Forreston, IL
Population 1,148 · Illinois
About Forreston, IL
Forreston is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,148 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,042 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Forreston features a median home value of $116,500, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Forreston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $783, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 569 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (423 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (100 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forreston shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Forreston have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.7% of Forreston 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 5.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forreston, IL
Compared to national averages, Forreston has a median household income of $68,042 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $116,500, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $783 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Forreston's income is 9% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 30% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Forreston, IL?
Forreston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $116,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $783/month, and a low poverty rate of 4.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,042) that falls below the national average. However, Forreston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Forreston has a population of 1,148 with a median age of 47.5 years. Compare Forreston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Forreston
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tower Lakes | 1,148 | $172,656 | $495,900 | Compare |
| Newark | 1,152 | $129,688 | $234,800 | Compare |
| Kingston | 1,156 | $81,806 | $212,300 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 1,137 | $70,469 | $97,600 | Compare |
| Milford | 1,136 | $45,000 | $65,300 | Compare |
| Chatsworth | 1,161 | $61,731 | $103,000 | Compare |
| Edinburg | 1,163 | $95,292 | $111,300 | Compare |
| Marissa | 1,133 | $48,393 | $87,000 | 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 Forreston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forreston
What is the population of Forreston, IL?
The population of Forreston, IL is 1,148 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Forreston?
The median household income in Forreston, IL is $68,042 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forreston?
The median home value in Forreston, IL is $116,500, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forreston?
The median monthly rent in Forreston, IL is $783, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forreston?
The unemployment rate in Forreston, IL is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forreston, IL a good place to live?
Forreston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,148 and a median age of 47.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Forreston, IL?
13.7% of residents in Forreston 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 Forreston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forreston, IL: median home value is $116,500 (52% below national), median rent is $783/month, and median household income is $68,042. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forreston?
The poverty rate in Forreston, IL is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Forreston, IL?
Forreston's population is 5.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.