Ford County sits in east-central Illinois, placing residents within an hour’s drive of Champaign–Urbana’s research hospitals and University of Illinois employment centers as well as Bloomington–Normal’s corporate offices. Its small towns—Paxton, Gibson City, and Melvin—offer K-12 districts that consistently post graduation rates above the state average and maintain active 4-H and FFA programs tied to surrounding farmland. Daily needs are met by local grocery stores, hardware outlets, and clinics, while Interstate 57 provides quick access to larger retail corridors and regional airports.
Ford County currently has 45 single family homes for sale with an average list price of $226,437.78, 1 townhouse for sale with a list price of $114,950, and 12 lots for sale with an average list price of $20,458.33. The average annual property tax for Ford County is $2,648.82.
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Cabery, Illinois, is a small, rural village straddling Ford and Kankakee counties, with a population of 231 as of the 2020 census. Founded around 1878 and named after early settler John R. Caberry, the village was incorporated in 1881 following the construction of the Kankakee and Southwestern Railroad. Despite a devastating fire in 1885 that destroyed much of Main Street, Cabery rebuilt and remains a tight-knit agricultural community. With a total area of just 0.34 square miles, it offers a peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle, featuring amenities like a post office, a hardware store, the Cabery Bar and Grill, and a community park with a fishing pond known as "the Clay Hole."... Read more
Elliott, Illinois, is a small village in Ford County with a population of 274 as of the 2020 census. Covering just 0.50 square miles, this quaint community embodies the charm of rural Midwestern life, surrounded by expansive agricultural fields that create a serene, picturesque backdrop. Named after landowner Samuel Elliott, the village was established with a post office in 1871 and is known for its tight-knit community and historic architecture, reflecting its late 19th-century roots. While lacking major tourist attractions, Elliott offers a peaceful retreat with annual community events that foster camaraderie, making it a genuine slice of small-town America.... Read more
Gibson City, Illinois, is a charming small town in Ford County with a population of approximately 3,475 as of the 2020 census. Founded in 1869 by Jonathan B. Lott and named after his wife, Margaret Gibson Lott, the city has a rich agricultural heritage and a close-knit community atmosphere. It features a vibrant downtown with historical buildings, local businesses like the Sand Trap Restaurant and Bowl, and the renowned Harvest Moon Vintage Drive-In. The town is also home to Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services, employing over 600 people, and offers community amenities such as parks, a dog park, and a fishing pond surrounded by a wildflower path.... Read more
Kempton, Illinois, is a small village in Ford County with a population of around 231 as of the 2010 census. Located in the heart of the Midwest, it embodies the quiet charm of rural America, surrounded by vast farmlands and open prairies. The village, originally named Sugar Loaf, was renamed in 1878 after a local landowner and is part of the Mona Township. Kempton’s tight-knit community enjoys a peaceful lifestyle, with local events and agriculture playing central roles in daily life. Despite its small size, the village offers a glimpse into the simplicity and resilience of small-town living, with easy access to nearby urban centers like Kankakee or Champaign for additional amenities.... Read more
Paxton, Illinois, is a small, welcoming town in Ford County, located about 30 miles northeast of Champaign-Urbana. With a population of around 4,500, it serves as the county seat and offers a classic Midwestern community vibe. Known for its historic downtown, featuring charming brick buildings and local businesses, Paxton also hosts the annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration, drawing visitors with its parade, fireworks, and community spirit. The town is home to the unique Paxton Water Tower, one of the few remaining wooden water tanks in the U.S., and the nearby Paxton Park District provides recreational opportunities with parks, trails, and sports facilities. Its proximity to Interstate 57 makes it a convenient stop for travelers, while its tight-knit community and agricultural roots give it a timeless, small-town charm.... Read more
Piper City, Illinois, is a small, tight-knit village in Ford County with a population of around 800. Located along Interstate 57, it’s a quiet, rural community surrounded by vast farmlands, offering a peaceful escape from urban life. Founded in 1867, the village retains a charming, small-town atmosphere with historic buildings and a strong sense of community pride. Residents enjoy local events like the annual Ford County Fair and have access to essential amenities, including a few local businesses and restaurants. With its proximity to larger cities like Kankakee and Champaign, Piper City balances rural serenity with convenient access to urban opportunities.... Read more
Roberts, Illinois, is a small village in Ford County with a population of approximately 336 as of 2025, known for its quiet, rural charm and close-knit community. Named after early settlers Jesse and Livingston Roberts, the village spans about 0.48 square miles of flat, fertile land ideal for agriculture.... Read more
Sibley, Illinois, is a small village in Ford County with a population of approximately 260 as of July 2024. Named after Hiram Sibley, who purchased the land in 1878, the village was originally established as Burr Oaks in 1873 before being renamed in 1880. Once home to the world’s largest corn crib, as noted by Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Sibley covers a modest 0.51 square miles of land, surrounded by the open grasslands and seasonal wetlands typical of east-central Illinois. With a close-knit community and a low cost of living, Sibley offers a quiet, rural lifestyle, complemented by nearby outdoor recreational opportunities like the Sibley Grove, a restored mesic savanna and wetland complex.... Read more
