The city is part of the Carbondale-Marion-Herrin combined statistical area and has grown considerably as a residential community of Carbondale and Marion.

The Refuge's 44,000 acres (180 km2) of land and water contain a wide diversity of flora and fauna.

Carter came to Williamson County in 1864, purchased 100 acres (0.40 km2) of land, and helped organize and secure a post office for Carterville in 1871.

[4] McNeill was one of the youngest members of the Union army during the American Civil War.

CHS was the only public high school in southern Illinois that performed above the state average of 21 on ACT testing.

The Carterville Varsity Cheer squad hold the record for the most wins in IHSA history.