Hartford, IL
Population 1,456 · Illinois
About Hartford, IL
Hartford is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,456 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,364 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hartford features a median home value of $65,800, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hartford one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $925, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 769 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (563 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (117 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hartford shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hartford have an average one-way commute time of 21 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.6% of Hartford 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 3.8% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hartford, IL
Compared to national averages, Hartford has a median household income of $39,364 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $65,800, which is 73% below the national median. Monthly rent at $925 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Hartford's income is 48% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 60% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Hartford, IL?
Hartford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $65,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $925/month, and short commute times averaging just 21 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,364) that falls below the national average. However, Hartford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hartford has a population of 1,456 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Hartford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Hartford
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waverly | 1,456 | $55,882 | $97,600 | Compare |
| Hebron | 1,458 | $86,964 | $213,400 | Compare |
| Downs | 1,451 | $106,809 | $237,700 | Compare |
| Philo | 1,461 | $103,438 | $198,100 | Compare |
| Granville | 1,463 | $70,893 | $134,300 | Compare |
| Dunlap | 1,448 | $137,240 | $283,800 | Compare |
| Barry | 1,442 | $66,017 | $88,600 | Compare |
| Warren | 1,439 | $73,500 | $104,900 | 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 Hartford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hartford
What is the population of Hartford, IL?
The population of Hartford, IL is 1,456 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 Hartford?
The median household income in Hartford, IL is $39,364 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hartford?
The median home value in Hartford, IL is $65,800, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hartford?
The median monthly rent in Hartford, IL is $925, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hartford?
The unemployment rate in Hartford, IL is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hartford, IL a good place to live?
Hartford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,456 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hartford, IL?
7.6% of residents in Hartford 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 Hartford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hartford, IL: median home value is $65,800 (73% below national), median rent is $925/month, and median household income is $39,364. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hartford?
The poverty rate in Hartford, IL is 20.2%, 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 Hartford, IL?
Hartford's population is 3.8% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.