Perry County, Illinois
Perry County is in southern Illinois, about halfway between St. Louis and the Kentucky border. Du Quoin is the largest town and also hosts the state fair every year. It’s a big deal around here.
Agriculture has become the main economic driver. The terrain is a mix of gently rolling hills and flat prairies. Winters are milder than up north, but ice storms can still cause plenty of trouble.
Pyramid State Recreation Area is the biggest state park in Illinois. In my opinion, it’s seriously underrated for hiking and fishing. Pinckneyville, the county seat, has that classic small-town feel.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Perry County |
| County Seat | Pinckneyville |
| Etymology | Named in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Pinckneyville, Du Quoin, Tamaroa, and several unincorporated communities including Oakdale and Steeleville |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 51, Illinois Route 13, Illinois Route 127 |
| FIPS Code | 17-145 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 476 square miles (land: 470 sq mi, water: 6 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Washington County (North), Jefferson County (Northeast), Franklin County (East), Jackson County (South), Randolph County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 22,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 38.0131° N, 89.3341° W |
| Major Landmarks | Perry County Fairgrounds, Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, and the historic Pinckneyville Opera House |
