Scott County, Illinois
Scott County is in west-central Illinois, right along the Illinois River. Winchester is a village that serves as the county seat. The land is mostly flat, with some gentle hills near the river.
The Illinois River along the western side offers plenty of opportunities for recreation. Fishing and boating are popular when the weather is nice. The pace of life here is slow—really slow—but for the people who call Scott County home, that’s a big part of its appeal.
Interstate 72 cuts through the county, providing an important connection to the surrounding area. Scott County isn’t flashy or famous. It’s simply a quiet corner of Illinois, home to hardworking people who value family and tradition.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Scott County |
| County Seat | Winchester |
| Etymology | Named after Scott County, Kentucky, which was named in honor of Charles Scott |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Winchester, Jacksonville, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 72, Illinois Route 100, Illinois Route 104, Illinois Route 106 |
| FIPS Code | 17-171 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 552 square miles (land: 550 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Morgan County (East), Greene County (South), Pike County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 5,400 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 39.4538° N, 90.2321° W |
| Major Landmarks | Scott County Courthouse, Jacksonville Historic District |
