Special Interest
Housing in Ford County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Ford County averages $923/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Illinois median of $1,274 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 35% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Ford County FMR Area are $698 for a studio, $703 for 1‑bedroom, $922 for 2‑bedroom, $1,282 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,308 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — rent prices remain consistent between the two periods
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Ford County was 4.2% in 2024, compared to Illinois at 5.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
