Christopher
cityChristopher, Illinois, is a city located in Franklin County in the southern part of the state. The population was 2,697 at the time of the 2020 census. Recent estimates place the population around 2,590 in 2026, indicating a slight decline. Christopher offers a small-town atmosphere with a close-knit community. Historically, Christopher's economy was heavily reliant on coal mining, but it has since diversified. Today, the city supports a mix of small businesses, manufacturing, and agricultural enterprises. Established companies like Southside Bank & Trust Company, Stonington Grain Company, and B&e Contractors Inc. contribute to the local economy. Christopher was founded in 1879 as a railroad stop and named after Christopher Harrison, a grandson of an early settler. The city's history is marked by its coal mining past, including mine explosions in the early 20th century. Christopher is known for its annual Christopher Homecoming festival and the Christopher Coal Mine Museum.
Christopher, Illinois
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 17-14286
- Country
- United States
- County
- Franklin County
- Region
- Southern Illinois
- Elevation
- 436 ft
- Total Area
- 1.64 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1.62 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.02 sq mi
- Latitude
- 37.97083
- Longitude
- -89.05306
- Neighboring Areas
- North City · Buckner · Valier · Zeigler
- Population (2020)
- 2,697
- Est. Population (2026)
- 2,590
- Median Age
- 45.2
- Median Income
- $48,247
- Poverty Rate
- 20.82%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the city is 93.19% White, with smaller percentages for other race and multiracial populations.
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Christopher Unified School District No. 99
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire
- Unemployment Rate
- 7.2%
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Educational Services
- Major Employers
- Southside Bank & Trust Company · Stonington Grain Company · B&e Contractors Inc
- Schools
- 2
- Students
- 710
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12:1
- School Districts
- Christopher Unified School District No. 99
- Colleges & Universities
- Rend Lake College · John A. Logan College · Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Parks & Trails
- Christopher City Park · Veterans Memorial Park
- Founded
- 1879
- Incorporated
- 1910
- Named After
- Christopher Harrison
- Historical Significance
- Christopher's history is tied to the coal mining industry and its development as a railroad stop in Southern Illinois.
- Key Events
- Founded as a railroad stop · Became a village in 1903 · Became a city in 1910 · Coal mining accidents in the early 20th century