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Known as the Heart of Illinois, Peoria County is at the center of a multi-county region along the Illinois River. It has a population of 181,830 (census 2020). Peoria County encompasses 629 square miles, running 32 miles north/south and 28 miles east/west.
2021 - Peoria County population: 180,000
2022 - Peoria metro area population: 402,390
Peoria County Flag Symbolism
The Illinois River is featured prominently in the bottom right corner to symbolize how our region’s growth flows from this resource. The yellow circle and the blue border form the letter “P,” representative of the County’s name. Blue represents water and the natural resources in our county. Green stands for our agricultural roots, an industry that is still significant in the area. Gold symbolizes our innovation across all industries in Peoria County. The flag was designed by resident Aaron Broomfield.
Originally known as Fort Clark, Peoria received its current name when the County of Peoria was organized in 1825. The city was named after the Peoria tribe, a member of the Illinois Confederation. Peoria was incorporated as a village on March 11, 1835.
Peoria County, Illinois boundary with cities, townships and unincorporated hamlets: View map
Cities in Peoria County
Villages / Hamlets in Peoria County
Townships
Townships are separate units of government located within Peoria County. They are not overseen by Peoria County.
Akron Jubilee Princeville
Brimfield Kickapoo Radnor
Chillicothe Limestone Richwoods
Elmwood Logan Rosefield
Hallock Medina Timber
Hollis Millbrook Trivoli
Peoria County, IL borders Fulton County, IL, Knox County, IL, Marshall County, IL, Stark County, IL, Tazewell County, IL, and Woodford County, IL.
Peoria County Chronology
1784-1795
Prior to 1790, Illinois County, Virginia was ceded by Virginia and became part of Northwest Terroitory (est. 1 Mar 1784)
3 Feb 1801
Peoria absorbed into St. Clair County, part of Indiana Territory
1 Mar 1809
Illinois Territory established
14 Sep 1812
Peoria joins Madsion County, part of Illinois Territory
4 Jan 1817
NE part of current Peoria County becomes part of Bond County, part of Illinois Territory. The rest remains in Madsion County
3 Dec 1818 - Illinois becomes a state
31 Jan 1821
Peoria becomes part of new Pike County
28 Jan 1823
SW Peoria County becomes part of Fulton County
13 Jan 1825
PEORIA created from FULTON and Non-County Area 5 attached to FULTON. Non-County Area 6 attached to PEORIA "for county purposes." (Ill. Laws 1824-1825, pp. 85-87, 92-96)
01 Mar 1826
MERCER and WARREN detached from SCHUYLER, attached to PEORIA "for county purposes." (Ill. Laws 1826, pp. 76-77)
31 Jan 1827
Non-County Area 6 attached to PEORIA lost to creation of TAZEWELL; remaining part of Non-County Area 6 was detached from PEORIA, attached to TAZEWELL for administrative and judicial purposes. (Ill. Rev. Code 1826-1827, pp. 113-115; Rev. Code 1828-1829, p. 32)
27 Jan 1831
WARREN fully organized, detached from PEORIA. MERCER detached from PEORIA, attached to WARREN "for all judicial and other purposes." (Ill. Laws 1830-1831, pp. 67-68)
28 Feb 1845
PEORIA gained part of Non-County Area 5 ("the gore"); Non-County Area 5 eliminated. (Ill. Laws 1844-1845, p. 267)