Effingham, Illinois 2025

Effingham is a city in and the county seat of Effingham County, Illinois, United States. The population was 12,300 at the 2020 census. Effingham is in the Central Time Zone. It is located in the center of the state, 211 miles southwest of Chicago, 116 miles west of Champaign, 103 miles northwest of Evansville, IN, and 128 miles northeast of St. Louis, MO.

The city was laid out in 1854, and is named after Effingham, England. A post office has been in operation at Effingham since 1854. Effingham was first incorporated as a town under the general state law on April 27, 1T83, and again as a city under the municipal code on April 22, 1872.

Effingham is located on high ground not far from the Kaskaskia River. The landscape is primarily rolling prairie, with corn and soybean fields. The city is situated just north of the largest tank truck assembly plant in the world, formerly owned by Continental Tractor and, later, Caterpillar Inc.

The City of Effingham attracts one of the largest one-day crowds in downstate Illinois with its annual "Effingham County Fair," held the second week of July. The fair has grown in attendance and popularity with award-winning entertainment, food, and activities. The City also hosts the Cross at the Crossroads event, held in September, at the Effingham, County Fairgrounds. This event is a CrossFit competition and festival; in 2018, it featured an all-day concert by nationally known country music artists.

Cody Simpson, an Australian pop singer, and musician moved to Effingham with his family when he was 13.

The city is situated in the Effingham, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters. According to the Koeppen Climate Classification system, Effingham has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.

The Effingham Public Library is located in downtown Effingham, next to the city's old train depot. Founded in 1901, the library houses over 40,000 volumes and serves a district that includes Effingham and the surrounding area.

Effingham has a strong work ethic and family values, with a high number of small businesses and family-owned businesses. The community holds a strong sense of pride in their city and welcomes newcomers with open arms. The city is welcoming and friendly, with a small-town feel but with access to big-city amenities. There are many social and outdoor activities to do, including visiting the Lake Sara, attending the Effingham County Fair, and exploring the downtown area, which offers unique shops. The food scene in Effingham includes O Angelitos, Joe's Pizza & Pasta, Las Tamunas Mexican Restaurant, Pappy's BBQ, and The Bank Café.