Carterville is a city in Williamson County, Illinois, United States. At the 2020 census, the city's population was 5,848. The city is part of the Carbondale-Marion combined statistical area and has grown considerably as a residential community of Carbondale and Marion. The city is located next to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge's of land and water contain a wide diversity of flora and fauna. History Carterville was founded by George Monroe McNeill and Laban Carter. McNeill married Olive Herrin of Herrin's Prairie and in 1866 they settled on the farm now known as Carterville. Carter came to Williamson County in 1864, purchased of land, and helped organize and secure a post office for Carterville in 1871. The town was named in his honor. McNeill was one of the youngest members of the Union army during the American Civil War. He enlisted at 16 and was with General William T. Sherman during his March to the Sea. Geography According to the 2010 census, the city has a total area of , of which (or 98.30%) is land and (or 1.70%) is water. Demographics As of the census of 2000, there were 4,616 people, 1,933 households, and 1,293 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 2,093 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 96.21% White, 1.13% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.93% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.58% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.13% of the population. There were 1,933 households, out of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.95. In the city the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.