Moving to Ransom, Illinois

Ransom, Illinois is located in the northern part of the state, approximately 35 miles from Chicago. It has a population of about 10,000 people and is known for its charming small-town atmosphere. Geographically, Ransom is situated near the Kankakee River and is surrounded by rolling hills and lush farmland. The climate in Ransom is generally mild with all four seasons represented; summers are warm, winters are cold and snowy, and spring and fall bring pleasant temperatures.

Ransom’s history dates back to 1834 when it was first settled by settlers from New York who were drawn to the area due to its fertile soil. Since then, the town has gone through many changes; it was an important stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War and was a major producer of coal during the Industrial Revolution. Politics in Ransom tend to lean towards conservative values but there are many progressive voices in town as well.

The economy of Ransom is based mainly on agriculture but there are also several small businesses that provide goods and services to residents. The school system in Ransom consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and several private schools.

Ransom’s landmarks include Old Town Hall which dates back to 1883; it stands as a reminder of Ransom’s long history while also serving as an important community gathering place for events such as concerts or plays. Other landmarks include Stony Creek Lake which provides recreational opportunities such as fishing or boating; there is also a scenic walking trail that winds along its banks for those who prefer a more leisurely stroll. Finally, no visit to Ransom would be complete without stopping at Wrigley Field – home of baseball’s oldest professional team – where visitors can catch a game or explore the museum dedicated to baseball history located inside its walls.

Population: 409. Estimated population in July 2024: 390 (-4.6% change)
Males: 203 (49.6%), Females: 206 (50.4%)

La Salle County

Zip code: 60470

Demographics

Median resident age: 33.6 years
Median household income: $53,333
Median house value: $67,900

Population by Race

Races in Ransom:

• White Non-Hispanic (95.1%)
• Hispanic (3.2%)
• American Indian (1.2%)
• Two or more races (1.2%)

Ancestries: German (45.0%), Irish (30.3%), United States (10.0%), Norwegian (5.4%), English (4.4%), Slovak (4.4%).

Elevation: 720 feet

Land area: 1.0 square miles

Population by Education

Ransom, Illinois is a small city located in the state of Illinois. The population of Ransom is estimated to be about 1,400 people. Most of the residents are white, but there is also a small Hispanic population. The average age of the population is around forty-five years old. The majority of the population consists of families and married couples, with some single individuals as well. The median household income in Ransom is approximately $40,000 per year.

Ransom has a low crime rate compared to other cities in Illinois, and most residents feel safe living here. There are numerous parks and recreational areas within the city limits that offer activities for both adults and children alike. Additionally, Ransom has several public schools that serve its students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. These schools provide quality education to their students and have been ranked among the best in Illinois for their academic excellence and student success rates. Ransom also has a library that caters to its citizens’ needs for learning resources. Finally, there are several churches within the city limits that provide spiritual guidance for those who seek it out.

For population 25 years and over in Ransom

• High school or higher: 88.4%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.5%
• Graduate or professional degree: 1.8%
• Unemployed: 3.0%
• Mean travel time to work: 22.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Ransom village

• Never married: 18.9%
• Now married: 63.1%
• Separated: 1.5%
• Widowed: 8.7%
• Divorced: 7.8%

0.0% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -27 (-6.2%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Ransom:

• ST MARYS HOSPITAL (about 13 miles; STREATOR, IL)
• SAINT JAMES HOSPITAL (about 19 miles; PONTIAC, IL)
• COMMUNITY HOSPITAL OF OTTAWA (about 20 miles; OTTAWA, IL)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Ransom:

• CENTRAL IL REGL ARPT AT BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL (about 51 miles; BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL, IL; Abbreviation: BMI)
• CHICAGO MIDWAY INTL (about 76 miles; CHICAGO, IL; Abbreviation: MDW)
• CHICAGO O’HARE INTL (about 77 miles; CHICAGO, IL; Abbreviation: ORD)

Other public-use airports nearest to Ransom:

• DWIGHT (about 16 miles; DWIGHT, IL; Abbreviation: DTG)
• PONTIAC MUNICIPAL (about 17 miles; PONTIAC, IL; Abbreviation: PNT)
• SKYDIVE CHICAGO (about 19 miles; OTTAWA, IL; Abbreviation: 8N2)

Amtrak stations near Ransom:

• 17 miles: DWIGHT (119 W. MAIN ST.). Services: enclosed waiting area.
• 20 miles: PONTIAC (721 W. WASHINGTON ST.). Services: enclosed waiting area, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, taxi stand.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Ransom:

• ILLINOIS VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 30 miles; OGLESBY, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,272)
• JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE (about 41 miles; JOLIET, IL; Full-time enrollment: 6,075)
• WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 46 miles; SUGAR GROVE, IL; Full-time enrollment: 3,834)
• UNIVERSITY OF ST FRANCIS (about 46 miles; JOLIET, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,361)
• ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY (about 47 miles; BLOOMINGTON, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,019)
• HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 50 miles; Normal, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,390)
• ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 51 miles; NORMAL, IL; Full-time enrollment: 18,785)

Public primary/middle school in Ransom:

• ALLEN-OTTER CREEK CCSD 65 (Students: 106; Location: 400 S LANE ST; Grades: KG – 08)