Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ford Heights, IL
Thinking about moving to Ford Heights, IL? With a small, close-knit population of 2,331, this suburb offers some of the most affordable housing in the Chicago area—median home prices are just $44,500 and average rents hover around $1,020. Commute times average about 36 minutes, and the area experiences typical Midwest seasons with plenty of sunny days. While crime rates are higher than average and incomes tend to be lower, Ford Heights provides access to nearby colleges, major hospitals, and a public school district, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking value and proximity to Chicago.
Demographics - Ford Heights, IL
Demographics - Ford Heights, IL
Ford Heights is a predominantly Black community, with 92% of its 2,331 residents identifying as African American and a median age of 36.4 years. The city features a moderate population density and a slight majority of female residents, creating a close-knit, diverse atmosphere.
Population:
2,331
Density:
1,220 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.4
Gender Ratio:
85 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2.3%
Black:
92.4%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ford Heights, IL?
Living in Ford Heights is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $44,500. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, making this area attractive for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$44,500
Gross Rent:
$1,020
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$910
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.3
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
38.6
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
106.3
Health Care:
98.9
Miscellaneous:
93.7
Crime
Is Ford Heights, IL a safe place to live?
Ford Heights experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with violent crime at 1,080 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 34 chance of property crime. Prospective residents should be aware of these safety considerations when choosing a neighborhood.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,080
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,950
Crime Index:
4,030
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 93
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Ford Heights, IL year-round?
The city offers four distinct seasons, including cold winters with lows around 18°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. Residents enjoy about 54% sunny days yearly and nearly 39 inches of annual rainfall, typical for the Midwest.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Ford Heights have a median income of $23,400, while over 42% of residents live below the poverty line and unemployment is relatively high. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, but college attainment is limited, and commute times average nearly 36 minutes.
Median Income:
$16,792
Household Income:
$23,400
Family Income:
$30,750
Per Capita Income:
$13,140
Income Male:
$22,400
Income Female:
$19,600
Poverty Rate:
42.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$1,020
Unemployment Rate:
16.8%
Public Transport Usage:
7.8%
Commute Time:
35.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.0%
Bachelors or More:
7.2%
Education
How are the schools in Ford Heights, IL?
Ford Heights is served by a local public school district with a student-teacher ratio of 15.7, and families have access to nearby higher education institutions like Prairie State College and South Suburban College, both within a short drive.
Public Schools
Name:
Ford Heights School District 169
Street:
910 Woodlawn Ave
Phone:
(708) 758-1610
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Colleges
Name:
Prairie State College
City:
Chicago Heights
State:
IL
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
South Suburban College
City:
South Holland
State:
IL
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
12,300
Healthcare
Ford Heights residents benefit from proximity to major hospitals like Franciscan Health Olympia Fields and South Suburban Hospital, both offering emergency services. Healthcare access is supported by 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields
Address:
20201 S Crawford Ave, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Phone:
(708) 747-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
South Suburban Hospital
Address:
17800 S Kedzie Ave, Hazel Crest, IL 60429
Phone:
(708) 957-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
71.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ford Heights, IL?
The housing market in Ford Heights is very affordable, with median home prices at $44,500 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,020. Nearly half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a moderate vacancy and foreclosure rate, making it appealing for first-time buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$44,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,020
Owner Occupied Rate:
46.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.2%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility located in nearby Chicago. Online resources and customer support are available for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services
Address:
9901 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Chicago, IL 60628
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.