Ford County Map, Illinois

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 26, 2026 | 14:30 ET

Map of Ford County - Ford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. Ford County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Ford County located in the map, major cities in Ford county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Ford County Map, Illinois

Ford County Map, Illinois

About Ford County Map, Illinois: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

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Ford County, Illinois

Ford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. It's county seat is Paxton. As per 2020 census, the population of Ford County is 13511 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 485 sq mi (1,256 km2). Ford County was established on 1859.

Facts about Ford County, Illinois

CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
RegionEast Central Illinois
County SeatPaxton
Named AfterThomas Ford
Established1859
Organized1859
Coordinates40.60° N, 88.22° W
Total Area~486 sq mi
Land Area~486 sq mi
Water Area~0.3 sq mi
Population (2020)~13,534
Population RankSmall-sized county in Illinois
Largest CityPaxton
Main IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, Transportation
Major HighwaysInterstate 57, U.S. Route 45
Time ZoneCentral Time (UTC−06:00)
Known ForRural farmland, wind energy development, small-town communities
Websitehttps://www.fordcounty.illinois.gov

Ctities in Ford county

City NameTypePopulation (2020)Pop. DensityArea
ElliottVillage274550.2/sq mi (212.4/km2)0.498 sq mi (1.29 km2)
Gibson CityCity3,4751,497.2/sq mi (578.1/km2)2.321 sq mi (6.01 km2)
KemptonVillage1761,066.7/sq mi (411.8/km2)0.165 sq mi (0.43 km2)
MelvinVillage4161,202.3/sq mi (464.2/km2)0.346 sq mi (0.9 km2)
PaxtonCity4,4501,465.7/sq mi (565.9/km2)3.036 sq mi (7.86 km2)
Piper CityVillage7451,342.3/sq mi (518.3/km2)0.555 sq mi (1.44 km2)
RobertsVillage345717.3/sq mi (276.9/km2)0.481 sq mi (1.25 km2)
SibleyVillage288598.8/sq mi (231.2/km2)0.481 sq mi (1.25 km2)
CaberyVillage231671.5/sq mi (259.3/km2)0.344 sq mi (0.89 km2)

Roads and Highways in Ford County, Illinois

Ford County is served by several major highways that connect it to central and eastern Illinois, making travel convenient across the region.

  • Interstate 57 – runs north-south through the county, connecting Paxton to Champaign and Kankakee
  • Illinois Route 9 – runs east-west, linking Paxton to Gibson City and Hoopeston
  • Illinois Route 54 – passes through the county, connecting Roberts to Onarga and Piper City
  • Illinois Route 115 – runs north-south, linking Roberts to Kankakee and central Illinois

Neighboring Counties of Ford County

  • Iroquois County (north)
  • Vermilion County (east)
  • Champaign County (south)
  • McLean County (west)
  • Livingston County (northwest)

Top Attractions in Ford County, Illinois

Ford County offers a peaceful rural setting with small-town charm, local history, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

  • Paxton Historic Downtown – A charming area with historic buildings, shops, and dining.
  • Pells Park – A community park in Paxton with playgrounds, trails, and sports facilities.
  • Ford County Courthouse – A historic landmark located in the center of Paxton.
  • Paxton Carnegie Library – A historic library with classic architecture.
  • Lake Iroquois (nearby) – A popular spot for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities.
  • Onarga Railroad Museum – Highlights local railroad history and heritage.
  • Ford County Fairgrounds – Hosts annual fairs and community events.

Distance from Ford County to Nearby Cities

  • Paxton to Champaign – 25 mi (40 km)
  • Paxton to Kankakee – 55 mi (89 km)
  • Paxton to Bloomington – 60 mi (97 km)
  • Paxton to Peoria – 95 mi (153 km)
  • Paxton to Chicago – 100 mi (161 km)

FAQs about Ford County

Where is Ford County located?

Ford County is located in east-central Illinois, north of Champaign and surrounded by farmland.

What is Ford County known for?

The county is known for its agricultural landscape, small towns, and local parks.

What is the county seat of Ford County?

Paxton is the county seat and the largest city in Ford County.

Are there outdoor activities in Ford County?

Yes, visitors can enjoy parks, lakes, and outdoor recreational areas.

How can I reach Ford County?

Ford County is accessible via Interstate 57 and several Illinois state highways.