Everything You Should Know Before Moving to River Forest, IL
Considering a move to River Forest, IL? This vibrant suburb of 11,747 residents is known for its excellent schools, beautiful homes, and affluent, family-friendly atmosphere. While the median home price is $730,000 and the cost of living is higher than average, the area boasts very low violent crime (59 per 100k), quick 30-minute commutes to Chicago, and outstanding educational attainment (75% with bachelor’s or higher). Enjoy a charming neighborhood feel with great amenities, strong incomes, and access to top healthcare and higher education right in town.
Demographics - River Forest, IL
Demographics - River Forest, IL
River Forest is a close-knit suburb with a population of 11,747 and a high population density, offering a family-oriented community. The median age of 41.3 reflects a mature population, and the area is predominantly White, with about 10% of residents speaking a non-English language at home.
Population:
11,747
Density:
5,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.3
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.4%
Black:
4.1%
Asian:
5.8%
Others:
7.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in River Forest, IL?
Living in River Forest comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $730,000 and a cost of living index of 139.5. Residents can expect above-average expenses for housing and transportation, while groceries and utilities remain closer to national averages.
Median House Value:
$730,000
Gross Rent:
$1,540
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
139.5
Grocery:
110.4
Housing:
192.1
Utilities:
98.8
Transportation:
127.5
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
109.8
Crime
Is River Forest, IL a safe place to live?
River Forest is a notably safe community, with a very low violent crime rate of just 59 incidents per 100,000 people and a low chance of property crime. The peaceful environment makes it an appealing choice for families and those seeking a secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
59
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,022
Crime Index:
1,081
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,695
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in River Forest, IL year-round?
The area experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. Residents enjoy about 55% sunny days each year and nearly 39 inches of rainfall, creating a balanced Midwestern climate.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
River Forest boasts strong household and family incomes, with a median household income of $125,288 and a low poverty rate of 3.8%. The community is highly educated—nearly 75% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—and enjoys short 30-minute commutes, with some residents using public transportation.
Median Income:
$64,300
Household Income:
$125,288
Family Income:
$168,000
Per Capita Income:
$68,400
Income Male:
$90,000
Income Female:
$63,000
Poverty Rate:
3.8%
Non English Speakers:
10.2%
Rent:
$1,540
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
14.4%
Commute Time:
30.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.5%
Bachelors or More:
74.6%
Education
How are the schools in River Forest, IL?
River Forest stands out for its exceptional educational opportunities, featuring highly rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and two universities—Concordia University Chicago and Dominican University—right in town. The community’s commitment to education is reflected in the high percentage of residents with advanced degrees.
Public Schools
Name:
Lincoln Elementary School
Street:
511 Park Ave
Phone:
708-366-7340
Students:
660
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0
Name:
Roosevelt Middle School
Street:
7560 Oak Ave
Phone:
708-366-8430
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Name:
Oak Park and River Forest High School
Street:
201 N Scoville Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
Phone:
708-383-0700
Students:
3,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
Trinity High School
Street:
7574 Division St
Phone:
708-771-8383
Students:
500
Name:
St. Luke Parish School
Street:
519 Ashland Ave
Phone:
708-366-8587
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Concordia University Chicago
City:
River Forest
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,200
Name:
Dominican University
City:
River Forest
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to top medical facilities, including Rush Oak Park Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency services nearby. The area’s high physician density and over 96% health insurance coverage contribute to excellent healthcare access.
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:
(708) 216-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.2%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in River Forest, IL?
River Forest's housing market is characterized by high home values, with a median price of $730,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 85%. Home values have shown steady appreciation, and rental options are available but limited, keeping vacancy rates low.
Median Home Price:
$730,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,900
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local residents can access DMV services through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Driver Services Facility located in nearby Chicago, offering convenient licensing and vehicle registration options. The facility provides comprehensive information and online resources via the state DMV website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address:
5301 W Lexington St, Chicago, IL 60644
Phone:
312-793-1010
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.