Ford County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 78th-largest in Illinois
The population of Ford County, Illinois is 13,396 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 78th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $60,782, the median home value is $118,100, and the median age is 42.5.
The population of Ford County has declined 4.4% since 2010 (14,076 → 13,451), a -0.32% annualized rate.
13,396
Population
-0.32%
Annual growth
28
People / sq mi
$60,782
Median Income
$118,100
Median Home Value
Ford County covers 486 sq mi of land at 27.6 people per square mile.
About Ford County, IL
Ford County is a county in Illinois with a population of 13,396. It ranks #78 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 42.5, older than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Ford County is $60,782, below the US median of $74,580. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $118,100, with monthly rent averaging $836. The homeownership rate of 74.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ford County reflects 19.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.3 minutes each way.
Ford County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ford County had a population of 14,076 in 2010 and 13,451 in 2024, a -4.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,076 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.31%.
13,451
Population (2024)
14,076
Population (2010)
14,076
Peak (2010)
-0.31%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,076 |
| 2011 | 13,875 |
| 2012 | 13,877 |
| 2013 | 13,670 |
| 2014 | 13,539 |
| 2015 | 13,527 |
| 2016 | 13,346 |
| 2017 | 13,291 |
| 2018 | 13,215 |
| 2019 | 12,972 |
| 2020 | 13,511 |
| 2021 | 13,480 |
| 2022 | 13,270 |
| 2023 | 13,316 |
| 2024 | 13,451 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.5
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.0% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,782$-20,920 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,631 |
| Per-capita income | $32,674 |
| Poverty rate | 7.7%-0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ford County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
77.5%
Public transit
8.8%
Work from home
24.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$118,100$-132,400 vs state
Median home value
$836
Median rent
74.1%
Homeownership rate
6,263
Total housing units
91.5%
Occupied
8.5%
Vacant
25.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.4%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
13.7%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
14.7%
With a disability
95.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.9%
High School+
19.4%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ford County, Illinois has a population of 13,396 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 78th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 28 people per square mile.
The population of Ford County has declined 4.4% since 2010 (14,076 → 13,451), a -0.32% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ford County, Illinois is $60,782, with mean (average) household income of $76,631 and per-capita income of $32,674. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ford County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.5%), Black or African American (0.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ford County, Illinois is 42.5 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Ford County is $118,100 and median monthly rent is $836. 74.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,263 total housing units, 8.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ford County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Ford County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
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Statewide data for Illinois
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Illinois
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.