Where is Carbondale, Illinois

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Carbondale is a city in southern Illinois and part of Jackson County. It is about 60 miles southeast of St. Louis and 95 miles south of Springfield. The city is known for Southern Illinois University, Giant City State Park, and its location near the Shawnee National Forest.

Location Map of Carbondale, Jackson County, Illinois

Where is Carbondale Located in Jackson County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Carbondale in Jackson County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Carbondale Map, Illinois

About Carbondale Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Carbondale in Jackson County, Illinois. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Carbondale Located?

Carbondale is a city located in Jackson County, Illinois, the United States. It is about 60 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, and 95 miles south of Springfield, Illinois. Carbondale is located at approximately 37.7273° North latitude and 89.2168° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 21,857 residents, and the city covers about 17.16 square miles (44.44 sq km). Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a major landmark and educational institution in the city. Carbondale was founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1856. Its location near the Shawnee National Forest, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, and the Mississippi River region makes it an important center for education, recreation, and commerce in southern Illinois.

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Carbondale City Facts

FactDetails
CityCarbondale
StateIllinois
CountyJackson County
CountryUnited States
RegionSouthern Illinois
Incorporated1856
Founded1852
Total Area17.16 sq mi (44.44 sq km)
Land Area16.93 sq mi (43.85 sq km)
Water Area0.23 sq mi (0.60 sq km)
ElevationAbout 415 ft (126 m)
Population (2023 estimate)21,900
Population (2020 Census)21,857
Population Density1,291 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Standard Time (CST); Central Daylight Time (CDT)
ZIP Codes62901, 62902, 62903
Area Code618, 730
Major HighwaysInterstate 57, U.S. Route 13, Illinois Route 13, Illinois Route 146
Public TransitSaluki Express, Jackson County Mass Transit
Major AttractionsSouthern Illinois University Carbondale, Giant City State Park, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, University Museum
Official Websitehttps://explorecarbondale.com/

Distance from Carbondale, IL to Nearby Cities

  • Murphysboro, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Marion, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Herrin, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Johnston City, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Du Quoin, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Anna, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Vienna, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Harrisburg, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Cape Girardeau, MO – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Mount Vernon, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Paducah, KY – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Sikeston, MO – 70 miles (113 km)
  • St. Louis, MO – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Evansville, IN – 115 miles (185 km)
  • Springfield, IL – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Nashville, TN – 145 miles (233 km)

Top Attractions in Carbondale

  • Southern Illinois University Carbondale – Major public university and one of the city's most important cultural and educational institutions.
  • Giant City State Park – Nearby park known for sandstone rock formations, hiking trails, forests, and outdoor recreation.
  • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge – Large protected area with lakes, wetlands, forests, wildlife habitat, and recreation.
  • University Museum – Museum at Southern Illinois University featuring art, anthropology, natural history, and cultural exhibits.
  • Woodland Hills Golf Club – Local golf course surrounded by the wooded landscapes of southern Illinois.
  • Little Grassy Lake – Nearby lake popular for fishing, boating, camping, and outdoor activities.
  • Shawnee National Forest – Large forest region surrounding Carbondale with trails, cliffs, lakes, and scenic landscapes.
  • Makanda Boardwalk – Nearby village attraction with shops and access to the natural scenery of the Shawnee Hills.

Airports Near Carbondale

  • Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA) – 15 miles
  • Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA) – 15 miles
  • Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) – 45 miles
  • Marion Municipal Airport (MWA) – 15 miles
  • Barkley Regional Airport (PAH) – 70 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Carbondale tourism and city information website and local government records.

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