Jackson County Map, Illinois

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

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

Jackson County Map, Illinois

Jackson County Map, Illinois

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

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Jackson County, Illinois

Jackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. It's county seat is Murphysboro. As per 2020 census, the population of Jackson County is 52565 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 584 sq mi (1,513 km2). Jackson County was established on 1816.

Facts about Jackson County, Illinois

CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
RegionSouthern Illinois
County SeatMurphysboro
Named AfterAndrew Jackson
Established1816
Organized1816
Coordinates37.79° N, 89.38° W
Total Area~602 sq mi
Land Area~584 sq mi
Water Area~18 sq mi
Population (2020)~52,974
Population RankMid-sized county in Illinois
Largest CityCarbondale
Main IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, Government, Tourism
Major UniversitySouthern Illinois University Carbondale
Time ZoneCentral Time (UTC−06:00)
Known ForHigher education, Shawnee National Forest nearby, outdoor recreation
Websitehttps://www.jacksoncounty-il.gov

Ctities in Jackson county

City NameTypePopulation (2020)Pop. DensityArea
AvaCity553523.2/sq mi (202.0/km2)1.057 sq mi (2.74 km2)
Campbell HillVillage309668.8/sq mi (258.2/km2)0.462 sq mi (1.2 km2)
CarbondaleCity21,8571,256.4/sq mi (485.1/km2)17.397 sq mi (45.06 km2)
De SotoVillage1,4071,542.8/sq mi (595.7/km2)0.912 sq mi (2.36 km2)
DowellVillage368943.6/sq mi (364.3/km2)0.39 sq mi (1.01 km2)
ElkvilleVillage8381,092.6/sq mi (421.8/km2)0.767 sq mi (1.99 km2)
GorhamVillage173141.9/sq mi (54.8/km2)1.219 sq mi (3.16 km2)
Grand TowerCity479383.8/sq mi (148.2/km2)1.248 sq mi (3.23 km2)
MakandaVillage547103.6/sq mi (40.0/km2)5.281 sq mi (13.68 km2)
MurphysboroCity7,0931,351.6/sq mi (521.8/km2)5.248 sq mi (13.59 km2)
VergennesVillage235667.6/sq mi (257.8/km2)0.352 sq mi (0.91 km2)

Roads and Highways in Jackson County, Illinois

Jackson County is well-connected by major highways that link it to southern Illinois and surrounding regions.

  • Interstate 57 – runs north-south through the county, connecting Carbondale to Marion and Mount Vernon
  • Illinois Route 13 – runs east-west, linking Carbondale to Murphysboro and Marion
  • Illinois Route 127 – runs north-south, connecting Murphysboro to Jonesboro and Pinckneyville
  • Illinois Route 149 – runs east-west, linking Murphysboro to Herrin and Hurst
  • Illinois Route 3 – runs north-south along the western side, connecting the county to Chester and Cairo

Neighboring Counties of Jackson County

  • Perry County (north)
  • Franklin County (northeast)
  • Williamson County (east)
  • Union County (southwest)
  • Randolph County (northwest)

Top Attractions in Jackson County, Illinois

Jackson County offers a mix of outdoor recreation, cultural sites, and college-town energy centered around Carbondale.

  • Southern Illinois University – A major campus with cultural events, museums, and sports.
  • Giant City State Park – Known for its unique rock formations, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
  • Little Grand Canyon – A popular hiking destination with dramatic landscapes and views.
  • Murphysboro Apple Festival – A well-known annual event celebrating local culture.
  • Carbondale Downtown Area – Features shops, dining, and entertainment options.
  • Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center – Offers outdoor activities, trails, and environmental programs.
  • Kinkaid Lake (nearby) – A popular spot for boating, fishing, and camping.

Distance from Jackson County to Nearby Cities

  • Carbondale to Marion – 15 mi (24 km)
  • Carbondale to Cape Girardeau – 50 mi (80 km)
  • Carbondale to Paducah – 60 mi (97 km)
  • Carbondale to St. Louis – 100 mi (161 km)
  • Carbondale to Evansville – 120 mi (193 km)

FAQs about Jackson County

Where is Jackson County located?

Jackson County is located in southern Illinois, centered around the city of Carbondale.

What is Jackson County known for?

The county is known for Southern Illinois University, Giant City State Park, and outdoor recreation.

What is the county seat of Jackson County?

Murphysboro is the county seat, while Carbondale is the largest city in Jackson County.

Are there outdoor activities in Jackson County?

Yes, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, lakes, and scenic natural areas throughout the county.

How can I reach Jackson County?

Jackson County is accessible via Interstate 57 and several Illinois state highways including Routes 13, 127, 149, and 3.