Thomas, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas, Illinois
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 Thomas, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Thomas, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Bureau |
| Elevation | 627 ft (191 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 815 & 779 |
| GNIS feature ID | 419654 |
Thomas is a small, quiet place in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. It's not a city or a town with its own local government. Instead, it's known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and buildings that are part of a larger county, not a separate town. Thomas is located west of another community called New Bedford.
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Welcome to Thomas, Illinois!
Thomas is a peaceful spot in the state of Illinois. Imagine a place where homes are spread out, and there isn't a central town hall or a mayor just for that area. That's what an unincorporated community is like. People who live in Thomas are part of Bureau County. They get their services, like roads and police, from the county government.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a group of homes or a small settlement that doesn't have its own separate local government. Unlike a city or a village, it doesn't elect its own mayor or city council. Instead, it's governed directly by the larger county it's located within.
How Does it Work?
- County Services: Residents of Thomas rely on Bureau County for many services. This includes things like maintaining roads, providing law enforcement, and managing public health.
- No Local Taxes: People living in unincorporated areas usually don't pay separate town taxes. They pay county and state taxes, just like everyone else in the county.
- Community Feel: Even without a formal government, these places often have a strong community spirit. Neighbors know each other and might work together on local projects.
Where is Thomas Located?
Thomas is found in the northwestern part of Illinois. It's specifically in Bureau County, which is known for its rich farmland and rural landscapes.
Geographic Details
- State: Thomas is in Illinois, a state in the Midwestern United States. Illinois is famous for its agriculture and its big city, Chicago.
- County: It's part of Bureau County. This county has many small towns and farming areas.
- Nearby Places: You can find Thomas to the west of New Bedford, another small community.
- Elevation: Thomas is located at an elevation of about 627 feet (191 meters) above sea level. This means it's not very high up, but it's also not at sea level.
- Coordinates: Its exact location on a map is around 41 degrees, 30 minutes, 42 seconds North latitude and 89 degrees, 49 minutes, 10 seconds West longitude. These numbers help pinpoint Thomas anywhere in the world!
Life in a Rural Community
Living in a place like Thomas means experiencing a quieter, more rural lifestyle. It's different from living in a busy city.
What to Expect
- Peace and Quiet: Unincorporated communities often offer a peaceful environment. There's less traffic and noise compared to urban areas.
- Open Spaces: You'll likely see more open fields, farms, and natural landscapes. This is common in agricultural regions like Bureau County.
- Community Bonds: People in smaller communities often have closer ties. They might know their neighbors well and participate in local events.
- Access to Services: While there might not be a big grocery store or hospital right in Thomas, residents can easily travel to nearby towns in Bureau County for these services.
Area Codes for Thomas
When you make a phone call to or from Thomas, you'll use specific phone number codes. These are called area codes.
Phone Connections
- Main Area Codes: The area codes that serve Thomas and the surrounding region are 815 and 779.
- Purpose of Area Codes: Area codes help phone systems direct calls to the correct geographic region. They are the first three digits of a ten-digit phone number.
- Time Zone: Thomas is in the Central Time Zone (CST). During part of the year, it observes Daylight Saving Time (CDT). This means the time changes by one hour in spring and fall.
Thomas, Illinois, is a great example of a small, unincorporated community that plays a part in the larger fabric of Bureau County and the state of Illinois. It offers a glimpse into rural life in the American Midwest.
