Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forreston, IL
Considering a move to Forreston, IL? This friendly village of 1,316 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $114,500 and average rents around $650. Enjoy a relaxed pace with short 23-minute commutes, low crime rates (violent crime at 112 per 100k), and easy access to local schools and nearby healthcare in Freeport. Forreston boasts a classic Midwest climate with four distinct seasons and plenty of sunny days, making it an inviting spot for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Forreston, IL
Demographics - Forreston, IL
Forreston is home to 1,316 residents, with a median age of 41.2 and a population density of 1,220 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White (95%), with a small percentage of non-English speakers, creating a close-knit, small-town atmosphere ideal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Population:
1,316
Density:
1,220 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forreston, IL?
Living in Forreston is notably affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $114,500. Residents benefit from reasonable rent, low utility costs, and state income taxes at a flat rate, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$114,500
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$990
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.4
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
60.2
Utilities:
96.4
Transportation:
98.3
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Forreston, IL a safe place to live?
Forreston offers a safe environment, with a violent crime rate of just 112 per 100,000 people and a low chance of property crime. These figures make it an appealing option for those prioritizing peace of mind and community safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
112
Property Crimes Per 100k:
890
Crime Index:
1,002
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 893
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 112
Weather
What is the weather like in Forreston, IL year-round?
Forreston experiences classic Midwest weather, featuring cold winters with lows around 14°F, warm summers peaking at 83°F, and an annual rainfall of 36 inches. With about 54% sunny days, residents enjoy a balance of all four seasons.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The median household income in Forreston is $58,300, with a poverty rate of just over 7% and an unemployment rate below 5%. Most adults are high school graduates, commutes average about 23 minutes, and public transit use is minimal, reflecting a small-town, car-friendly lifestyle.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$58,300
Family Income:
$68,900
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$42,100
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
7.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Forreston, IL?
Forreston offers quality local education through its public grade and high schools, both located centrally and maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios around 13:1. For higher education, Highland Community College is just 12 miles away in Freeport, supporting lifelong learning and career development.

Public Schools
Name:
Forreston Grade School
Street:
601 E Main St
Phone:
815-938-2301
Students:
270
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Forreston Jr/Sr High School
Street:
601 E Main St
Phone:
815-938-2175
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4

Colleges
Name:
Highland Community College
City:
Freeport
State:
IL
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to healthcare, including the nearby FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport and a strong health insurance coverage rate of 92.7%. With 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people, essential medical services are readily available for the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
FHN Memorial Hospital
Address:
1045 W Stephenson St, Freeport, IL 61032
Phone:
(815) 599-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forreston, IL?
Forreston's housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $114,500 and average two-bedroom rents at $650. High owner-occupancy (nearly 69%) and a low foreclosure rate contribute to a reliable, family-friendly residential environment.
Median Home Price:
$114,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in nearby Freeport, offering convenient access for licensing and vehicle registration. Residents can utilize both in-person and online resources for their transportation needs.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
950 W Fairview Rd, Freeport, IL 61032
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.