Coles County Map, Illinois

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 26, 2026 | 14:30 ET

Map of Coles County - Coles County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. Coles County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Coles County located in the map, major cities in Coles county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Coles County Map, Illinois

Coles County Map, Illinois

About Coles County Map, Illinois: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

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Coles County, Illinois

Coles County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. It's county seat is Charleston. As per 2020 census, the population of Coles County is 46765 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 508 sq mi (1,316 km2). Coles County was established on 1830.

Facts about Coles County, Illinois

CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
RegionEast Central Illinois
County SeatCharleston
Named AfterEdward Coles
Established1830
Organized1830
Coordinates39.51° N, 88.22° W
Total Area~510 sq mi
Land Area~508 sq mi
Water Area~2 sq mi
Population (2020)~46,863
Population RankMid-sized county in Illinois
Largest CitiesCharleston, Mattoon
Main IndustriesEducation, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
Major UniversitiesEastern Illinois University
Time ZoneCentral Time (UTC−06:00)
Known ForHigher education, historic Charleston, manufacturing base
Websitehttps://www.co.coles.il.us

Ctities in Colesn county

City NameTypePopulation (2020)Pop. DensityArea
AshmoreVillage637791.3/sq mi (305.5/km2)0.805 sq mi (2.08 km2)
CharlestonCity17,2861,945.7/sq mi (751.3/km2)8.884 sq mi (23.01 km2)
HumboldtVillage3611,052.5/sq mi (406.4/km2)0.343 sq mi (0.89 km2)
LernaVillage2261,965.2/sq mi (758.8/km2)0.115 sq mi (0.3 km2)
MattoonCity16,8701,635.6/sq mi (631.5/km2)10.314 sq mi (26.71 km2)
OaklandCity739943.8/sq mi (364.4/km2)0.783 sq mi (2.03 km2)

Roads and Highways in Coles County, Illinois

Coles County is well-connected by major highways that link it to central and eastern Illinois, making travel easy for residents and visitors.

  • Interstate 57 – runs north-south through the county, connecting Mattoon to Champaign and Effingham
  • U.S. Route 45 – passes through the county, linking Mattoon to Effingham and Champaign
  • Illinois Route 16 – runs east-west, connecting Charleston to Shelbyville and Paris
  • Illinois Route 130 – runs north-south, linking Charleston to Urbana and Olney
  • Illinois Route 121 – passes through the county, connecting Mattoon to Decatur and Sullivan

Neighboring Counties of Coles County

  • Douglas County (north)
  • Edgar County (east)
  • Cumberland County (south)
  • Shelby County (west)
  • Moultrie County (northwest)

Top Attractions in Coles County, Illinois

Coles County offers a mix of college-town energy, parks, and cultural attractions centered around Charleston and Mattoon.

  • Eastern Illinois University – A vibrant campus with cultural events and historic buildings.
  • Fox Ridge State Park – Known for hiking trails, scenic views, and outdoor recreation.
  • Lake Charleston – A popular spot for fishing, boating, and relaxing by the water.
  • Mattoon Peterson Park – Offers playgrounds, trails, and community events.
  • Coles County Memorial Airport Area – Hosts local events and aviation activities.
  • Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site – A historic site preserving Abraham Lincoln’s family home.
  • Downtown Charleston Square – Features shops, dining, and local charm.
  • Douglas-Hart Nature Center – Provides trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.

Distance from Coles County to Nearby Cities

  • Charleston to Champaign – 45 mi (72 km)
  • Charleston to Decatur – 50 mi (80 km)
  • Charleston to Effingham – 30 mi (48 km)
  • Charleston to Springfield – 100 mi (161 km)
  • Charleston to Indianapolis – 120 mi (193 km)

FAQs about Coles County

Where is Coles County located?

Coles County is located in east-central Illinois, centered around the cities of Charleston and Mattoon.

What is Coles County known for?

The county is known for Eastern Illinois University, parks, and its connection to Abraham Lincoln’s history.

What is the county seat of Coles County?

Charleston is the county seat of Coles County.

Are there outdoor activities in Coles County?

Yes, visitors can enjoy state parks, lakes, nature centers, and recreational areas.

How can I reach Coles County?

Coles County is accessible via Interstate 57, U.S. Route 45, and several Illinois state highways.