Smallest Cities in Illinois

Top 100 cities ranked by smallest cities

Best Illinois Cities

Composite rankings combining multiple weighted metrics, 4 topics from climate and air quality data.

Best Climate Cities
Warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and clean air.
Cleanest Air Cities
Lowest pollution levels for healthy outdoor living.
Sunniest Cities
Most days of sunshine per year, with warm and dry climate.
Most Urban Cities
Densely populated city centers with the largest urban footprints.
Population & Density
Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense
Economy
Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Wages Cheapest Cost of Living
Housing
Highest Home Value Most Affordable Highest Rent Lowest Rent Highest Homeownership Newest Housing Lowest Property Tax
Demographics & Education
Most Educated Best Schools Most Graduate Degrees Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Most Veterans
Health & Safety
Safest Cities Highest Crime Healthiest Cities Lowest Smoking Best Doctor Access Best Dental Access
Climate & Air
Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities Snowiest Cities Cleanest Air Worst Air Quality
Quality of Life
Shortest Commute Most Work From Home
Civic & Politics
Most Republican Most Democratic
Geography & Infrastructure
Highest Elevation Best Broadband Most EV Stations Most Libraries Most Restaurants
All Countries  ·  United States  ·  Illinois

Smallest Cities - Illinois

1 South Barrington 5,004
2 Milan 5,037
3 Hoopeston 5,039
4 Pinckneyville 5,055
5 Eureka 5,095
6 Monee 5,104
7 Coal City 5,145
8 Colona 5,189
9 Berkeley 5,222
10 Highwood 5,243
11 Pana 5,277
12 Grandwood Park 5,311
13 Posen 5,331
14 Lake Barrington 5,400
15 Lake Holiday 5,402
16 Candlewick Lake 5,459
17 Spring Valley 5,508
18 Carlinville 5,574
19 Northfield 5,683
20 Genoa 5,685
21 Hillsboro 5,693
22 East Alton 5,729
23 Du Quoin 5,780
24 Carterville 5,822
25 Lake Bluff 5,834
26 Peoria Heights 5,834
27 Bartonville 5,854
28 Spring Grove 5,866
29 Willow Springs 5,871
30 Lakemoor 5,878
31 Metropolis 5,898
32 Vandalia 6,041
33 Beardstown 6,047
34 Elburn 6,054
35 Mount Zion 6,076
36 Pontoon Beach 6,131
37 Braidwood 6,175
38 Chillicothe 6,185
39 Countryside 6,294
40 Monticello 6,332
41 Johnsburg 6,374
42 Volo 6,398
43 Geneseo 6,577
44 Winthrop Harbor 6,663
45 Orland Hills 6,758
46 Murphysboro 6,804
47 Litchfield 6,814
48 Chester 6,830
49 Calumet Park 6,836
50 Mount Carmel 6,892
51 Mendota 6,915
52 Stickney 6,957
53 Robinson 7,005
54 Clinton 7,012
55 Benton 7,076
56 University Park 7,109
57 Sandwich 7,121
58 Marengo 7,123
59 West Frankfort 7,156
60 Greenville 7,159
61 Salem 7,341
62 Jerseyville 7,432
63 North Riverside 7,495
64 Inverness 7,541
65 Park City 7,631
66 Princeton 7,829
67 Round Lake Park 7,833
68 West Dundee 7,867
69 Broadview 7,898
70 South Beloit 7,930
71 Lincolnshire 7,937
72 Silvis 7,939
73 Island Lake 8,023
74 Oak Brook 8,028
75 Hillside 8,133
76 Paris 8,154
77 Rockton 8,238
78 Long Grove 8,266
79 Maryville 8,280
80 Hampshire 8,351
81 Crete 8,382
82 Gilberts 8,389
83 Harrisburg 8,608
84 Glenwood 8,620
85 Clarendon Hills 8,642
86 Rock Falls 8,683
87 Lake Villa 8,707
88 Glencoe 8,715
89 Mascoutah 8,743
90 Monmouth 8,794
91 Savoy 8,807
92 Harwood Heights 8,851
93 Olney 8,864
94 Manteno 8,942
95 Lynwood 9,047
96 Riverside 9,079
97 Boulder Hill 9,127
98 Willowbrook 9,138
99 Hawthorn Woods 9,145
100 Sugar Grove 9,233

The smallest cities in Illinois (with populations above 5,000) offer a different quality of life compared to major metropolitan areas. South Barrington has a population of just 5,004. These communities often feature lower costs of living, stronger neighborhood connections, and less congestion.

Small cities can offer significant advantages for residents seeking affordable housing, shorter commutes, and a close-knit community feel. Many serve as regional centers for surrounding rural areas, providing essential services while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

Despite their smaller size, many of these cities have thriving local economies, good school systems, and access to outdoor recreation. They represent an alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle of major metropolitan areas.

Did You Know?

  • 1. At 5,004 residents, South Barrington is smaller than a single large apartment complex in New York City.
  • 2. Small cities (5,000-10,000) make up the majority of incorporated places in the United States.
  • 3. Many of the smallest cities serve as county seats or regional service centers for surrounding rural communities.

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