What to know when moving to Forest Park, IL
Forest Park at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 49.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 46.4% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income stands at $81,323, providing a solid financial foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 10.8%, some residents may struggle financially.
- Commute:
- 10.8% of residents use public transit for their daily commute.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,352 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Forest Park features a population of around 14,000, characterized by a mix of renters and homeowners. With nearly half of the residents holding a bachelor's degree, the community leans towards a well-educated demographic. The median household income of $81,323 reflects economic stability, although a poverty rate of 10.8% indicates that not everyone is thriving equally. The area sees about 45 rainy days per year, so be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a completely affluent environment, as the 10.8% poverty rate suggests economic challenges for some residents.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,352, making it accessible compared to many nearby areas.
- Median home value is $293,800, which may be a significant investment for potential homeowners.
- 49.8% of residents have a bachelor's degree, indicating a highly educated community.
- 46.4% of residents are renters, showcasing a balanced housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, property crime is at a rate of 1,549 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average of 1,546. Violent crime is considerably lower, with a rate of 245.7 per 100,000, marking a 28.7% decrease since 2022. The homicide rate stands at 4.5 per 100,000, which is on par with the national average.
- Violent crime rate: 245.7 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3
- Property crime rate: 1,549 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546
- Notable trend: Violent crime decreased by 28.7% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Forest Park has access to a total of 85 postsecondary institutions in Illinois, with 75 located in Cook County. This provides a variety of higher education options for residents.
- 85 total postsecondary institutions in Illinois
- 75 located in Cook County
- Notable schools include Adler University and American Academy of Art College, both located in nearby Chicago.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Cook County experiences an annual precipitation of about 18.7 inches, with approximately 45 rainy days each year. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy several local attractions.
- Field Museum - 4.7 stars from 29,976 reviews
- The Museum Campus - 4.7 stars from 26,271 reviews
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - 4.7 stars from 2,231 reviews
- Columbus (Christopher) Park - 4.3 stars from 1,052 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cook County, the unemployment rate is currently 4.6%, with a labor force of about 2.74 million. Employment numbers show around 2.62 million people are currently employed.
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% as of December 2025
- Employment: 2,616,332
- Labor force: 2,741,497
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.