Where is Effingham, Illinois

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

Effingham is a city in central Illinois and the county seat of Effingham County. It sits at the junction of Interstate 57 and Interstate 70, about 80 miles south of Champaign and 100 miles east of St. Louis. The city is known as a major transportation crossroads and for the large Crossroads of America water tower landmark.

Location Map of Effingham, Effingham County, Illinois

Where is Effingham Located in Effingham County, Illinois

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

Effingham Map, Illinois

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

Where is Effingham Located?

Effingham is a city located in Effingham County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in central Illinois at the important intersection of Interstate 57 and Interstate 70. The city is about 80 miles south of Champaign, 100 miles east of St. Louis, and 70 miles west of Terre Haute, Indiana. Effingham is located at approximately 39.12° North latitude and 88.54° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 12,511 residents. The city covers about 9.50 square miles, or 24.61 square kilometers. Effingham serves as the county seat and is an important transportation, manufacturing, retail, and service center for the surrounding region. Its highway junction gives the city a strategic location for freight and passenger travel across Illinois and the Midwest. One of its most recognizable landmarks is the Crossroads of America water tower, which stands near the interstate interchange. Lake Sara, located west of the city, provides boating, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor recreation. Effingham's central location also makes it a convenient stopping point between major Midwestern cities.

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Effingham City Facts

FactDetails
CityEffingham
StateIllinois
CountyEffingham County
CountryUnited States
RegionCentral Illinois
Incorporated1861
Founded1855
Total Area9.50 sq mi (24.61 sq km)
Land Area9.39 sq mi (24.32 sq km)
Water Area0.11 sq mi (0.28 sq km)
ElevationAbout 590 feet (180 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 12,500
Population (2020 Census)12,511
Population Density1,332.7 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CST/CDT)
ZIP Codes62401
Area Code217, 447
Major HighwaysInterstate 57, Interstate 70, U.S. Route 45 and Illinois Route 33
Public TransitEffingham County Public Transportation
Major AttractionsCrossroads of America Water Tower, Mid America Motorworks, Lake Sara, Effingham Performance Center
Official Websitehttps://www.effinghamil.com/

Distance from Effingham, IL to Nearby Cities

  • Altamont, IL – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Teutopolis, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Mattoon, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Vandalia, IL – 29 miles (47 km)
  • Charleston, IL – 31 miles (50 km)
  • Newton, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Taylorville, IL – 47 miles (76 km)
  • Shelbyville, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Decatur, IL – 58 miles (93 km)
  • Terre Haute, IN – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Champaign, IL – 80 miles (129 km)
  • Danville, IL – 96 miles (154 km)
  • Springfield, IL – 85 miles (137 km)
  • St. Louis, MO – 100 miles (161 km)
  • Bloomington, IL – 105 miles (169 km)
  • Indianapolis, IN – 110 miles (177 km)
  • Peoria, IL – 125 miles (201 km)
  • Evansville, IN – 125 miles (201 km)
  • Carbondale, IL – 130 miles (209 km)
  • Chicago, IL – 205 miles (330 km)

Top Attractions in Effingham

  • Crossroads of America Water Tower – A large water tower near the Interstate 57 and Interstate 70 interchange that has become a recognizable Effingham landmark.
  • Mid America Motorworks – An automotive-themed destination featuring collections, events, and exhibits focused on classic cars and automotive history.
  • Lake Sara – A popular recreation lake west of Effingham offering boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
  • Effingham Performance Center – A regional performing arts venue hosting concerts, theater productions, and community events.
  • My Garage Museum – A local automotive museum featuring classic vehicles and memorabilia.
  • Village Square Mall – A regional shopping center serving Effingham and nearby communities.
  • Lake Pauline – A smaller nearby lake offering fishing and outdoor recreation.
  • Effingham County Courthouse – A central civic landmark serving as the county government center.
  • Downtown Effingham – The historic central business area with local restaurants, shops, public spaces, and community events.

Airports Near Effingham

  • Effingham County Memorial Airport (1H2) – 5 miles
  • Decatur Airport (DEC) – 65 miles
  • Willard Airport (CMI) – 84 miles
  • Terre Haute Regional Airport (HUF) – 72 miles
  • Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) – 88 miles

Sources:

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

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