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 pivotal urban centers with a total population over 65,000 (2007 Census estimate). Carbondale, the location of Southern Illinois University, is the largest city in this area. Metro Lakeland is approximately southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, or by Interstate highway.