Carmi is located in southern Illinois in White County (of which it is the county seat) about 45 miles east-southeast of Mt. Vernon along Highway 1/14 on the banks of the Little Wabash River 10 miles from the Indiana state line. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 5,627, a decrease of 108 since 1990.
The town's first settlers arrived in 1809 and by 1816 had incorporated. The oldest house still in existence was built in 1814 and is now a museum.
One of the highlights of summer is the 4th of July celebration called "Music, Food & Fun".