Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forest Park, IL
Considering Forest Park, IL for your next home? With a population of nearly 14,000, this diverse suburb west of Chicago offers affordable living—median home prices around $255,000 and average rents at $1,380. Residents enjoy a reasonable cost of living, strong public transit options, and a quick 35-minute average commute to downtown. While property crime rates are above national averages, Forest Park’s schools boast high educational attainment, and the area features four beautiful seasons and easy access to major hospitals and higher education.
Demographics - Forest Park, IL
Demographics - Forest Park, IL
Forest Park, IL is home to nearly 14,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a mix of White, Black, Asian, and other backgrounds. The median age is just over 41, and about 18% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a multicultural environment with urban density.
Population:
13,927
Density:
7,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
46.6%
Black:
31.5%
Asian:
5.9%
Others:
16.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forest Park, IL?
Living in Forest Park is relatively affordable for the Chicago area, with a median home value of $255,000 and average rents around $1,380. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average, driven by housing and transportation costs, but utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced.
Median House Value:
$255,000
Gross Rent:
$1,380
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
109.9
Grocery:
102.3
Housing:
110.5
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
112.2
Health Care:
101.8
Miscellaneous:
97.6
Crime
Is Forest Park, IL a safe place to live?
Forest Park experiences higher property crime rates compared to national averages, with a 1 in 43 chance of property crime, while violent crime is less frequent at 1 in 292. Residents should remain vigilant but can enjoy a generally safe community with proactive local law enforcement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
342
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,320
Crime Index:
2,662
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 292
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Forest Park, IL year-round?
Forest Park enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers with highs up to 84°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 37.5 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine on over half of the days each year, providing a balanced climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Forest Park typically earn a median income of $63,900, with a poverty rate of 13.7% and unemployment at 5.8%. The neighborhood is highly educated, with nearly 93% holding at least a high school diploma, and about 23% of residents use public transit for their average 35-minute commute.
Median Income:
$40,300
Household Income:
$63,900
Family Income:
$82,500
Per Capita Income:
$38,500
Income Male:
$47,800
Income Female:
$41,200
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$1,380
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
22.5%
Commute Time:
34.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.9%
Bachelors or More:
45.7%
Education
How are the schools in Forest Park, IL?
Forest Park offers quality education through public and private schools, including Forest Park Middle School and Field-Stevenson Elementary. Higher education is easily accessible with nearby institutions such as Triton College and Dominican University, supporting a community with strong educational attainment.
Public Schools
Name:
Forest Park Middle School
Street:
925 Beloit Ave
Phone:
708-366-5703
Students:
510
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Field-Stevenson Elementary School
Street:
925 Beloit Ave
Phone:
708-366-5742
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. John Lutheran School
Street:
305 Circle Ave
Phone:
708-366-2764
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Triton College
City:
River Grove
State:
IL
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
Dominican University
City:
River Forest
State:
IL
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major medical centers like Rush Oak Park Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center, both offering emergency services nearby. With 3.1 physicians per 1,000 people and over 92% health insurance coverage, Forest Park provides solid healthcare options for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Rush Oak Park Hospital
Address:
520 S Maple Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
Phone:
(708) 383-9300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Loyola University Medical Center
Address:
2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood, IL 60153
Phone:
(888) 584-7888
Type:
General & Trauma
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.0%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forest Park, IL?
Forest Park's housing market features a median home price of $255,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,380, appealing to both buyers and renters. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and property values have seen steady appreciation, making it an attractive option for long-term investment.
Median Home Price:
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,380
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services in Forest Park are managed by the Illinois Secretary of State DMV, conveniently located in nearby Chicago. Residents can access driver services, registration, and information online or by phone for streamlined support.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - DMV
Address:
5301 W Lexington St, Chicago, IL 60644
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.