, Centralia, Kinmundy, and several unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 57, U.S. Highway 50, Illinois Route 37, Illinois Route 161 |
| FIPS Code | 17-121 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 570 square miles (land: 564 sq mi, water: 6 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Fayette County (North), Clay County (East), Wayne County (Southeast), Jefferson County (South), Washington County (Southwest), Clinton County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 37,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 38.6300° N, 88.9500° W |
| Major Landmarks | Salem Historical Museum, Centralia Carillon, and the Marion County Courthouse |
