Ford County, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,406
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,439/yr
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,263
0.0% year-over-year change

Ford County population

How many people live in Ford County

Ford County is home to 13,406 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Ford County locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
13,406
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
6,655
Female
50.4%
6,751
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,655 49.6% -0.5%
Female 6,751 50.4% 0.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ford County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.7% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.7% of the population, while another 25.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.7%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
23.7%
45 to 64
25.9%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,507 18.7% -1.3%
15 to 24 1,623 12.1% 4.1%
25 to 44 3,178 23.7% 1.7%
45 to 64 3,470 25.9% -3.3%
Over 65 2,628 19.6% 1.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ford County, 96.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,966 96.7% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 189 1.4% -6.4%
Non-citizens 251 1.9% 21.8%
Racial breakdown
White
90.3%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.7%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 12,111 90.3%
Black or African American 71 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4 0%
Asian 55 0.4%
Two or more races 763 5.7%
Other 402 3%

Households in Ford County

A peek inside Ford County households

Ford County has 5,828 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.3% are families, while the remaining 36.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,828
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,140
Family households
3,688
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,140 36.7% 0.3%
Family households 3,688 63.3% 2.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ford County

The housing landscape of Ford County

Ford County's housing consists of 6,263 units, with 84.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,263
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,288 84.4%
1 unit, attached 26 0.4%
2 units 116 1.8%
3 or 4 units 309 4.9%
5 to 9 units 111 1.8%
10 to 19 units 115 1.8%
20 to 49 units 126 2%
50 or more units 20 0.3%
Mobile home 123 2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 29 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
48
20.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ford County

In Ford County, the median construction year is 1955. About 34.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,177 34.8% -1.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 414 6.6% 8.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,009 16.1% -7.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 677 10.8% 4.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 862 13.8% 8.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 473 7.6% 32.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 269 4.3% -13.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 209 3.3% -1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 125 2% -42.7%
Built in 2020 or later 48 0.8% 20.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ford County occupancy rates

Out of the 5,828 occupied housing units in Ford County, 72.3% are owner-occupied, while 27.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,828
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,615
Owner occupied
4,213
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,615 27.7% 8.9%
Owner occupied 4,213 72.3% -0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
6.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ford County housing costs

Housing costs in Ford County come to a median of $904 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $923.

Median housing costs per month
$904/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ford County
$923/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ford County

Ford County education at a glance

About 45.2% of the population in Ford County went to high school, while 24.3% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 11.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 292 2.8% 17.3%
High school diploma 4,647 45.2% 2.3%
College diploma 2,497 24.3% 0.4%
Associate degree 1,047 10.2% -8.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,220 11.9% 0.8%
Graduate degree 573 5.6% -11.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ford County

How much people earn in Ford County

The average annual household income in Ford County was $79,163 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,439, reflecting a +2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ford County
$79,163/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ford County
$62,439/year
2.7% year-over-year change

Ford County income by age

In Ford County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,667. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $65,833 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $30,263, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,451 in earnings. Overall, 87.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $30,263 -21.4%
25 - 44 $81,667 8.8%
45 - 64 $65,833 7.5%
Over 65 $48,451 0.9%
Above poverty level
11,126
Below poverty level
1,589
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,126 87.5% 0.1%
Below poverty level 1,589 12.5% -1.9%

Employment in Ford County

Workforce and job types in Ford County

The job market in Ford County is powered by 6,281 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.9% run their own businesses, 66.4% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,281
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
4,386
Blue collar
1,895
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,386 69.8% 4.0%
Blue collar 1,895 30.2% -3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
10.9%
Private companies
66.4%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 687 10.9% -10.1%
Private companies 4,173 66.4% 0.2%
Governmental workers 866 13.8% 14.1%
Not for profit companies 555 8.8% 14.2%
Unemployment rate
5.5%
2.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ford County stands at 5.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ford County

How people get around in Ford County

Commuting methods vary: 88% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,490 88% 2.6%
Bus or trolleybus 10 0.2% N/A
Walk 126 2% -24.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ford County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60919 520 206 $62,500 $82,078
60929 587 268 $71,667 $98,160
60933 258 96 $51,094 $66,441
60936 4,246 1,947 $51,323 $77,608
60946 413 178 $74,853 $91,460
60948 1,660 688 $106,250 $113,560
60952 683 261 $67,083 $84,852
60957 5,596 2,341 $69,014 $87,053
60959 904 454 $54,583 $72,218
60960 946 320 $56,518 $63,259

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FAQs about Ford County demographics 

What is the total population of Ford County?

Ford County has a total population of 13,406 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ford County?

The gender ratio in Ford County is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (6,655 residents)
  • 50.4% females (6,751 residents)

What is the median age in Ford County?

The median age in Ford County is 41.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ford County?

The age distribution in Ford County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.7% (2,507 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (1,623 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.7% (3,178 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.9% (3,470 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (2,628 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ford County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ford County is as follows:
  • White: 90.3% (12,111 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (71 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (4 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (55 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.7% (763 residents)
  • Other: 3% (402 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ford County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.7% of the population in Ford County.

How many housing units are there in Ford County?

There are 6,263 housing units in Ford County, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ford County and what is the average household size?

Ford County has a total of 5,828 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ford County?

Ford County has a median household income of $62,439, representing a +2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ford County?

The employment rate is 94.5% in Ford County, with a workforce of 6,281 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.8% (4,386 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.2% (1,895 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.9% (687 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.4% (4,173 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (866 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (555 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025