Ford County

As of the latest available data, Ford County, Illinois, has a population of approximately 13,264 residents. The racial makeup is predominantly White (around 95%), with smaller percentages of African Americans (2%), Asians (0.5%), and other races making up the rest. The median age in the county is about 43 years. The average household size is 2.4 people, and the median household income is estimated to be around $51,000. The county includes several small towns and rural areas, contributing to its relatively low population density.

As of the most recent data, Ford County, IL has about 14,000 residents and approximately 6,500 housing units. The median home value stands at around $90,000, and the median monthly rent is approximately $650. Owner-occupied housing units constitute roughly 75% of the total, while renter-occupied units make up the remaining 25%. The vacancy rate is about 10%. Please verify these figures with a recent local source for the most accurate information.

Ford County, IL, conducts elections for various positions, including county officials, state representatives, and federal officials. For the upcoming 2024 election cycle, key races include:

1. County Commissioners: Typically three positions, elected at staggered intervals.
2. Sheriff: Incumbent Mark Doran (Republican) running for re-election.
3. County Clerk: Incumbent Amy Frederick (Republican), overseeing election integrity and county records.
4. State Representative (IL-106): Incumbent Tom Bennett (Republican).
5. U.S. Congress (IL-15): Incumbent Mary Miller (Republican).

Voter registration as of the latest data: 9,732 registered voters. Past voter turnout in 2020: approximately 75%.

Local election results often reflect the county's strong Republican leaning, with GOP candidates frequently securing over 60% of the vote. Specific candidate lists for county seats will be finalized closer to the election date, following primary elections.

Stay tuned to Ford County Clerk's Office for updates.

Ford County, Illinois, presents a diverse educational landscape. As of the most recent data, 89.7% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, slightly above the national average of 88.5%. However, the county lags behind in higher education, with only 18.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher compared to the U.S. average of 32.1% and the Illinois state average of 34.1%.

Educational attainment in Ford County indicates strong high school completion rates but reveals a gap in college education compared to state and national levels. The county’s educational profile emphasizes the need for higher education initiatives to bridge this gap and promote advanced learning opportunities.

As of recent data, Ford County, IL has an employment rate of approximately 59.8%, with a labor force participation rate of 61.5%. The top industries in Ford County include healthcare and social assistance (19.3%), retail trade (13.8%) and manufacturing (13.5%). Agriculture remains a significant sector, reflective of the county's rural character.

Comparatively, the national employment rate is around 61%, with a labor force participation rate of about 63%, indicating slightly higher participation but similar employment. Illinois state averages show an approximately 61.8% employment rate and a 64% labor force participation. While the state's premier industries include professional and business services, manufacturing, and educational services, Ford County leans more towards healthcare, retail, and agriculture, showing its unique economic makeup.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Ford County, IL, is approximately $54,000 per year. In comparison, the median household income in Illinois is around $68,000 annually, while the national median household income is approximately $68,700.

Here is a statistics table for clarity:

This data indicates that Ford County's average household income is below both the state and national averages.

As of the latest data available, Ford County, IL, has a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported:

The violent crime rate in Ford County is 2.5 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 20 per 1,000 residents. This places Ford County below Illinois state averages for both categories. While burglaries and thefts form the bulk of property crimes, the occurrence of motor vehicle theft and arson is relatively low. The community continues to focus on maintaining low crime rates through local law enforcement and community programs.