Forest, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
404
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,593/yr
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
205
0.0% year-over-year change

Forest population

How many people live in Forest

Forest is home to 404 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Forest locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
404
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
197
Female
51.2%
207
Value Percent YoY change
Male 197 48.8% 0.5%
Female 207 51.2% -1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Forest is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.1% are children under 15, then 10.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.1%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 44
22%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
25.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 69 17.1% 3.0%
15 to 24 42 10.4% -6.7%
25 to 44 89 22% 0.0%
45 to 64 102 25.2% -3.8%
Over 65 102 25.2% 4.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Forest, 96.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73% of locals are Caucasian, 12.4% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 391 96.8% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6 1.5% 0.0%
Non-citizens 7 1.7% 40.0%
Racial breakdown
White
73%
Black or African American
12.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 295 73%
Black or African American 50 12.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.5%
Asian 5 1.2%
Two or more races 42 10.4%
Other 10 2.5%

Households in Forest

A peek inside Forest households

Forest has 185 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.3% are families, while the remaining 42.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
185
-1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
79
Family households
106
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 79 42.7% 0.0%
Family households 106 57.3% -1.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Forest

The housing landscape of Forest

Forest's housing consists of 205 units, with 70.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
205
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 144 70.6%
1 unit, attached 12 5.9%
2 units 10 4.9%
3 or 4 units 6 2.9%
5 to 9 units 10 4.9%
10 to 19 units 2 1%
20 to 49 units 5 2.4%
50 or more units 6 2.9%
Mobile home 9 4.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Forest

In Forest, the median construction year is 1959. About 32.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 67 32.8% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 11 5.4% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 28 13.7% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 26 12.8% 8.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 28 13.7% 3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 12 5.9% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 18 8.8% -10.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 9 4.4% -10.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5 2.4% 25.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Forest occupancy rates

Out of the 185 occupied housing units in Forest, 64.9% are owner-occupied, while 35.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
185
-1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
65
Owner occupied
120
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 65 35.1% -1.5%
Owner occupied 120 64.9% -0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
9.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Forest housing costs

Housing costs in Forest come to a median of $813 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $800.

Median housing costs per month
$813/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Forest
$800/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Forest

Forest education at a glance

About 40.3% of the population in Forest went to high school, while 26.5% pursued college studies. Another 13.2% earned an associate degree and 12.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6 1.8% -25.0%
High school diploma 131 40.3% -0.8%
College diploma 86 26.5% 0.0%
Associate degree 43 13.2% 13.2%
Bachelor's degree 41 12.6% 0.0%
Graduate degree 18 5.5% -10.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Forest

How much people earn in Forest

The average annual household income in Forest was $73,432 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,593, reflecting a +4.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Forest
$73,432/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Forest
$56,593/year
4.5% year-over-year change

Forest income by age

In Forest, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,509. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $64,006 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $34,933, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,913 in earnings. Overall, 82.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,933 -0.8%
25 - 44 $65,509 -0.5%
45 - 64 $64,006 13.4%
Over 65 $50,913 1.1%
Above poverty level
322
Below poverty level
69
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 322 82.4% -1.8%
Below poverty level 69 17.6% 9.5%

Employment in Forest

Workforce and job types in Forest

70.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 67.2% are employed by private companies, and 12.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
131
Blue collar
55
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 131 70.4% -1.5%
Blue collar 55 29.6% 14.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
67.2%
Governmental workers
12.9%
Not for profit companies
12.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 14 7.5% 0.0%
Private companies 125 67.2% 3.3%
Governmental workers 24 12.9% -4.0%
Not for profit companies 23 12.4% 9.5%

Transportation in Forest

How people get around in Forest

Commuting methods vary: 96.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 159 96.4% 1.9%
Taxicab 1 0.6% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 1 0.6% -50.0%
Walk 4 2.4% -20.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Forest by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61032 29,020 13,313 $56,593 $73,432

Explore more communities

FAQs about Forest demographics 

What is the total population of Forest?

Forest has a total population of 404 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Forest?

The gender ratio in Forest is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (197 residents)
  • 51.2% females (207 residents)

What is the median age in Forest?

The median age in Forest is 45.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Forest?

The age distribution in Forest is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.1% (69 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.4% (42 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22% (89 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (102 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.2% (102 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Forest?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Forest is as follows:
  • White: 73% (295 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.4% (50 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (5 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (42 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (10 residents)

What percentage of the population in Forest are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.8% of the population in Forest.

How many housing units are there in Forest?

There are 205 housing units in Forest, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Forest and what is the average household size?

Forest has a total of 185 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Forest?

Forest has a median household income of $56,593, representing a +4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Forest?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.4% (131 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.6% (55 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (14 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.2% (125 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.9% (24 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.4% (23 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025