Forsyth, IL
Population 3,656 · Illinois
About Forsyth, IL
Forsyth is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 3,656 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $113,456 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Forsyth features a median home value of $289,800, which is 18% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Forsyth in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,207, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,346 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (1,243 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (103 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forsyth shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Forsyth have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
58.7% of Forsyth 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 1.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 6.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Forsyth, IL
Compared to national averages, Forsyth has a median household income of $113,456 (51% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $289,800, which is 18% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,207 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Forsyth's income is 51% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 75% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Forsyth, IL?
Forsyth offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $113,456, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 58.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Forsyth has a population of 3,656 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Forsyth with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Forsyth
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbury | 3,683 | $65,215 | $155,900 | Compare |
| Gibson City | 3,609 | $47,104 | $138,400 | Compare |
| Deer Park | 3,711 | $160,750 | $636,200 | Compare |
| Oglesby | 3,723 | $71,618 | $130,900 | Compare |
| Byron | 3,742 | $78,235 | $182,600 | Compare |
| Aledo | 3,753 | $62,829 | $140,000 | Compare |
| Eldorado | 3,762 | $39,766 | $68,600 | Compare |
| Tolono | 3,546 | $79,333 | $207,200 | 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 Forsyth With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forsyth
What is the population of Forsyth, IL?
The population of Forsyth, IL is 3,656 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 Forsyth?
The median household income in Forsyth, IL is $113,456 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forsyth?
The median home value in Forsyth, IL is $289,800, which is 18% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forsyth?
The median monthly rent in Forsyth, IL is $1,207, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forsyth?
The unemployment rate in Forsyth, IL is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forsyth, IL a good place to live?
Forsyth offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,656 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Forsyth, IL?
58.7% of residents in Forsyth 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 Forsyth?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forsyth, IL: median home value is $289,800 (18% above national), median rent is $1,207/month, and median household income is $113,456. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Forsyth?
The poverty rate in Forsyth, IL is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Forsyth, IL?
Forsyth's population is 1.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 6.5% of residents are foreign-born.