Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Forest, IL
Considering a move to Lake Forest, IL? This charming city of 19,367 residents features top-tier schools, a highly educated population, and a median home price of $915,000. Lake Forest offers a low crime rate (22 violent crimes per 100K), a high median household income, and beautiful seasons with 54% sunny days a year. Enjoy short commutes, excellent healthcare, and a vibrant community with exceptional amenities for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Lake Forest, IL
Demographics - Lake Forest, IL
Lake Forest is a close-knit city of about 19,367 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 47.5, reflecting a mature, family-friendly community. The city is known for its moderate population density and a high percentage of educated residents, making it attractive for professionals and families. About 11% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding cultural diversity.
Population:
19,367
Density:
1,062 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.5
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.3%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
6.5%
Others:
5.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Forest, IL?
Lake Forest offers an upscale lifestyle, with a median home value of $915,000 and a cost of living index significantly above the national average. Housing costs are the largest expense, while utilities and transportation remain close to average for Illinois. Residents should expect higher grocery and healthcare costs, but also benefit from quality amenities and services.
Median House Value:
$915,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,330
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,200
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
7.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
163.4
Grocery:
115.6
Housing:
221.0
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
118.0
Health Care:
104.4
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is Lake Forest, IL a safe place to live?
Lake Forest is known for its safety, with only 22 violent crimes and 425 property crimes per 100,000 residents, resulting in one of the lowest crime rates in the region. The chance of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 4,545, making it a reassuring choice for families and individuals. The community's strong public safety presence adds to its appeal.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
22
Property Crimes Per 100k:
425
Crime Index:
447
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 4,545
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 235
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Forest, IL year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 83°F and cold winters with lows around 18°F. Lake Forest receives about 36.5 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunny weather 54% of the year. The seasonal variety offers opportunities for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Lake Forest is an affluent city with a median household income of $193,000 and a low poverty rate of just 3.2%. Nearly 98% of adults hold at least a high school diploma, and most residents own their homes. The average commute is about 29 minutes, and a small but notable portion of the population uses public transit.
Median Income:
$70,200
Household Income:
$193,000
Family Income:
$230,000
Per Capita Income:
$97,000
Income Male:
$130,000
Income Female:
$65,000
Poverty Rate:
3.2%
Non English Speakers:
11.2%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
7.8%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.0%
Bachelors or More:
77.1%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Forest, IL?
Lake Forest is renowned for its excellent schools, including highly rated public and private options with favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is home to Lake Forest College and is near major educational institutions, supporting a community where 77% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Families benefit from outstanding educational resources at every level.
Public Schools
Name:
Lake Forest High School
Street:
1285 N McKinley Rd
Phone:
847-234-3600
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Deer Path Middle School
Street:
95 W Deerpath Rd
Phone:
847-604-7400
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Private Schools
Name:
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Street:
760 E Westleigh Rd
Phone:
847-234-4300
Students:
200
Name:
Lake Forest Academy
Street:
1500 W Kennedy Rd
Phone:
847-234-3210
Students:
440
Colleges
Name:
Lake Forest College
City:
Lake Forest
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,600
Name:
College of Lake County
City:
Grayslake
State:
IL
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Lake Forest is top-notch, with major hospitals like Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital providing comprehensive services and emergency care. The city boasts a high physician-to-resident ratio and 97% health insurance coverage, ensuring residents have excellent access to medical care. Healthcare quality is a community priority, contributing to a high standard of living.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
Address:
1000 N Westmoreland Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone:
(847) 234-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Advocate Condell Medical Center
Address:
801 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048
Phone:
(847) 362-2900
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Forest, IL?
Lake Forest's housing market is robust and upscale, with a median home price of $915,000 and owner-occupancy rates above 80%. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, and rental options are available with average rents around $2,200 for a two-bedroom. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect a stable and desirable market.
Median Home Price:
$915,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services at the nearby Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in Vernon Hills. This office offers standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services for Lake Forest and the surrounding area. For more information, residents can visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s official website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
1227 N. Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
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.