Illinois / County

Moving to Oak Forest, IL

Thinking of making a move to Oak Forest, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Oak Forest before you move.

Moving Help for Your Oak Forest, IL Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Oak Forest move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oak Forest, IL

Considering a move to Oak Forest, IL? This welcoming community of 27,478 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $245,000 and average rents near $1,400. Commute times average 34 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Oak Forest's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Oak Forest, IL

Oak Forest has a population of 27,478 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 77% White, 10% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
27,478
Density
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age
40.4
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
77.1%
Black
10.2%
Asian
3.2%
Others
9.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Oak Forest, IL?

The cost of living in Oak Forest is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 98.5. Median home values are around $245,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,400. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$245,000
Gross Rent
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges
$115
Auto Insurance
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$650
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
98.5
Grocery
97.2
Housing
93.8
Utilities
101.5
Transportation
104.1
Health Care
98.7
Miscellaneous
97.3

Crime

Is Oak Forest, IL a safe place to live?

Oak Forest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 129 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 85. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
129
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,170
Crime Index
1,299
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 775
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 85

Weather

What is the weather like in Oak Forest, IL year-round?

Oak Forest experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $80,900 and a low poverty rate of 6.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 34 minutes, and almost 6% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,500
Household Income
$80,900
Family Income
$95,300
Per Capita Income
$34,700
Income Male
$51,200
Income Female
$40,900
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Non English Speakers
20.4%
Rent
$1,400
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
6.1%
Commute Time
34.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
28.5%

Education

How are the schools in Oak Forest, IL?

Oak Forest offers quality education options, with public schools like Oak Forest High School and Jack Hille Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including South Suburban College and Moraine Valley Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Oak Forest High School
Street
15201 Central Ave
Phone
708-687-0500
Students
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio
16:1
Name
Jack Hille Middle School
Street
5800 W 151st St
Phone
708-614-4530
Students
690
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1

Private Schools

Name
St. Damian School
Street
5300 155th St
Phone
708-687-4230
Students
260

Colleges

Name
South Suburban College
City
South Holland
State
IL
Distance
8 miles
Students
8,000
Name
Moraine Valley Community College
City
Palos Hills
State
IL
Distance
7 miles
Students
13,000

Healthcare

Oak Forest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Advocate South Suburban Hospital and Palos Community Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 92.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Advocate South Suburban Hospital
Address
17800 S Kedzie Ave, Hazel Crest, IL 60429
Phone
(708) 799-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Palos Community Hospital
Address
12251 S 80th Ave, Palos Heights, IL 60463
Phone
(708) 923-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
92.6%
Health Care Index
73.1

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Oak Forest, IL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $245,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 81%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Oak Forest offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$245,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate
81.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Oak Forest handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility, conveniently located in Midlothian. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address
14434 S. Pulaski Rd, Midlothian, IL 60445
Phone
1-800-252-8980

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.

FAQs About Moving to Oak Forest, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Oak Forest, review the core fields on this page: population 27,478, median home value $245,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,400, commute time 34.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

Ready to Move to Oak Forest, IL?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes