A former manufacturing giant seeking a reinvention
Canton, the largest city in Fulton County, Illinois, with just under 13,000 residents, owes its name to what turned out to be a highly inaccurate piece of 19th-century geographic speculation. In 1825, town founder Isaac Swan believed he was on the opposite side of the globe as Canton, China (present-day Guangzhou). However, for that to be true, he would need to be in Argentina. Regardless, Swan’s name for the town stuck.
Originally a coal mining town, Canton became a regional economic colossus that manufactured steel plows for over 100 years. But, when International Harvester closed the factory in 1983, it changed the face of Canton in a way that’s still felt today. “There was a significant impact,” says Canton native Luke Dillefeld. “Canton is still trying to find its renaissance. It’s a very underdog feel, and the city embraces that blue-collar mentality.”
Originally a coal mining town, Canton, is a city that embraces a true blue-collar mentality.
Canton was founded by settler Isaac Swan, who believed Canton, IL and Canton, China, were antipodes.
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Cook Medical among major local employers
In 2008, Cook Medical opened a medical device factory on a piece of the former International Harvester site because company founder Bill Cook was a Canton native. “It gave Canton a little bit of a shot in the arm,” Dillefeld says.
Other major Canton employers include the Graham Medical Group medical center, Canton Union School District No. 66, Illinois River Correctional Center and Spoon River College. Dillefeld says some Canton residents commute roughly 30 miles to East Peoria to work at Caterpillar’s manufacturing facilities.
General Wayne A. Downing International Airport, also around 30 miles away, is the nearest commercial airport. Fulton County Rural Transit provides van transportation for area residents on a reservation basis.
Graham Medical Group is one of the largest employers in Canton.
In 2008, Bill Cook, a Canton native, opened a medical device factory named Cook Medical.
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A multitude of parks and lakes
Canton Park District administers nine parks that sprawl out across more than 1,400 acres. Big Creek Park features a recreation center, swimming pool, disc golf course and pickleball courts. Just across the street, Lakeland Park has 5 miles of trails that weave between five lakes. “They have these giant albino catfish that live under the bridge; 20 to 30 pounds,” Dillefeld says. “You can’t catch them, but you can feed them. You throw some food in and create a little feeding frenzy.”
On the east side of town, Canton Lake offers a boat launch and campground. There are also numerous hunting and fishing spots throughout the area. “There’s a lot of emphasis on hunting and fishing, for sure,” Dillefeld says. “That’s a big draw.”
Enjoy the serene surroundings at Canton Lake located in the heart of Canton.
Residents of Canton love the Veterans Memorial at Lakeland Park.
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Home prices well below the national median
The median home price in Canton is around $105,000, which is about one-quarter of the nationwide median price. Renovated bungalows and cottages can start for around $50,000. Ranch-style homes, split-levels and new traditional houses can range between $225,000 and $350,000.
Renovated bungalows in Canton are affordably priced.
Many updated cottage-style homes can be seen throughout Canton.
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Little Giants receive plenty of community support
Canton Union District No. 66, which has three elementary schools, one middle school and a high school, earns a B-minus rating from Niche. Canton High School receives a C-plus. Canton High’s sports teams are known as the Little Giants in honor of Stephen A. Douglas. However, the shirtless, muscle-bound mascot bears little resemblance to the 19th-century Illinois Senator and presidential candidate. “On Friday nights in Canton, there’s a lot of time spent at the football stadium,” Dillefeld says. Just how big is Canton football? The city’s Fourth of July fireworks show is held at Memorial Stadium because it’s the community’s most obvious gathering place.
Spoon River College, a two-year community college, is in unincorporated Canton.
Canton High School offers plenty of AP and Honors courses.
Spoon River College, located in Canton, has a full-time enrollment of just under 2,000 students.
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Local businesses keep downtown vibrant
Many of Canton’s stores and restaurants are on the north end of town along Main Street (Illinois Route 78). Downtown Canton also has a number of local favorites, from generations-old watering holes like Billy’s Tap and Official Time Out to diners American Grille and Canton Family Restaurant. Hannam’s Dairy Dream, open between late spring and early fall, is a seasonal favorite during warmer months.
Billy's Tap in downtown Canton has been serving residents since 1948.
Resident favorite, Canton Family Restaurant, offers breakfast all day.
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Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive a fall favorite
Jones Park hosts many local events, including a Saturday farmers market from June-September and the Art on Main arts festival in early June. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, a county-wide arts and crafts festival held the first two weekends of October, is one of Fulton County’s major events.
An active tornado history
Canton has a history of tornadoes. Swan, the town's founder, was among those who died in a June 1835 tornado that hit the city. In July 1975, a massive EF3 tornado damaged or destroyed more than 125 businesses and 150 houses on Canton's south side, leaving much of the city without power for a week.
Canton is also experiencing population decline. Although more than 15,000 people lived in the city in 2000, its current population is at its lowest level since the 1950s.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Canton, IL sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Canton, IL over the last 12 months is $102,200, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for a move-in ready home on one level, then this 3-bedroom brick ranch is ready for you! Beautiful hardwood floors and eat-in kitchen (appliances (2022) stay but not warranted). Partially finished basement has family room with wood burning fireplace, kitchenette, laundry area and additional shower. Enjoy sitting on your covered front porch or enclosed back porch, fenced yard and shed.
This 4-bedroom ranch is just what you need with everything at easy access on one floor including the laundry in bathroom. New luxury vinyl plank floor in living room (Oct. 2025) and newer luxury vinyl plank in 2 bedrooms. Furnace, water heater and metal roof new in 2022.Front and back decks. Extra-large corner lot. Two plus car detached garage with storage area and extra parking in driveway.
Packaged with 2 additional properties (5 total parcel numbers). This 2 bed/1 bath ranch home currently rents for $650 with a long-term tenant in place. This package would be great for investors looking to add to their rental portfolio and these parcels are in a prime location for future commercial development, boasting traffic counts of 8,100 vehicles/day and located in Canton's BDD and TIF-2.
Well-maintained 3BR home with numerous updates. Kitchen updates, newer flooring throughout, 1-year-old furnace, and newer water heater. Spacious layout includes large kitchen, dining room, and family room. Appliances stay, including washer, dryer, refrigerator, and newer stove. Exterior features new landscaping, new fence, low-maintenance yard, and one-car garage. Home has four window AC units.
Packaged with 2 additional properties (5 total parcel numbers). This 2 bed/1 bath currently rents for $600/month with a long-term tenant in place and includes an additional vacant parcel to the East. This package would be great for investors looking to add to their rental portfolio and these parcels are in a prime location for future commercial development, boasting traffic counts of 8,100
Beautifully updated home with a full top-to-bottom renovation, offering modern finishes and worry-free living. Interior upgrades include fresh paint throughout, new switches/receptacles, updated ceiling fans, new window A/C, new mini blinds and curtains, and multiple new windows. The fully renovated bathroom features a new vanity, sink, faucet, and mirror, updated bathtub, shower fixtures,
Build your dream home—or investment property—on this ideally located vacant lot just across from popular Wallace Park! With R-3 zoning, the property offers flexibility for either a single-family residence or a duplex. All utilities are readily available, including city water, sewer, electricity, and natural gas. Enjoy the convenience of being steps from Wallace Park’s 1⁄2-mile walking trail,
Charming 3-bedroom bungalow featuring spacious rooms throughout. The electrical system and sewer have been updated for peace of mind. Enjoy relaxing on the inviting front porch. Includes a garage and plenty of potential to make it your own. Sold "AS IS" All measurements are approximate. Appliances not warranted.
Country Living on over 4 Acres Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on just under 5 acres. The property includes a 32x64 outbuilding with concrete floors and dual overhead doors, ideal for storage, vehicles, or a workshop. Enjoy the outdoors with a shared pond and an above-ground pool. Inside, the home features Amish-made cabinetry, wood flooring, and a fireplace for
Packaged with 2 additional properties (5 total parcel numbers). This 3 bed/1 bath currently rents for $800/month with a long-term tenant in place. This package would be great for investors looking to add to their rental portfolio and these parcels are in a prime location for future commercial development, boasting traffic counts of 8,100 vehicles/day and located in Canton's BDD and TIF-2. This
Cute 2 bedroom, 1 bath home with a large backyard. Newer roof in 2023; bathroom remodel with stackable washer/dryer. HVAC and water heater replaced within last 5 years.
Whitetail Properties Real Estate in cooperation with SVN Core 3 is excited to offer this turn-key commercial property. The expansive 19,300 sq. ft. commercial property is prominently located on North Main Street (State Highway 78) in Canton, Illinois. Situated on 4 acres, it previously operated as a car dealership with an attached 16,800 sq. ft. service department and a 2,500 sq. ft. showroom
Rare opportunity to own a beautifully maintained country property on nearly 17 acres! This immaculate 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sits on a scenic parcel featuring ponds and approximately 10 acres of productive tillable ground, offering peaceful rural views and plenty of open space. The property is well-equipped with outstanding outbuildings, including a 78' x 28' shop with electricity, a 32' x
Rhoades Inc.Rhoades Real Estate & Land Auction Services, Inc.
This outstanding property is located near Canton, IL, just off East New Bridge Road, and offers the perfect blend of recreational and agricultural opportunities. Featuring two well-maintained manufactured homes built in the early 2000s, this property is ready for family living, guests or rental income. The first home offers 1,664 sq. ft. of living space and includes a 1,400 sq. ft. pole building
Property Id: 1358828Enjoy this completely rehabbed apartment. Large open floor living area with beautiful bay windows. Located downtown close to shops and restaurants. Please complete the short questionnaire to start the viewing and application process.
Property Id: 1322013Available March 1st. Fully furnished studio apartment with all the amenities for your short-term visit for work or pleasure. Perfect for traveling medical professionals, students and executives. 30 day minimum stay. 2 blocks from downtown Canton, shops, theatre, restaurants, Graham Health, and more. Next availability starts March 1, 2026. Please complete the
Property Id: 2242960Take advantage of our Handyman Home Offer and make this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home at 1100 W Locust St #127, Canton, IL 61520 is ready for your personal touch. With a 14x50 layout, this home provides a perfect canvas for renovation and customization. It’s a great chance to create the home you've been looking for at an affordable price.The home is FREE—just
Property Id: 2197156Looking for a long-term RV space in a peaceful, well-maintained community? We have RV-ready lots available in Canton, Illinois — ideal for anyone seeking comfort, convenience, and flexibility.Features:- Water and electric hookups included- Spacious lots (originally sized for mobile homes)- No restrictions on RV or camper length- Minimum lease
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