River Forest, IL
Population 11,489 · Illinois
About River Forest, IL
River Forest is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 11,489 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $148,711 per year, which is 98% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in River Forest features a median home value of $676,900, which is 176% above the national median of $244,900. This places River Forest in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,411, 21% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,494 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (3,806 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (469 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in River Forest shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in River Forest have an average one-way commute time of 31.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
73.4% of River Forest 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 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 12.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How River Forest Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in River Forest, IL
Compared to national averages, River Forest has a median household income of $148,711 (98% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $676,900, which is 176% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,411 is 21% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, River Forest's income is 98% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 308% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in River Forest, IL?
River Forest offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $148,711, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 73.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $676,900. However, River Forest’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
River Forest has a population of 11,489 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare River Forest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near River Forest
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontiac | 11,483 | $59,579 | $110,200 | Compare |
| Schiller Park | 11,454 | $67,473 | $276,200 | Compare |
| Markham | 11,434 | $52,364 | $119,500 | Compare |
| Plano | 11,626 | $83,102 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Palos Heights | 11,817 | $107,974 | $350,000 | Compare |
| Taylorville | 11,149 | $52,720 | $106,300 | Compare |
| Burr Ridge | 11,119 | $154,508 | $694,800 | Compare |
| Columbia | 11,063 | $107,922 | $290,100 | 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 River Forest With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about River Forest
What is the population of River Forest, IL?
The population of River Forest, IL is 11,489 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 River Forest?
The median household income in River Forest, IL is $148,711 per year, which is 98% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in River Forest?
The median home value in River Forest, IL is $676,900, which is 176% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in River Forest?
The median monthly rent in River Forest, IL is $1,411, which is 21% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in River Forest?
The unemployment rate in River Forest, IL is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is River Forest, IL a good place to live?
River Forest offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,489 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is River Forest, IL?
73.4% of residents in River Forest 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 River Forest?
Key cost-of-living indicators for River Forest, IL: median home value is $676,900 (176% above national), median rent is $1,411/month, and median household income is $148,711. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in River Forest?
The poverty rate in River Forest, IL is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is River Forest, IL?
River Forest's population is 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 4.6% two or more races. 12.5% of residents are foreign-born.