Olney Illinois Map

About Olney, Illinois

Olney is a locality in Richland County, Illinois, United States. It has a population of approximately 8,577. The population density is 493.8 people per km². Olney is located at 38.7309°N, 88.0853°W. It observes the Central Time (America/Chicago) timezone. ZIP code: 62450.

Olney, Illinois, rests in the fertile embrace of Richland County, a place where the broad, flat plains of downstate Illinois begin their subtle, almost imperceptible, undulation. It lies 36.5 miles southeast of Effingham, IL (from Effingham, IL: bearing 137°T), and is situated 18.4 miles south-southeast of Newton. The land here is a deep, dark loam, rich with the promise of agriculture, stretching out under a sky that can shift from the brilliant, hard blue of high summer to the bruised, heavy grays of a coming storm with astonishing speed. The air itself often carries the scent of turned earth and ripening crops, a perfume that speaks of seasons and the patient work of hands. Even the quality of light seems to change, softening to a buttery gold in the late afternoon, bathing the fields and the quiet streets of Olney in a gentle, warm glow before the long, star-dusted nights descend. The history of Olney is deeply rooted in the agricultural heartland, a narrative of settlement and resilience that echoes the broader story of the Midwest. Originally platted in 1842, it grew from the steady cultivation of the surrounding prairie, its economy long tied to the bounty of corn and soybeans that define the horizon. While modern industry has found a foothold, including the presence of Continental Tire, the enduring spirit of Olney remains tied to the land and the industrious spirit of its people. The rhythm of planting and harvest still informs the town's pulse, a quiet reminder of the foundational elements that shaped this corner of Illinois. Olney carries the distinct cultural character of a Midwestern town, a blend of pragmatism and neighborly warmth, where conversations often begin with the weather or the latest harvest report. The historic downtown, with its classic brick buildings, offers a sense of enduring solidity, a place where local businesses thrive. While no universally recognized landmarks draw throngs of tourists, the town’s charm lies in its everyday beauty, perhaps the quiet dignity of the old courthouse or the welcoming shade of mature trees lining residential streets. The annual Olney Days celebration offers a glimpse into the community's spirit, a time for shared enjoyment and a reaffirmation of local pride.

About This Olney Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Olney, Illinois — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 38.730881, -88.085316. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Olney and Richland County.

Detailed location data for Olney includes the ZIP code (62450), telephone area code (217), county seat of Richland County (Olney), and school district assignment (Richland County Community Unit School District 1). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Olney is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.