Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forrest, IL
Considering a move to Forrest, IL? With a tight-knit population of about 1,010, Forrest offers affordable living—median home prices are just $89,500 and average rents around $700. The area enjoys a low violent crime rate (168 per 100k), friendly commutes averaging 25 minutes, and solid public schools in the Prairie Central district. Residents benefit from a lower cost of living index (81.0), pleasant Midwestern summers, and convenient access to healthcare in nearby Pontiac.
Demographics - Forrest, IL
Demographics - Forrest, IL
Forrest, IL is a small community of about 1,010 residents, with a median age of nearly 40 and a population density of 1,300 per square mile. The town is predominantly White (95%), with a balanced gender ratio and about 5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its close-knit feel makes it an inviting option for those seeking a quiet, traditional Midwestern environment.
Population:
1,010
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forrest, IL?
Living in Forrest is notably affordable, with median home values around $89,500 and average rents at $700. The cost of living index is 81, well below the national average, making housing and daily expenses budget-friendly for families and individuals. Utilities and healthcare costs are reasonable, and Illinois’ flat state income tax rate helps keep finances manageable.
Median House Value:
$89,500
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$975
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.0
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
61.2
Utilities:
105.8
Transportation:
93.1
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
92.3
Crime
Is Forrest, IL a safe place to live?
Forrest experiences lower-than-average crime rates, with violent crime at 168 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,320 per 100,000. The odds of being a victim of violent crime are about 1 in 595, offering a sense of security for residents. Overall, the community maintains a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
168
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,320
Crime Index:
1,488
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 595
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 76
Weather
What is the weather like in Forrest, IL year-round?
Residents enjoy the changing seasons typical of central Illinois, with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter lows dipping to 16°F. The area sees nearly 60% sunny days and about 40 inches of annual rainfall, supporting lush greenery in warmer months. Seasonal variety makes Forrest attractive to those who appreciate a classic Midwestern climate.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Forrest neighbors enjoy modest incomes, with median household earnings around $59,000 and a poverty rate of 12.8%. Most adults have completed high school, and commutes average 25 minutes, reflecting the area's rural charm and accessibility. The community is quiet and friendly, with very low public transport usage and a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$59,000
Family Income:
$70,500
Per Capita Income:
$27,200
Income Male:
$40,500
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
12.8%
Non English Speakers:
5.1%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
24.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.3%
Bachelors or More:
17.9%
Education
How are the schools in Forrest, IL?
Forrest families benefit from the Prairie Central school district, with well-rated public schools and manageable student-teacher ratios—about 13.5 at the elementary level. Higher education is accessible at Heartland Community College in Normal, just 32 miles away. The area’s schools provide a supportive learning environment for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Prairie Central Elementary School
Street:
600 School St
Phone:
815-657-8238
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Prairie Central High School
Street:
411 N 7th St, Fairbury
Phone:
815-692-2355
Students:
460
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
Heartland Community College
City:
Normal
State:
IL
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Healthcare access is convenient, with major medical services available at OSF Saint James in nearby Pontiac and a high rate (93.5%) of health insurance coverage among residents. Forrest offers about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, and the healthcare index reflects reliable, affordable care options. Emergency services are easily accessible for peace of mind.
Major Hospitals
Name:
OSF Saint James – John W. Albrecht Medical Center
Address:
2500 W Reynolds St, Pontiac, IL 61764
Phone:
(815) 842-2828
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forrest, IL?
Forrest's housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of just $89,500 and rent for a two-bedroom averaging $700. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a modest appreciation of 3.6% over the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make it a stable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$89,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Local residents are served by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services office in Pontiac, just a short drive away. The DMV offers a full range of licensing and vehicle services, and appointments or information can be accessed through their official website. This convenient location ensures easy access to essential state services.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services
Address:
201 N. Vermilion St., Pontiac, IL 61764
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.