Carbondale, Herrin, and Marion are the key urban areas, with a combined city-proper population of over 65,000 (2007 Census estimate)  Carbondale, the site of Southern Illinois University, is the region's largest city. Metro Lakeland is about  southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, or  by Interstate highway.
Carbondale, Herrin, and Marion are crucial urban centers, with a total population of more than 65,000 (2007 Census estimate). Carbondale, home to Southern Illinois University, is the largest city in the region. Metro Lakeland is approximately southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, or by Interstate highway.