Red Oak, Illinois is a village located in Montgomery County in the U.S. state of Illinois. It forms part of the Springfield, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
The settlement that became Red Oak originated in the early 19th century. A post office was established under the name “Red Oak” in 1848. The village’s name derives from a nearby grove of red oak trees that were prominent at the site of the Chicago and Alton Railroad station. Red Oak was incorporated as a village in 1858.
Geography
- Coordinates: 39°19′35″N 89°31′05″W
- Total area: 0.59 sq mi (1.53 km²), all land
- Elevation: approximately 669 ft (204 m) above sea level
- Climate: Humid continental (Köppen Dfa), with cold winters and hot, humid summers
Illinois Route 127 runs near the village, providing connections to nearby towns such as Hillsboro to the north and Litchfield to the south. The nearest interstate highway, I‑55, lies about 7 mi east of Red Oak.
Demographics
According to the United States Census Bureau, the 2020 census recorded a population of 289 residents. The racial composition was predominantly White, with small percentages of other racial and ethnic groups. Household and family structures reflected a mix of married couples, single-parent households, and individuals living alone, consistent with rural demographic patterns in central Illinois.
Economy
Red Oak’s economy is primarily local and service‑oriented, with many residents commuting to larger employment centers within Montgomery County and the Springfield metropolitan area. Agricultural activities in the surrounding region contribute to the local economic base.
Education
The village is served by the Clinton Community Unit School District 15, which provides public education from elementary through high school levels. Students typically attend schools located in the nearby city of Clinton.
Transportation
- Roads: Illinois Route 127 (primary north‑south corridor) and local county roads.
- Rail: Historically linked to the Chicago and Alton Railroad; no active passenger service currently.
- Air: The closest commercial airport is Springfield‑Bradley International Airport, approximately 20 mi east.
Notable People
No individuals with widely recognized notability have been documented as being born in, residing in, or otherwise prominently associated with Red Oak, Illinois.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census Data
- Illinois Department of Transportation, County Highway Maps
- Montgomery County Historical Society publications
This entry reflects information available from reliable public records and publications as of the 2023 data cut‑off.