Forest City, IL
Population 225 · Illinois
About Forest City, IL
Forest City is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 225 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,125 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Forest City features a median home value of $70,000, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Forest City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $920, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 102 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (66 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (27 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest City shows an unemployment rate of 18.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Forest City have an average one-way commute time of 30.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.4% of Forest City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forest City, IL
Compared to national averages, Forest City has a median household income of $63,125 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $70,000, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $920 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Forest City's income is 16% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 58% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Forest City, IL?
Forest City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $70,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $920/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,125) that falls below the national average. However, Forest City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Forest City has a population of 225 with a median age of 38.6 years. Compare Forest City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
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Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Forest City
What is the population of Forest City, IL?
The population of Forest City, IL is 225 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Forest City?
The median household income in Forest City, IL is $63,125 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest City?
The median home value in Forest City, IL is $70,000, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forest City?
The median monthly rent in Forest City, IL is $920, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest City?
The unemployment rate in Forest City, IL is 18.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forest City, IL a good place to live?
Forest City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 225 and a median age of 38.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Forest City, IL?
13.4% of residents in Forest City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Forest City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forest City, IL: median home value is $70,000 (71% below national), median rent is $920/month, and median household income is $63,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forest City?
The poverty rate in Forest City, IL is 28.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Forest City, IL?
Forest City's population is 2.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.