Forest Park, IL
Population 14,000 · Illinois
About Forest Park, IL
Forest Park is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 14,000 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,323 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Forest Park features a median home value of $293,800, which is 20% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Forest Park in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,352, 16% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,777 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (3,773 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (3,262 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest Park shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Forest Park have an average one-way commute time of 29.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
49.8% of Forest Park residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forest Park, IL
Compared to national averages, Forest Park has a median household income of $81,323 (8% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $293,800, which is 20% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,352 is 16% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Forest Park's income is 8% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 77% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Forest Park, IL?
Forest Park offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,323, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 49.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.8%, better than the national average.
Forest Park has a population of 14,000 with a median age of 40 years. Compare Forest Park with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Forest Park
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wauconda | 14,010 | $112,438 | $268,300 | Compare |
| Beach Park | 13,988 | $83,069 | $223,600 | Compare |
| Midlothian | 14,024 | $67,872 | $200,300 | Compare |
| Wood Dale | 13,926 | $90,408 | $303,400 | Compare |
| Shiloh | 14,109 | $100,058 | $276,900 | Compare |
| Channahon | 13,854 | $121,458 | $298,000 | Compare |
| Chicago Ridge | 14,147 | $69,389 | $217,800 | Compare |
| Warrenville | 14,232 | $99,028 | $266,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Forest Park With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forest Park
What is the population of Forest Park, IL?
The population of Forest Park, IL is 14,000 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Forest Park?
The median household income in Forest Park, IL is $81,323 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest Park?
The median home value in Forest Park, IL is $293,800, which is 20% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forest Park?
The median monthly rent in Forest Park, IL is $1,352, which is 16% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest Park?
The unemployment rate in Forest Park, IL is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forest Park, IL a good place to live?
Forest Park offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,000 and a median age of 40, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Forest Park, IL?
49.8% of residents in Forest Park aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Forest Park?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forest Park, IL: median home value is $293,800 (20% above national), median rent is $1,352/month, and median household income is $81,323. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Forest Park?
The poverty rate in Forest Park, IL is 10.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Forest Park, IL?
Forest Park's population is 5.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 24.8% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.