Richland County, Illinois
Richland County sits in southeastern Illinois. U.S. Route 50 cuts through the county, but it’s far from any of the state’s major cities. Olney, the county seat, is known for its albino squirrels, giving the town a pretty quirky claim to fame.
The land is mostly flat, with some gentle hills scattered around the county. Richland County was once all about oil, but agriculture is the main game these days, with cropland and livestock supporting the local economy. Approximately 15,000 people live here.
Olney Central College brings some youth and energy to the area. Hunting is also popular, so you’ll see plenty of pickup trucks with gun racks. Richland County isn’t fancy, but it’s genuine.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Richland County |
| County Seat | Olney |
| Etymology | Named after its fertile and rich soil |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Olney, Noble, Parkersburg, and several unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Route 50, Illinois Route 130, Illinois Route 250 |
| FIPS Code | 17-159 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,014 square miles (land: 999 sq mi, water: 15 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Jasper County (North), Crawford County (Northeast), Lawrence County (East), Wabash County (Southeast), Edwards County (South), Wayne County (Southwest), Clay County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 15,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 38.7400° N, 88.0843° W |
| Major Landmarks | The Olney City Park, Richland County Historical Society Museum, and the East Richland High School sports facilities |
