Oak Forest, IL
Population 26,888 · Illinois
About Oak Forest, IL
Oak Forest is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 26,888 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $87,941 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oak Forest features a median home value of $247,800, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Oak Forest in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,287, 11% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,732 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (8,242 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (2,115 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oak Forest shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Oak Forest have an average one-way commute time of 31.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.1% of Oak Forest residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 15.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 13.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oak Forest, IL
Compared to national averages, Oak Forest has a median household income of $87,941 (17% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $247,800, which is 1% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,287 is 11% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Oak Forest's income is 17% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 49% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Oak Forest, IL?
Oak Forest offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,941, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 5.4%, better than the national average.
Oak Forest has a population of 26,888 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Oak Forest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Oak Forest
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Heights | 26,938 | $57,479 | $149,900 | Compare |
| Vernon Hills | 26,772 | $120,625 | $384,800 | Compare |
| Batavia | 26,730 | $119,167 | $358,000 | Compare |
| Round Lake Beach | 27,081 | $86,632 | $191,200 | Compare |
| Granite City | 26,670 | $60,490 | $99,800 | Compare |
| Edwardsville | 26,543 | $92,671 | $286,700 | Compare |
| New Lenox | 27,456 | $133,071 | $377,500 | Compare |
| Woodstock | 26,316 | $83,293 | $231,100 | 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 Oak Forest With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oak Forest
What is the population of Oak Forest, IL?
The population of Oak Forest, IL is 26,888 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 Oak Forest?
The median household income in Oak Forest, IL is $87,941 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oak Forest?
The median home value in Oak Forest, IL is $247,800, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oak Forest?
The median monthly rent in Oak Forest, IL is $1,287, which is 11% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oak Forest?
The unemployment rate in Oak Forest, IL is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oak Forest, IL a good place to live?
Oak Forest offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,888 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oak Forest, IL?
30.1% of residents in Oak Forest 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 Oak Forest?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oak Forest, IL: median home value is $247,800 (1% above national), median rent is $1,287/month, and median household income is $87,941. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oak Forest?
The poverty rate in Oak Forest, IL is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Oak Forest, IL?
Oak Forest's population is 15.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 7.7% two or more races. 13.4% of residents are foreign-born.