Christian County, Illinois
According to countryaah.com, Christian County, Illinois is located in the central region of the state and is home to over 32,000 people. It is bordered by Sangamon County to the north, Fayette County to the east, Shelby County to the south, and Macon County to the west. The county seat is Taylorville and other major cities include Edinburg, Kincaid, Pana, and Owaneco.
Christian County was founded in 1839 and named after a Revolutionary War veteran named Christian David Brokaw. The county has a rich history that dates back to Native American tribes such as the Kickapoo, Sac & Fox, Potawatomi, and Winnebago tribes who all inhabited this area prior to European settlement.
Christian County has a total area of 562 square miles with much of it being used for agricultural purposes. The county has an average elevation of 645 feet above sea level with its highest point being at 1,079 feet on Sugarloaf Mountain which overlooks Lake Taylorville.
The population of Christian County has steadily grown over recent years due mainly to its close proximity to Springfield which serves as both an economic center for this part of Illinois as well as a popular tourist destination for those looking for outdoor recreation activities such as fishing or hiking.
The median age in Christian County sits at 39 years old with over 22% of its population under 18 years old and nearly 13% over 65 years old. The median household income in Christian County sits at $51,039 which is slightly higher than the national average but still lower than several surrounding counties. The poverty rate in Christian County hovers around 11%, slightly lower than the national average but much lower than counties such as Fayette where it sits at nearly 16%.
Christian County offers a variety of recreational activities including golf courses, parks and trails along with fishing opportunities on both Lake Taylorville and Sangchris Lake State Park located just south of Taylorville. There are also numerous historical attractions throughout Christian County including Whitlock’s Mill Covered Bridge which was built in 1837 or Elijah Iles House located just outside Springfield that dates back to 1820s when Abraham Lincoln lived there while practicing law in Springfield.
Christian County provides something for everyone whether they are looking for an urban or rural lifestyle or anything in between making it one of Illinois’ most desirable locations.
History of Christian County, Illinois
Christian County, Illinois is located in the center of the state and is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area. It has a population of over 34,000 people and encompasses an area of 562 square miles. The county is named after Christian Rountree, who was an early settler in the region.
The history of Christian County dates back to the Native American tribes who inhabited this area prior to European settlement. Tribes such as the Kickapoo, Sac & Fox, Potawatomi, and Winnebago all called this land their home. With the arrival of European settlers came increased trading opportunities for these tribes as well as conflicts due to land disputes.
In 1839, Christian County was officially created from a portion Macon County and given its name in honor of Christian Rountree who was one of the earliest settlers in this region. The county seat was established in Taylorville which is now one of the largest cities in Christian County with a population over 11,000 people.
Agriculture quickly became one of the primary industries within Christian County with much of its land being used for farming and livestock production. By 1850 there were already over 10 grist mills operating throughout Christian County providing flour for local bakeries and other food products for local markets.
The late 19th century saw a period of rapid growth within Christian County with many new businesses opening up throughout Taylorville including banks, hotels, stores, restaurants and more. This period also saw an increase in transportation options with railroad lines being laid out throughout central Illinois making it easier for people to travel between towns within Christian County as well as access larger cities such as Chicago or St Louis further away from home.
Today, Christian County still maintains much of its agricultural roots but has also seen an increase in tourism related activities due to its close proximity to Springfield which serves both as an economic center for this part of Illinois as well as a popular tourist destination for those looking for outdoor recreation activities such as fishing or hiking. The county also offers numerous historical attractions including Whitlock’s Mill Covered Bridge which was built in 1837 or Elijah Iles House located just outside Springfield that dates back to 1820s when Abraham Lincoln lived there while practicing law in Springfield making it one popular destination among visitors looking to explore Illinois’ rich history.
Major cities and towns in Christian County, Illinois
Taylorville, the county seat of Christian County, is the largest city in the area with a population of over 11,000 people. It is located in the center of the county and offers a variety of amenities such as restaurants, shops, and entertainment. The downtown area offers a historic district with many Victorian-style buildings and homes. There are also several parks and recreation areas for visitors to take advantage of.
The city of Kincaid is located in the northeast corner of Christian County, just outside Taylorville. It has a population of around 1,500 people and features a small-town atmosphere with lots of local restaurants and shops. Kincaid is home to an annual festival celebrating their heritage called “Kincaid Days” which includes parades, live music, food vendors, and more. This festival draws in visitors from all over the region to experience some good old-fashioned small town fun.
Another popular town in Christian County is Edinburg which is located just south of Taylorville. This town has a population of around 2,100 people and offers plenty for locals to do including outdoor activities such as fishing or camping at nearby Lake Shelbyville which borders Edinburg on its south side. Additionally, there are several recreational facilities available such as golf courses or tennis courts for community members to enjoy year-round. Finally, Edinburg also has some interesting historical sites such as an old train depot that was once used by Abraham Lincoln when he was traveling through Illinois during his presidency.
Population in Christian County, Illinois
According to Act-Test-Centers, Christian County, Illinois is home to a population of just over 30,000 people. The majority of the population resides in Taylorville, which is the county seat and largest city with a population of 11,000. Other major cities within the county include Kincaid with 1,500 people and Edinburg with 2,100 people. Outside of these major cities there are several smaller towns and villages such as Bulpitt, Stonington and Owaneco which have populations ranging from 200-500 people each.
The county has experienced slow but steady growth in recent years due to its proximity to larger cities such as Springfield and Decatur. In addition to the growth in population, Christian County also has seen an increase in diversity over the years as many new immigrants have moved into the area seeking employment opportunities or better living conditions for their families.
Christian County is also home to a large number of retirees who have decided to make it their home due to its rural setting and low cost of living. Many retirees choose Christian County because it offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing or camping at nearby Lake Shelbyville or enjoying recreational facilities like golf courses or tennis courts that can be found throughout the county.
Christian County is a diverse community that offers something for everyone whether they are looking for work opportunities or a place to retire peacefully. Its close proximity to larger cities makes it an attractive option for those seeking employment while its rural setting provides plenty of recreational activities for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities or take advantage of its plentiful historical sites.
