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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 13.7% of the population. With 13,396 residents, Ford County is a county in Illinois.
The typical household here earns about $60,782, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.7%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $118,100, with typical rent around $836.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.8% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 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.