Sugar Creek Township is one of fifteen townships in Clinton County, in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is a civil township that functions as a local unit of government within the county.
Geography
- The township is situated in the southwestern part of Clinton County.
- According to the United States Census Bureau, the township encompasses a total area of approximately 35.95 sq mi (93.1 km²), of which about 35.88 sq mi (92.9 km²) is land and 0.07 sq mi (0.2 km²) (0.20 %) is water.
- The terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling, typical of the Illinois Central Plains, and the area is used largely for agriculture.
Demographics
- As reported by the 2020 United States Census, Sugar Creek Township had a population of 1,221 residents.
- The population density was roughly 34 people per square mile (13 people per km²).
History
- The township was organized in the mid‑19th century, following the settlement of the area by European‑American pioneers. The name “Sugar Creek” is derived from a local waterway—Sugar Creek—that flows through the township and was historically noted for the presence of sugar maple trees along its banks.
Government
- Like other Illinois townships, Sugar Creek Township is governed by an elected township supervisor, a board of trustees, and other officials responsible for services such as road maintenance, property assessments, and general assistance.
Communities and Infrastructure
- The township contains the unincorporated community of Centennial and portions of the village of Creston.
- Illinois Route 161 traverses the township, providing east‑west roadway connectivity.
Education
- The township falls within the service area of the Clinton Community Unit School District 15 and the St. Louis Community College System for post‑secondary education.
Adjacent Townships
- North: Montgomery Township
- Northeast: St. Rose Township
- East: Carlyle Township
- Southeast: Carlyle Township (Washington County)
- South: Cedar Creek Township (Washington County)
- West: Richland Township
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Census Summary Files.
- Clinton County, Illinois, Official Records.
- Illinois State Archives – Township Maps.
All information presented is based on publicly available governmental sources and reflects the status as of the 2020 census.
