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Prairie, Illinois facts for kids

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Prairie, Illinois
Prairie, Illinois is located in Illinois
Prairie, Illinois
Prairie, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Prairie, Illinois is located in the United States
Prairie, Illinois
Prairie, Illinois
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Illinois
County Randolph
Elevation
410 ft (120 m)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code(s) 618
GNIS feature ID 416093

Prairie is a small place in Randolph County, Illinois, in the United States. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes or buildings that don't have their own local government, like a city or town does. Instead, it's part of the larger county area.

Prairie is located about 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of a town called Red Bud. It sits in the southwestern part of Illinois.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a place where people live together, but it's not officially a city or a village. It doesn't have its own mayor or city council.

How They Are Governed

Instead of having its own local government, an unincorporated community is governed by the county it's in. For Prairie, that's Randolph County. The county government handles things like roads, police, and other services for these areas.

Why Some Places Are Unincorporated

Many small communities start without forming an official town. Sometimes, they stay that way because there aren't enough people to set up a full city government. Other times, residents might prefer to be governed by the county.

Geography of Prairie

Prairie is located in a part of Illinois that has a mix of farmland and some forested areas. The land around Prairie is generally flat, which is typical for much of Illinois.

Location Details

Living in Randolph County

Randolph County is home to several towns and communities, including Prairie. The county offers a mix of rural and small-town living.

Local Economy

The economy in Randolph County often relies on agriculture, like farming. Other jobs might be found in local businesses or services in nearby towns.

Things to Do Nearby

While Prairie itself is a small community, residents can find activities and services in nearby towns like Red Bud. These towns often have schools, shops, and parks.

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