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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Mount Vernon, IL sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Mount Vernon, IL over the last 12 months is $144,250, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This property is back on the market through no fault of the property. An asphalt driveway lined with vintage street lights leads you to this move in ready home placed just behind pine trees on 9 acres. Eat in kitchen and dining area are all open and offer a beautiful view of the back property. Around back, you will find a half acre pond stocked with fish, approx. 5 acres of fenced in area perfect
This striking all-brick home, modeled after classic colonial homes of Virginia, blends timeless architecture with modern comfort & thoughtful upgrades throughout. Nestled on approx. 6.5 acres of landscaped yard & wooded surroundings, this property offers privacy, scenic views from every room, & a deep connection to nature—right on the edge of town. Step inside to a grand two-story foyer with
Immaculate Custom Home in Bradshaw Estates with Private Apartment & Extra Garage! This beautiful, meticulously maintained home in the sought-after Bradshaw Estates offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, & functionality—all just minutes from town and amenities. Step onto the welcoming front porch & into a spacious entryway that opens into the living room with cathedral ceilings, creating a
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
Beautiful and spacious home in a lovely west side neighborhood. This home is close to shopping and medical services as well as close proximity to the interstate. Military discount available. Great eat-in kitchen with access to the deck from kitchen and living room, tall ceilings with architectural details, gracious sized bedrooms, all situated over a walk out basement. Office, one bedroom and
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
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
