Ford Heights, IL
Population 1,587 · Illinois
About Ford Heights, IL
Ford Heights is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,587 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,323 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ford Heights features a median home value of $48,000, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ford Heights one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $924, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 888 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (269 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (344 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ford Heights shows an unemployment rate of 11.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 40.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ford Heights have an average one-way commute time of 28.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.9% of Ford Heights residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ford Heights Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Ford Heights, IL
Compared to national averages, Ford Heights has a median household income of $34,323 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $48,000, which is 80% below the national median. Monthly rent at $924 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Ford Heights's income is 54% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 71% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Ford Heights, IL?
Ford Heights offers affordable housing with a median home value of $48,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $924/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,323) that falls below the national average. However, Ford Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ford Heights has a population of 1,587 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Ford Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Ford Heights
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somonauk | 1,592 | $81,731 | $221,500 | Compare |
| De Pue | 1,594 | $56,176 | $63,600 | Compare |
| Leland Grove | 1,595 | $126,944 | $261,500 | Compare |
| Gilman | 1,576 | $65,729 | $108,900 | Compare |
| Delavan | 1,600 | $69,038 | $118,400 | Compare |
| Fisher | 1,600 | $92,697 | $177,300 | Compare |
| Ina | 1,600 | $46,250 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Port Barrington | 1,574 | $144,167 | $361,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ford Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ford Heights
What is the population of Ford Heights, IL?
The population of Ford Heights, IL is 1,587 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Ford Heights?
The median household income in Ford Heights, IL is $34,323 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ford Heights?
The median home value in Ford Heights, IL is $48,000, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ford Heights?
The median monthly rent in Ford Heights, IL is $924, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ford Heights?
The unemployment rate in Ford Heights, IL is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ford Heights, IL a good place to live?
Ford Heights offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,587 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ford Heights, IL?
8.9% of residents in Ford Heights aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ford Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ford Heights, IL: median home value is $48,000 (80% below national), median rent is $924/month, and median household income is $34,323. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ford Heights?
The poverty rate in Ford Heights, IL is 40.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ford Heights, IL?
Ford Heights's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 98.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.