List of counties in Illinois

List of Counties in Illinois

Introduction Illinois, a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States, is divided into 102 counties. The largest county by area is McLean County, while the smallest is Putnam County. The most populous county is Cook County, and the least populous is Hardin County. This article will provide an overview of these counties, with a particular focus on their healthcare facilities.

Largest and Smallest Counties

Largest and Smallest Counties

McLean County is the largest county in Illinois, covering an area of approximately 1,186 square miles. Despite its size, it is not the most populous county in the state. That title goes to Cook County, which, despite being smaller in area, is home to over 5 million residents, including the city of Chicago.

At the other end of the scale, Putnam County is the smallest county in Illinois, with an area of just 172 square miles. Despite its small size, it is not the least populous county. That distinction goes to Hardin County, which has a population of just over 4,000 residents.

Population

Population

The population of Illinois is unevenly distributed across its counties. Cook County is the most populous, with a population of over 5 million. This is largely due to the presence of Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States. Other populous counties include DuPage County and Lake County, each with populations exceeding 500,000.

In contrast, many of the state's rural counties have much smaller populations. The least populous county is Hardin County, with a population of just over 4,000. Other counties with small populations include Pope County and Scott County.

Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare facilities in Illinois vary greatly from county to county. In Cook County, there are numerous hospitals and clinics, including the Rush University Medical Center and the University of Chicago Medical Center. These facilities offer a wide range of services, from primary care to specialized treatments.

In contrast, rural counties like Hardin County and Putnam County have fewer healthcare facilities. These counties often rely on smaller hospitals and clinics, which may not offer the same range of services as those in more populous counties. However, efforts are being made to improve healthcare access in these areas, such as the establishment of the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network.

Conclusion In conclusion, the counties of Illinois are diverse in terms of their size, population, and healthcare facilities. While populous counties like Cook County have a wide range of healthcare services, more rural counties face challenges in providing access to healthcare. However, efforts are being made to address these disparities and ensure that all residents of Illinois have access to the healthcare they need.

This is a brief overview of the counties in Illinois