countyscore
53.8
County Score
Safety 81.7Soil Quality 74.8Disaster Risk 73.8

County Report Card

About Ford County, Illinois

Ford County Beats National Benchmarks

Ford County’s composite score of 53.8 places it safely above the national median of 50.0. It ranks favorably among US counties, offering a stable environment for its residents.

Leading the State Average

Ford County outperforms the Illinois state average score of 52.8 by exactly one point. It maintains a competitive edge in the state through its high safety and environmental reliability.

Excellent Safety and Low Risk

With a safety score of 81.7 and a risk score of 73.8, Ford County is one of the more secure places to live in the region. Residents enjoy a peaceful environment with minimal exposure to natural hazards.

Significant Tax Burden Issues

The tax score is an extremely low 2.7, driven by a high effective tax rate of 2.069%. This high fiscal cost is a significant detractor compared to the county’s moderate income score of 41.4.

A Haven for Safety Seekers

Ford County is perfect for those who prioritize security and stability above all else. While taxes are high, the trade-off is one of the safest living environments in Illinois.

Score breakdown

Tax2.7Cost50Safety81.7Health61.5Schools65.3Income41.4Risk73.8Water48.6Weather51.8
🏛2.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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50.3
Livingston County
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Champaign County
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McLean County
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Kankakee County
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De Witt County
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Deep Dives

Ford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ford County

via TaxByCounty

Ford County taxes above U.S. average

Ford County's 2.069% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.562% by about 32%, placing it in the 70th percentile of U.S. counties. At $2,443 median annual tax on a $118,100 home, Ford residents pay significantly more than the national median of $2,690 home value.

One of Illinois's heaviest taxed

Illinois averages 1.831%, and Ford County's 2.069% rate places it among the state's pricier counties for property taxation. Residents here pay $2,443 annually, well above the state median of $2,782, despite owning homes worth less than the state average.

Pricey compared to nearby counties

Ford County's 2.069% rate significantly exceeds Franklin (1.501%), Fayette (1.517%), Effingham (1.509%), and Gallatin (1.506%) in the region. Only Fulton County (2.133%) and Grundy County (2.029%) come close, making Ford one of the area's less affordable counties for homeowners.

What your home costs to own

A typical Ford County home valued at $118,100 generates $2,443 in annual property taxes—higher than most surrounding counties despite the modest home value. Over a 30-year mortgage, that's roughly $73,290 in property taxes alone, not counting maintenance or utilities.

Challenge assessments to cut bills

Given Ford County's above-average tax rates, challenging an inflated assessment is especially worthwhile. Many homeowners in high-tax counties discover their properties are overvalued; requesting a reassessment costs nothing and could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ford County

via CostByCounty

Ford County rents strain local wages

Renters in Ford County spend 16.5% of their $60,782 median income on rent—above the national 30% comfort threshold and exceeding most peer counties. The $836 monthly rent is the highest among our comparison group, placing unexpected pressure on a below-average income base.

Below-average in Illinois affordability rankings

Ford County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Illinois's state average of 14.7%, indicating tighter housing affordability than most of the state. The mismatch between local rents and incomes suggests limited job-market opportunity relative to housing costs.

Highest rents in the region

Ford County's $836 monthly rent tops all nearby counties—$102 more than Effingham ($734), $36 more than Fulton ($808), and $28 more than Franklin ($771). Yet median incomes lag Effingham and Grundy, making Ford's rent burden among the highest in this comparison group.

Rent outpaces local economic capacity

Ford County households earn $60,782 annually but face $836 monthly rents (16.5% of income) and $864 mortgage costs, stretching tight budgets. The median home value of $118,100 adds to the challenge, as local wages lag behind what homeownership typically requires.

Ford requires strong income to work

Ford County makes sense only if you're relocating with a salary above local medians or own property outright, as rents and home costs exceed what typical local incomes support. Compare with Fayette (lower rents), Effingham (better wages), or Gallatin (cheapest rents) if affordability is your priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ford County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ford County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety levels in Ford County

Ford County boasts a high safety score of 99.3, far exceeding the national average. The total crime rate of 437.5 per 100K is less than one-fifth of the national rate.

One of Illinois' safer jurisdictions

Ford County ranks well above the state average safety score of 98.7. Its crime rate of 437.5 per 100K is nearly half of the Illinois average of 835.0.

Leading the region in public safety

Ford County is significantly safer than Fayette County, which has a crime rate nearly double Ford's. Three reporting agencies maintain this highly secure environment.

Low property and violent crime rates

Property crime occurs at 370.8 per 100K, while violent crime is just 66.7. These figures are drastically lower than the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Maintain safety with community awareness

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but basic home security remains a wise investment. Simple measures like locking entry points keep this community secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ford County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails national average

Ford County residents have a life expectancy of 74.3 years, falling 2.1 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. About 17% report poor or fair health, signaling widespread chronic conditions affecting quality of life.

Among Illinois's lower-performing counties

Ford County's 74.3-year life expectancy lags Illinois's state average of 76.0 years by 1.7 years. The 6.6% uninsured rate sits near the state average, but health outcomes suggest barriers beyond insurance alone.

Lower outcomes than surrounding areas

Ford County's 74.3-year life expectancy trails Effingham County (77.4) and Fayette County (77.0), reflecting deeper health challenges in the region. The county does offer strong mental health capacity at 528 providers per 100K, an outlier in the region.

Limited primary care, strong behavioral health

Ford County has just 52 primary care providers per 100K residents, below most peers, yet boasts 528 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeding state norms. The mismatch suggests access challenges for routine medical care despite robust psychiatric support.

Get insured, get preventive care

With lower life expectancy, Ford residents benefit from securing insurance and prioritizing annual checkups. Visit Healthcare.gov or call your nearest community health center to explore plans and preventive services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ford County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Success Across Three Districts

Ford County maintains a focused educational system consisting of nine public schools serving 2,527 students. The landscape is perfectly balanced with three elementary, three middle, and three high schools. This structured approach ensures a clear pipeline for students as they progress through three local districts.

Top-Tier Scores and High Investment

Ford County excels with a school score of 60.2, surpassing the state average of 58.1. This performance is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $10,551, which is over $1,300 higher than the Illinois state average. The graduation rate of 88.2% remains steady, outperforming the national average of 87%.

Paxton-Buckley-Loda Leads the County

Paxton-Buckley-Loda CUD 10 is the largest district, educating 1,296 students across four campuses. Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley CUSD 5 also plays a major role, serving 968 students in three schools. All schools in the county are traditional public institutions, with zero charter schools present.

A Predominantly Town-Based School Culture

While the county is rural, six of the nine schools are located in town settings, providing a centralized community feel. The average school size is 316 students, ranging from Clara Peterson Elementary at 624 students to smaller secondary campuses. This creates a small-town atmosphere where the school often serves as the social heart of the community.

High-Performing Schools Await Your Family

With above-average school scores and high per-pupil spending, Ford County is an attractive choice for education-focused homebuyers. Neighborhoods in Paxton and Gibson City offer direct access to the county's most successful districts. Choosing a home here means investing in a system that consistently beats state academic benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ford County

via RiskByCounty

Ford County: Illinois's safest region

Ford County's composite risk score of 26.21 ranks among the safest places in America, earning a "Very Low" rating well below the national average. Residents here face substantially lower exposure to major natural disasters than most U.S. counties.

Lowest risk in Illinois

Ford County's 26.21 score sits nearly 28 points below Illinois's state average of 54.46, making it one of the state's safest communities. No other Illinois county in this analysis comes close to Ford's favorable risk profile.

Dramatically safer than surrounding areas

Ford County's 26.21 dramatically underperforms (in a good way) nearly every regional peer, from Effingham County (53.75) to Franklin County (80.95). Ford residents enjoy exceptionally low disaster exposure compared to central and southern Illinois.

Tornado risk dominates limited hazards

Even Ford's most significant hazard—tornado risk at 44.05—ranks below most Illinois counties, and earthquake (59.61) and flood (35.59) risks remain well-controlled. Wildfire and hurricane risks are negligible at 1.78 and 15.19 respectively.

Standard coverage typically sufficient here

Ford County's low risk profile means comprehensive homeowners insurance with tornado/wind coverage may be your primary natural disaster protection need. Consider earthquake insurance only if you're exceptionally risk-averse; Ford's 59.61 earthquake score is manageable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ford County

via WeatherByCounty

A True Midwestern Continental Climate

Ford County’s 51.0°F average annual temperature is just below the national median, representing a classic four-season climate. It balances cold winters with warm, humid summers.

Cooler Than the Illinois Average

With an annual average of 51.0°F, Ford County is nearly two degrees cooler than the state average of 52.8°F. It ranks as a mid-to-northern Illinois climate profile.

Typical Central Illinois Precipitation

The county receives 40.0 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly drier than the Illinois average of 41.7 inches. This matches the agricultural-heavy profiles of its immediate neighbors.

Snowy Winters and Bright Summers

Ford County averages 20.4 inches of snow per year, significantly more than the southern part of the state. Summer brings an average of 21 days where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Gear Up for Significant Snowfall

Robust snow removal equipment and winter-grade tires are recommended to manage the 20-inch annual snowfall. Homeowners should also ensure insulation is rated for the 24.4°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ford County

via SoilByCounty

Consistent Acidity Across the County

Ford County's soil pH of 6.38 mirrors the Illinois state average of 6.39. This slightly acidic profile is very close to the 6.5 national median, making it highly versatile for a diverse range of plantings.

High Clay for Nutrient Retention

The composition is defined by a significant 27.5% clay content and 56.0% silt. This heavy mix provides excellent nutrient retention but can be more challenging to work than sandier soils elsewhere in the state.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

At 4.60%, the organic matter here is exceptionally high, far exceeding the state average of 2.94% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.187 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.204.

Managing Dense, Rich Soil

Although detailed drainage records are unavailable, the high clay content suggests a tendency for slower water movement. Soil management should focus on aeration to maintain healthy root systems in this dense, nutrient-rich environment.

A Powerhouse for Organic Growth

Located in Zone 6a, this county is a powerhouse for high-nutrient crops like corn and heavy-feeding garden vegetables. The rich organic matter makes this a dream location for organic gardening enthusiasts.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ford County

via LawnByCounty

Ford County Outperforms State Standards

Ford County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 70.9, making it slightly easier to maintain than the average Illinois lawn. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, it offers a predictable climate that is friendlier to turf than the national median. Homeowners here can expect healthy growth with standard maintenance routines.

Moderate Temperatures and Steady Rain

Annual precipitation hits 40.0 inches, perfectly matching the ideal lawn requirement of 30-50 inches. With only 21 extreme heat days, Ford is cooler than the state average of 27, which reduces evaporation stress on your grass. The 3,327 growing degree days ensure plenty of warmth for consistent summer development.

Clay-Rich Soil with Ideal Acidity

The soil features a 27.5% clay content, which is higher than many neighbors and helps with moisture retention. A pH of 6.38 is nearly optimal for nutrient uptake in most common lawn varieties. While specific drainage classes aren't recorded, the 14.7% sand content helps prevent excessive compaction.

Persistence Through Extended Dry Spells

Ford County has endured 43 weeks in drought over the last year, with 92.7% of the area currently in severe drought. Because 100% of the county is abnormally dry, water conservation is critical for lawn longevity. Use mulch-mowing techniques to keep moisture in the soil and protect the crowns of your grass.

Planning Around the Spring Frost

Expect your last spring frost around April 23 and the first fall frost by October 17. These dates suggest a slightly shorter growing season than southern neighbors, making cool-season grasses the primary choice. Fall aeration and overseeding will help your lawn recover from the recent drought stress.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ford County's county score?
Ford County, Illinois has a composite county score of 53.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Ford County rank among counties in Illinois?
Ford County ranks #54 among all counties in Illinois on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Ford County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Ford County is $2,443, with an effective tax rate of 2.07%. This earns Ford County a tax score of 2.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ford County?
The median household income in Ford County, Illinois is $60,782 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ford County earns an income score of 41.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ford County, Illinois a good place to live?
Ford County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Ford County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Ford County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.