Ford County, Illinois

Income Data

-11% vs. Illinois average
$60,782
Median Household Income
$32,674
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$60,782
-11% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,674
-17% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
51.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Illinois
#77 / 102
by median household income

How Ford County Compares

Ford County$60,782
Illinois Average$68,580
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$60,782
Median Household Income
$32,674
Per Capita Income
$118,100
Median Home Value
51.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Ford County, Illinois

Ford County below national benchmark

Ford County's median household income of $60,782 falls $13,973 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the 30th percentile nationally. This income level is typical of rural Midwestern counties facing population and industry headwinds.

Lower-income county in Illinois

Ford County's household income of $60,782 ranks below the state average of $68,580 by approximately $7,800, putting it in the lower-middle tier of Illinois counties. The county's per capita income of $32,674 also lags the state average of $36,009.

Mid-range among struggling peers

Ford County households earn $60,782, positioning them between Fayette County ($57,113) and Fulton County ($58,617), as well as above Franklin County ($53,471). This places Ford in a slightly stronger position than some nearby agricultural counties but below regional outliers like Effingham.

Rent costs strain household finances

Ford County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% exceeds healthy affordability levels, indicating that housing costs consume a significant portion of median income. Combined with a median home value of $118,100, affordability pressures are evident across both rental and ownership markets.

Prioritize emergency savings first

With housing costs taking a larger bite of income, Ford County households should focus on building a three-month emergency fund before investing. Once stabilized, even small contributions to an IRA or employer retirement plan can accumulate meaningfully over decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Ford County, Illinois?
The median household income in Ford County, Illinois is $60,782, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Ford County?
The per capita income in Ford County is $32,674, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $60,782.
How does Ford County compare to the Illinois average?
Ford County's median household income of $60,782 is lower than the Illinois state average of $68,580. The per capita income is $32,674, compared to the state average of $36,009.
What is the per capita income in Ford County, Illinois?
The per capita income in Ford County, Illinois is $32,674, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Ford County a low-income area in Illinois?
Ford County's median household income of $60,782 is below the Illinois average of $68,580. The per capita income of $32,674 is also lower than the state average of $36,009. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Ford County rank for income in Illinois?
Ford County ranks #77 out of 102 counties in Illinois by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $60,782 and per capita income of $32,674, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Ford County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Ford County median

County median: $60,782 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-11%

vs. National Median

-19%

vs. Ford County MedianAbout equal
vs. Illinois Average11% below
vs. National Median19% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.1x

Your monthly income ($5,065) vs. median rent ($836/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Ford County, Illinois? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Illinois

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.