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 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Canton, IL over the last 12 months is $115,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming ranch home perfectly situated on the edge of town, offering the ideal blend of privacy and convenience! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home features an oversized 1-car garage and a HUGE private backyard—perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying the outdoors. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully remodeled kitchen and updated bathroom, giving the home a fresh, modern feel. Major
Exceptional custom estate on N edge of Canton offering more than 7,000 finished SqFt of luxurious living space. This stunning residence combines timeless elegance, superior craftsmanship, and thoughtfully designed spaces ideal for entertaining, multi-generational living, and everyday comfort. Featuring 6 spacious bedrooms - each with a private ensuite bath, the home showcases abundant natural
This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is currently rented for $600 per month with a long-term tenant in place, offering immediate income potential. The property also includes an additional vacant parcel to the east at the northwest corner of 5th Avenue and Locust Street. Whether you're looking to expand your investment portfolio or purchase a future owner-occupied home, this property offers exceptional
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,
This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is currently rented for $800 per month with a long-term tenant in place, providing immediate rental income. The property also includes a detached one-car garage and offers excellent potential for investors seeking to expand their portfolio or purchase a future owner-occupied home, this property offers exceptional flexibility. With approximately 8,100 vehicles passing
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.
This 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch home is currently rented for $650 per month with a long-term tenant in place, providing immediate rental income. The property features an attached one-car garage, a full basement, and an additional lot located behind the home, offering extra space and future potential. Formerly part of a larger development package, this property is now available for individual
Well-maintained and spotless 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering an abundance of space and comfort throughout. The spacious kitchen is perfect for entertaining, featuring beautiful cabinetry, a breakfast bar, and a large dining area ideal for gatherings. Just off the oversized garage, you’ll find a convenient mudroom with main-floor laundry. The cozy living room features a fireplace, creating the
Ever dreamed of owning your own private lake? This exceptional 58.87 acre recreational property on the southeast edge of Canton, Illinois, offers a rare opportunity to own two private lakes, outstanding hunting, excellent fishing, and income potential. The centerpiece of the property is an impressive 34.6 acre lake, complemented by a second 1.45 acre lake. The larger lake has been carefully
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
Great location for commercial development! Approximately 0.7 acres available on N. Main Street (IL Route 78). This high traffic corner lot averages 8,550 cars/day, and is in Canton's TIF & BDD District. Nearby commercial businesses include Arby's, Sherwin Williams, Auto Zone, Jimmy Johns, Dunkin/Baskin & many others.Copyright 2025 RMLS Alliance. All rights reserved. All information
Rhoades Inc.Rhoades Real Estate & Land Auction Services, Inc.
Illinois Farm & Rec Land is excited to offer this hard-to-find small acreage tract located just outside of Canton, Illinois. Properties of this size and versatility rarely come available, making this an outstanding opportunity for investors, hobby farmers, or anyone looking to build their dream home in the country.The farm is primarily comprised of productive tillable acreage, currently
Don't let the curb appeal fool you!!! All 3 apartments have been updated and are very comfortable and livable. Tenants pay all gas and electric. 3 electric meters, 3 gas meters, 3 water heaters, 2 furnaces and 1 apartment with baseboard heat. One apartment just recently became available and the tenants in other 2 apartments have both lived here 8+ years. Much room for growth in equity and income
Property Id: 2585881 Affordable Home Opportunity! Looking for an affordable place to call home? This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home at 1100 W. Locust St #32, Canton, IL 61520 features a 14x68 layout and is priced at $29,000. Estimated monthly payment is $698 with an estimated down payment of $1,450. The community offers a playground, dog park, covered picnic area, clubhouse, and onsite office.
Property Id: 2755325 Affordable Home Opportunity! Looking for a modern and affordable home? This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home at 1100 W. Locust St. Lot 1, Canton, IL 61520 features a 16x52 layout and is priced at $39,000. Estimated monthly payment is $829 with an estimated down payment of $1,950. The community offers a playground, dog park, covered picnic area, clubhouse, and onsite office.
Property Id: 2242960 Take 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 cover
Property Id: 1358834 Completely refurbished 2 bedroom apartment. Bath has all new fixtures. New flooring, paint, and lighting throughout. On the corner of Chestnut and Main Street. Across from park. Great location for walking, shopping, and eating. Must complete pre-screening questionnaire to be considered.
Cozy one-bedroom, one-bath apartment. This inviting unit features an open-concept kitchen and living room layout, creating a comfortable space for relaxing and entertaining. Enjoy a convenient location with a functional layout and a welcoming feel — a great place to call home!Unit Details:- 1 Bedroom- 1 Bath- Kitchen/living room- Window a/c unitMove-in amount
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