Godfrey, Illinois is a village located in Madison County, Illinois, United States. Situated north of Alton and approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, it is part of the Metro East region of the St. Louis metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the village had a population of 17,982.
History
The area that now comprises Godfrey was first settled in the early 19th century. It is named after Captain Benjamin Godfrey, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and abolitionist who settled in the area in 1832. Captain Godfrey is most known for founding Monticello Female Seminary (now Lewis and Clark Community College) in 1838, an early institution dedicated to women's education.
Despite its long history as a distinct community, Godfrey was not officially incorporated as a village until 1991. Prior to incorporation, it operated as an unincorporated community governed by a township board. The decision to incorporate was driven by a desire for local control over zoning, planning, and public services, as well as a wish to prevent annexation by neighboring municipalities, particularly Alton.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 36.16 square miles (93.65 km²), of which 35.53 square miles (92.02 km²) is land and 0.63 square miles (1.63 km²) is water. Godfrey is characterized by its rolling hills and bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River floodplains, providing scenic views. It is bordered by the city of Alton to the south and east, and by the Mississippi River to the west, though direct river access within the village limits is limited.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, there were 17,982 people, 7,493 households, and 4,879 families residing in the village. The racial makeup of the village was predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income was $67,006, and the per capita income was $35,463.
Education
Godfrey is home to Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC), a public community college founded in 1970 on the former campus of Monticello College. LCCC serves a large geographic area in southwestern Illinois and provides a wide range of academic, vocational, and continuing education programs.
Public primary and secondary education in Godfrey is primarily served by the Alton Community Unit School District 11, with some portions of the village falling into the Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 and the Jersey Community Unit School District 100.
Economy and Infrastructure
Godfrey's economy is a mix of residential, retail, and light industrial sectors. Its proximity to the St. Louis metropolitan area makes it a commuter community for many residents. Major transportation routes include U.S. Route 67 and Illinois Route 3, which provide connections to Alton, St. Louis, and other regional centers. The village has developed several retail corridors, offering various services and employment opportunities.
Notable Places
- Lewis and Clark Community College: The historic campus, originally Monticello Female Seminary, features beautiful architecture and extensive grounds.
- LaVista Park: A large community park offering recreational facilities and green space.
- Godfrey Lake: A local landmark used for fishing and recreation.