Employment opportunities and history in South Central Illinois
Where Interstates 64 and 57 meet in South Central Illinois is the city of Mount Vernon, with a population of about 15,000, in the mainly rural part of South Central Illinois. Named after George Washington’s plantation in Virginia, the city has some historic significance, but modern conveniences make living in Mount Vernon attractive. “We have a good heart and cancer clinic at the local hospital,” says Pam Kirkpatrick, a broker with Buy Home Realty, speaking about SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital. “Before that, we had to go to Springfield or maybe St. Louis.” St. Louis is about 80 miles away, while Springfield is 140 miles. Along with the hospital, Continental Tire and Walgreens operate factories and are the city’s largest employers.
The 134 bed SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital employs thousands of Mount Vernon residents.
The Mount Vernon Walgreens distribution center serves over 300 stores across the Midwest.
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Appellate Court building in downtown Mount Vernon
A National Register of Historic Places building is on the edge of downtown Mount Vernon. The 5th District Appellate Court building was constructed in the 1850s and is still used today. Before his presidency, Abraham Lincoln argued some cases in the building, and his statue is on the front lawn. The Jefferson County Historical Village is an outdoor museum that shows what life was like in the 1800s. It’s open on weekends from May through October.
Abraham Lincoln argued an important tax case at the Mount Vernon 5th Appellate Court.
Visit the Jefferson County Historical Village in Mount Vernon and learn about the it's past.
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Mount Vernon homes are well below the national average
Most of the housing in Mount Vernon was built in the 20th century, and the median single-family home price is $154,500, well below the national average. Several bungalow-style houses are priced below $100,000. Most are single-family homes, but a few condos and multifamily units exist.
Many bungalow style homes line the streets of Mount Vernon.
Downtown Mount Vernon is home to several traditional multi-family homes.
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Dealing with crime in Mount Vernon
FBI statistics show that the latest crime statistics from the Mount Vernon Police Department come from 2020. Those numbers showed well above the state and national averages for violent and property crimes. “I’ve lived here all my life, and I feel safe and not afraid,” Kirkpatrick says. “My car’s not locked outside my office, and I usually don’t lock my door at home. The police have good rapport with the community.”
Refurbished downtown Mount Vernon
As with many downtown areas, some of the older buildings have been spruced up in downtown Mount Vernon. The Granada Theatre, built in 1937, is a historic staple renovated in 2019 and is the site for concerts and weddings. Shops downtown include clothing and hardware stores, along with restaurants and boutiques. Every month from May through September, Market Days takes place at Veterans Memorial Park west of downtown on the second Saturday. It’s an outdoor flea market and vendor fair. Broadway Street is the primary road in Mount Vernon, and it has more retail and restaurant options closer to the interstate.
The Granada Theater has been recently renovated in 2019 and hosts concerts in Mount Vernon.
Boutiques like the Kingdom Seed Ministries shop serve residents in downtown Mount Vernon.
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Veterans Memorial Park
Also known as Mount Vernon City Park, Veterans Memorial Park is true to its name, with a small memorial to residents who served in the military. There is a walking path around a small lake and chances to shoot hoops, play tennis or play frisbee golf. During the summer, the Aquatic Zoo water park is a way to cool off on hot, humid days. Two 250-foot slides and a lazy river are part of the fun.
Veteran's Memorial Park in Mount Vernon is home to a disc golf course, playground, and lake.
Aquatic Zoo in Mount Vernon is the go to summer spot for water activities.
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Mount Vernon schools
Two elementary schools in the city are part of the Mount Vernon City Schools District 80, rated a C on Niche. One serves kindergarten through third grade, while another teaches fourth and fifth graders. There’s also a middle school and Mount Vernon High School, rated a B-minus. On the east side of Mount Vernon, students could attend Summersville Grade School, a K-8 that gets an A-minus grade from Niche.
The Dr. Andy Hall Early Education Center helps young Mount Vernon students grow.
Mount Vernon High School is home to voer 1,250 students in south Mount Vernon.
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South Central Illinois Mass Transit District
The South Central Illinois Mass Transit District bus line provides public transportation in some southern Illinois communities. A few routes run within Mount Vernon and to nearby communities. Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion is about 40 miles south, with regional airline service to Chicago. A wide selection of commercial flights is available at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, about 90 miles away.
Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Photography Contributed By
Ethan Babor
Video By
Paris Lape
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On average, homes in Mount Vernon, IL sell after 181 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Mount Vernon, IL over the last 12 months is $141,250, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a well-designed layout with tasteful updates throughout. Hardwood floors run throughout the home, adding warmth and continuity to each space. The updated kitchen features modern finishes and flows seamlessly into the main living area. Both a living room and a separate family room provide flexible spaces for everyday living, entertaining, or
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath, two-story residence offering comfort, style, and plenty of space. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, the backyard is ideal for entertaining with its inviting fire-pit area and deck. Inside, the main level features a warm and welcoming layout designed for both everyday living and effortless hosting. A bright living room greets you
Discover 17.8 picturesque acres just outside of town, offering a perfect blend of open pasture and approximately 5-6 acres of serene timber. This recently surveyed property boasts a prime location in the highly sought-after Woodlawn Grade School and Mt. Vernon High School districts. With agricultural zoning, this parcel is ideal for farming, recreation, or building your dream home. There's even a
PRIVATE 53 Acres, a rare opportunity to own a Custom built home, Step inside to see Panoramic views of the water, land and wildlife and each season of the year, Open floor plan feels spacious and is full of natural light, per assessor, this home has 1558 square feet of living space, 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, move in ready, vaulted ceilings, original Hardwood Floors & Kitchen Cabinets hand
Spacious All-Brick Ranch with Basement on Corner Lot This 4-bedroom, 3-full-bath all-brick ranch offers generous living space, great storage, and solid construction. The main level features beautiful hardwood floors, a spacious kitchen with ample cabinets and counter space, and a welcoming living room with a brick wood-burning fireplace. Three large bedrooms are located on the main level,
Cindy QuinnQUINN REALTY AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GROUP
Looking for a great starter home or investment opportunity? This 2 bed, 1 bath home is ready for you to move in and make it home! The welcoming front porch is a great spot to enjoy your morning coffee. The entryway spills into the oversized living room and dining room, both with freshly painted floors. Nestled at the back of the house, the eat-in kitchen features white cabinets and crisp dark
Property Highlights:Natural FunnelPotential Home SitesWater and Electric AvailableLocated on Deeded EasementSmall tracks like this don't hit the market very often. These 11 acres are a natural funnel from the big cover to the north and the timber to the south. The deer travel along the interstate like crazy. This area is known for large deer because they live so close to
60+/- Acres Jefferson County, IL Versatile 60+/- acre property offering a strong combination of income-producing farmland, recreation, and building potential. Approximately 45 +/- tillable acres with an average PI of 94, featuring Plumfield silty clay loam, Bluford silt loam, Ava silt loam, and Belknap silt loam. Approximately 15+/- acres are wooded, providing excellent deer and turkey habitat.
This 0.249-acre residential lot in Mount Vernon, IL (Zoning: R-2 Residential) offers a great opportunity to build your ideal property. Located in Jefferson County, Mount Vernon, also known as the King City, is a regional hub for business, healthcare, and education in Southern Illinois. The city combines small-town charm with modern amenities, including excellent parks, shopping, and dining.
Prestigious Ridge Crest Estates! If you are looking for the perfect location to build your dream home, look no more. 8 lots to choose from. Location is in a slightly rural area. Everybody likes a little taste of the country but still just a short drive to all amenities. Call or text listing agent for any questions.
This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a functional layout with unique features and plenty of potential. The property includes a two-car attached garage and an unfinished basement. A standout feature of the home is the recreational room with a hot tub, accessible from both the primary bedroom and the main living area. The backyard is partially fenced and complemented by a deck, offering a comfortable
Enjoy the good life at Chesterfield Village Apartments.We offer a variety of floor plans and options to fit your lifestyle. Our on-site management and professional maintenance team provide fast, personal service and worry-free apartment living. This is an amenity that allows us to stand above the rest. Our location is convenient to major roads and highway, retail, restaurants, and work. The
Would you like to rent this one? Terms at the bottom of these remarks. Main floor SF:1683 Upper:1191 Lower:1195 = 4069 Finished SF per county records. Room sizes approximate. This beautiful lakeside home in Rome school district has undergone an amazing transformation. In 2025: New landscaping, painted inside and out, the primary bath has been updated with shower and barn style doors, lighting on
Experience the finer things in life at Renaissance Hills Apartments in Mt. Vernon, IL! Including an onsite management and maintenance team. Our BRAND NEW luxury one, two, and two with a study apartment options are spacious in design, while maintaining an unsurpassed level of comfort! Enjoy your new apartment home with features that can include garage parking, private patio or balcony, fully
Location, Location, Location – Newly Renovated Apartments in the Heart of Mount VernonThe perfect home in the perfect location. Our newly renovated two- and three-bedroom apartments offer the best address in town, combining modern comfort with a serene, country-like setting. Nestled among mature trees, you’ll enjoy peace and privacy—while being just minutes from everything you
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