Alexander County

Alexander County is an administrative county in the southernmost part of Illinois where the Mississippi River and Ohio River converge. The territory encompasses several small towns and rural communities spread across the landscape.

The county was established in March 1819 and named after William M. Alexander, who served as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. The region was economically tied to river commerce and farming during this period.

The county experienced significant demographic changes through migrations, leading to a diverse population mix of European and African American communities.

County administration operates from the courthouse in Cairo, serving residents throughout the region. Visitors should focus on the central towns and riverfront areas for the most accessible experience.

Alexander County recorded the largest population decrease among all United States counties between 2010 and 2020, declining by 36.4 percent.

Location: Illinois

Inception: March 4, 1819

Capital city: Cairo

Part of: Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area

Shares border with: Union County, Ballard County, Pulaski County, Mississippi County, Scott County, Cape Girardeau County

Website: https://alexandercounty.illinois.gov

GPS coordinates: 37.19000,-89.34000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 04:08