Richland County is located in the southeastern corner of Illinois and is part of the Effingham, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is Olney.

Richland County was formed in 1841 out of Clay County. It was named for the rich soil found in the area.

The county government is composed of a Board of Commissioners, which is the legislative body, and a County Administrator, who is the executive officer. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for setting policy, levying taxes, and appropriating funds for county operations. The County Administrator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the county.

The county is served by the Richland County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for law enforcement and the Richland County Health Department, which is responsible for public health.

Richland County is home to several state parks, including the Trail of Tears State Forest, the Shawnee National Forest, and the Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. The county is also home to several historic sites, including the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site and the Olney State Fish and Wildlife Area.

For the most up-to-date and in-depth information, please check the public records links below.