As of the 2010 census, its population was 1,274 and it contained 500 housing units.

[2] Southern Anderson Township is the location of the Yankeetown site, an important archaeological site from the Woodland and Mississippian periods.

[4] The township was named for Bailey Anderson, a pioneer settler.

[2] (This list is based on USGS data and may include former settlements.)

The township contains Bates Hill Cemetery.