Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Ford Heights, IL Population, Income & Demographics 2026

CSAChicago-Naperville MSAChicago-Naperville-Elgin#264/303 Population

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

1,331

Median Agei

52.4

Race & Ethnicityi

Black

95.3%1,269

White

3.6%48

Asian

1.1%14

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

3.3%36

High School Diploma

51.3%563

Some College (<1 yr)

6.8%75

Some College (1+ yr)

11.6%127

Associate's Degree

2.8%31

Bachelor's Degree

7.3%80

Master's Degree

0.4%4

Professional Degree

1.9%21

HS or Higher

85.4%

BA or Higher

9.6%

Graduate+

2.3%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$66,300

Median Renti

$1,056

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

51.2%288

Renter-Occupied

48.8%274

Total Units

816

Homeownership

51.2%

Vacancy Rate

31.1%

Home Values

Under $50K

36.8%106

$50K–$100K

25.7%74

$100K–$150K

2.1%6

$150K–$200K

14.6%42

$200K–$300K

5.6%16

$300K–$500K

15.3%44

Rent Distribution

Under $500

$750–$1,000

$1,000–$1,250

$1,250–$1,500

$1,500–$2,000

Year Built

2000–2009

8.8%72

1990–1999

3.8%31

1980–1989

1.8%15

1970–1979

15.4%126

1960–1969

40.3%329

1950–1959

23.8%194

1940–1949

2%16

1939 or earlier

4%33

Heating Fuel

Utility Gas

80.4%452

Electricity

19.6%110

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$36,053

Mean Household Incomei

$42,133

Per Capita Incomei

$19,071

Poverty Ratei

26.6%

Unemploymenti

13.9%

Labor Forcei

498

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

11.9%67

$10K–$15K

17.3%97

$15K–$20K

2.8%16

$20K–$25K

6.9%39

$25K–$30K

3.2%18

$30K–$35K

5%28

$35K–$40K

6.8%38

$40K–$45K

3.9%22

$45K–$50K

3.6%20

$50K–$60K

11.9%67

$60K–$75K

11.2%63

$75K–$100K

10.5%59

$100K–$125K

1.4%8

$125K–$150K

3.6%20

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

135

Residentsi

396

Avg. Tenant Renti

$367/mo

Programs in this community

Housing Choice Vouchers20 homes93% occupied$330/mo rent

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Project Based Section 8115 homes87% occupied$373/mo rent

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $36,053/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $11K/yr

89.9%

Very low income$11K–$18K/yr

10.1%

Who Receives This Housing

90.1% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

100% of subsidized households are minority

9.7% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

12.4% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Commute & Transportationi

Workersi

420

Avg. Commutei

32.4 min

How People Get to Work

Travel Time to Work

Workforce

Total Employed

429

Occupations

Industries

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

66(5.7% of civilian adults)