Forreston, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,360
18.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,676/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
647
13.7% year-over-year change

Forreston population

How many people live in Forreston

Forreston is home to 1,360 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of Forreston locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
1,360
18.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
651
Female
52.1%
709
Value Percent YoY change
Male 651 47.9% 12.1%
Female 709 52.1% 25.0%
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 Forreston is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.4% are children under 15, then 8.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.9% of the population, while another 26.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.4%
15 to 24
8.1%
25 to 44
24.9%
45 to 64
26.2%
Over 65
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 291 21.4% 54.0%
15 to 24 110 8.1% -0.9%
25 to 44 339 24.9% 39.5%
45 to 64 356 26.2% 7.9%
Over 65 264 19.4% -4.0%
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 Forreston, 96.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.3%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,314 96.6% 16.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 31 2.3% 244.4%
Non-citizens 15 1.1% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.6%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.4%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 1,219 89.6%
Black or African American 25 1.8%
Two or more races 101 7.4%
Other 15 1.1%

Households in Forreston

A peek inside Forreston households

Forreston has 590 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.5% are families, while the remaining 42.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
590
12.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
251
Family households
339
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 251 42.5% 3.3%
Family households 339 57.5% 21.1%
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 Forreston

The housing landscape of Forreston

Forreston's housing consists of 647 units, with 84.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% 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 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
647
13.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 547 84.5%
1 unit, attached 3 0.5%
2 units 31 4.8%
3 or 4 units 7 1.1%
20 to 49 units 43 6.6%
Mobile home 16 2.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Forreston

In Forreston, the median construction year is 1959. About 28.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.8% 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 183 28.3% 26.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 57 8.8% 11.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 91 14.1% -7.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 105 16.2% 14.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 96 14.8% 7.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 55 8.5% -8.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 16 2.5% -5.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 28 4.3% 64.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 16 2.5% N/A
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.

Forreston occupancy rates

Out of the 590 occupied housing units in Forreston, 81.5% are owner-occupied, while 18.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
590
12.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
109
Owner occupied
481
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 109 18.5% 9.0%
Owner occupied 481 81.5% 13.7%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
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.

Forreston housing costs

Housing costs in Forreston come to a median of $874 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $744.

Median housing costs per month
$874/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 Forreston
$744/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 Forreston

Forreston education at a glance

About 45.7% of the population in Forreston went to high school, while 23.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 15.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 28 2.8% 55.6%
High school diploma 455 45.7% -1.1%
College diploma 236 23.7% 14.0%
Associate degree 75 7.5% -18.5%
Bachelor's degree 153 15.4% 77.9%
Graduate degree 49 4.9% 44.1%
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 Forreston

How much people earn in Forreston

The average annual household income in Forreston was $79,435 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,676, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Forreston
$79,435/year
7.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Forreston
$70,676/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Forreston income by age

In Forreston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,964. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,250 overall. Overall, 94.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $71,964 6.6%
45 - 64 $78,250 1.8%
Over 65 $64,375 18.6%
Above poverty level
1,277
Below poverty level
74
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,277 94.5% 16.7%
Below poverty level 74 5.5% 48.0%

Average renter income in Forreston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Forreston, their median household income was $51,667 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 17.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$51,667
Rent-to-income ratio
17.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Forreston

Workforce and job types in Forreston

The job market in Forreston is powered by 588 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.9% run their own businesses, 60.2% are employed by private companies, and 13.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
588
14.8% year-over-year change
White collar
357
Blue collar
231
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 357 60.7% 27.1%
Blue collar 231 39.3% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
12.9%
Private companies
60.2%
Governmental workers
13.3%
Not for profit companies
13.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 76 12.9% 81.0%
Private companies 354 60.2% 0.0%
Governmental workers 78 13.3% 41.8%
Not for profit companies 80 13.6% 31.1%
Unemployment rate
7.8%
108.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Forreston stands at 7.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Forreston

How people get around in Forreston

Commuting methods vary: 83.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.1% 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 490 83.8% 7.2%
Bus or trolleybus 9 1.5% N/A
Walk 30 5.1% 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 Forreston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61030 2,194 857 $71,655 $80,706

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FAQs about Forreston demographics 

What is the total population of Forreston?

Forreston has a total population of 1,360 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 +18.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Forreston?

The gender ratio in Forreston is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (651 residents)
  • 52.1% females (709 residents)

What is the median age in Forreston?

The median age in Forreston is 40.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Forreston?

The age distribution in Forreston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.4% (291 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.1% (110 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.9% (339 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.2% (356 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.4% (264 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Forreston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Forreston is as follows:
  • White: 89.6% (1,219 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (25 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.4% (101 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (15 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.6% of the population in Forreston.

How many housing units are there in Forreston?

There are 647 housing units in Forreston, reflecting a +13.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Forreston has a total of 590 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Forreston?

Forreston has a median household income of $70,676, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Forreston?

The employment rate is 92.2% in Forreston, with a workforce of 588 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.7% (357 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.3% (231 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.9% (76 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.2% (354 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.3% (78 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.6% (80 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