RANK #322 / 996 · POP 55,569 · IL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.4%
Fulton, Illinois, in Whiteside County, stands out with its authentic Dutch windmill, "de Immigrant," a working landmark built in the Netherlands and reassembled in Fulton, celebrating the town's Dutch heritage. Located in northwestern Illinois, Whiteside County is bordered by the Mississippi River to the west and intersected by the Rock River. The county seat, Morrison, is roughly 120 miles west of Chicago, offering a quieter community feel with access to larger urban centers via Interstate 88. Outdoor recreation includes extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating along the Rock River and within the Whiteside County Forest Preserve system.
Life in Whiteside County often appeals to families and retirees, with many residents owning their homes. Public schools in the county are generally above average. Commute options within the county are supported by Whiteside County Public Transportation, which provides curb-to-curb service. The local economy is driven by sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, and logistics, with ongoing investments in infrastructure and energy projects. The county has been recognized for its overall health and well-being, reflecting a focus on community vitality.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.1x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Garden Plain 138 kV Battery Project
Undisclosed
|
$365M | Planned |
|
Gipper Wind Farm
Scout Clean Energy
|
$191M | Planned |
|
Broadband Fiber Deployment
JCE Co-op (formerly Jo-Carroll Energy Co-op)
|
$121M | Under Construction |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various (e.g., Engie North America, Generate Capital)
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Whiteside County has a Boom Town Index score of 68/100, ranking #322 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.9% and a median household income of $62,828, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Whiteside County is $122,200 with median rent at $785/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.5141, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.9%. Home values changed +5.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.02% of Whiteside County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.