Stark County, Illinois
Stark County is a tiny patch of rural Illinois, tucked between Peoria and the Quad Cities. Toulon is the county seat, located on the western side. It’s about as small as it gets.
The Spoon River runs through the southern part of the county and is popular for fishing and canoeing when the water is up. The Toulon Historical Museum offers a look back at the area’s past.
The population is small, making Stark one of the least populous counties in the state, with around 5,000 people. Everyone knows everyone here, which can make for some awkward moments when you’re trying to keep a secret.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Stark County |
| County Seat | Toulon |
| Etymology | Named after General John Stark, a hero of the American Revolution |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Toulon, Wyoming, Bradford, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Route 34, Illinois Route 17 |
| FIPS Code | 17-175 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 330 square miles (land: 329 sq mi, water: 1 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Henry County (Northwest), Bureau County (North), Marshall County (East), Peoria County (South), Knox County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 5,800 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 41.1697° N, 89.7461° W |
| Major Landmarks | Stark County Courthouse, Toulon Historical Museum, and the Stark County Fairgrounds |
