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Fern Clyffe Lake

Johnson County, established in 1812 is located in the northeast section of our region. It has an area of 239 square miles and a population of 12, 878. Vienna is the county seat. Johnson County offers some of the most scenic views in southernmost Illinois and usually enjoys the second lowest unemployment rates of the five southernmost counties. Johnson County’s economy is less diversified than surrounding counties as the Illinois Department of Corrections provides over 900 jobs and is the single largest contributor to this county's economy. Other employers in the county include Hillview HealthCare Center, Trovillion Brothers Construction and the Gambit Golf Course. The county has a declining agricultural sector with the majority of income earned in hog and cattle livestock farming. Southern Illinois Stone is the largest non-public employer in the county. Part of the county is included in the Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone.

The climate is continental, typical of southern Illinois, with an annual temperature range of about 100'. Maximum summer temperatures may reach 100'F and winter minimums can be zero or below. Annual precipitation averages about 45 inches and is evenly distributed throughout the year. 

Johnson County is noted for the Shawnee National Forest, which accounts for a large amount of the county's territory. The Shawnee National Forest provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities with hiking trails, camping, birding, horseback riding, fishing and bicycle trails. Johnson County has been called the "bicycling capital of Illinois". Each fall residents and visitors look forward to the Johnson County Special Olympics and a storytelling contest that attracts tall tale tellers from far and wide.

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