Lake Forest, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,416
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$235,081/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,282
-0.3% year-over-year change

Lake Forest population

How many people live in Lake Forest

Lake Forest is home to 19,416 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Lake Forest locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
19,416
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
9,252
Female
52.4%
10,164
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,252 47.6% 1.4%
Female 10,164 52.4% 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 Lake Forest is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.3% are children under 15, then 16.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
16.2%
25 to 44
17%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
26.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,977 15.3% 0.6%
15 to 24 3,144 16.2% -3.7%
25 to 44 3,303 17% 4.8%
45 to 64 4,808 24.8% -1.0%
Over 65 5,184 26.7% 4.6%
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 Lake Forest, 87.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.2% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 6.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.7%
Non-citizens
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,041 87.8% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,489 7.7% 5.8%
Non-citizens 886 4.6% 6.6%
Racial breakdown
White
82.2%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
6.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.6%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 15,969 82.2%
Black or African American 186 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 50 0.3%
Asian 1,255 6.5%
Two or more races 1,661 8.6%
Other 295 1.5%

Households in Lake Forest

A peek inside Lake Forest households

Lake Forest has 6,900 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.2% are families, while the remaining 23.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,900
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,640
Family households
5,260
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,640 23.8% -2.5%
Family households 5,260 76.2% 1.3%
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 Lake Forest

The housing landscape of Lake Forest

Lake Forest's housing consists of 7,282 units, with 76.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.7% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,282
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,577 76.6%
1 unit, attached 490 6.7%
2 units 195 2.7%
3 or 4 units 97 1.3%
5 to 9 units 33 0.4%
10 to 19 units 109 1.5%
20 to 49 units 468 6.4%
50 or more units 308 4.2%
Mobile home 5 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
51
8.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lake Forest

In Lake Forest, the median construction year is 1976. About 18% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,310 18% 6.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 112 1.5% -18.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 836 11.5% 5.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 846 11.6% -6.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 856 11.8% -1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,103 15.2% 5.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 866 11.9% -10.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 901 12.4% 6.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 401 5.5% -12.6%
Built in 2020 or later 51 0.7% 8.5%
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.

Lake Forest occupancy rates

Out of the 6,900 occupied housing units in Lake Forest, 88.8% are owner-occupied, while 11.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,900
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
776
Owner occupied
6,124
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 776 11.2% 5.7%
Owner occupied 6,124 88.8% -0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
5.2%
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.

Lake Forest housing costs

Housing costs in Lake Forest come to a median of $2,762 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,815.

Median housing costs per month
$2,762/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 Lake Forest
$1,815/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 Lake Forest

Lake Forest education at a glance

About 12.7% of the population in Lake Forest went to high school, while 12.7% pursued college studies. Another 3.2% earned an associate degree and 35.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 35.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 75 0.5% 70.5%
High school diploma 1,998 12.7% 7.8%
College diploma 1,986 12.7% -2.7%
Associate degree 502 3.2% -4.2%
Bachelor's degree 5,515 35.2% 3.1%
Graduate degree 5,605 35.7% -0.2%
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 Lake Forest

How much people earn in Lake Forest

The average annual household income in Lake Forest was $303,251 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $235,081, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lake Forest
$303,251/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lake Forest
$235,081/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Lake Forest income by age

In Lake Forest, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $250,001. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $250,001 overall. Overall, 96.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $250,001 1.6%
45 - 64 $250,001 0.0%
Over 65 $132,287 -11.5%
Above poverty level
17,445
Below poverty level
637
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 17,445 96.5% 1.1%
Below poverty level 637 3.5% -10.7%

Average renter income in Lake Forest

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lake Forest, their median household income was $79,034 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$79,034
Rent-to-income ratio
27.6%
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 Lake Forest

Workforce and job types in Lake Forest

The job market in Lake Forest is powered by 8,602 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 94.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.8% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 9.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,602
-1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
8,121
Blue collar
481
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,121 94.4% -1.7%
Blue collar 481 5.6% 11.1%
Employer type
Self employees
14.8%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
9.1%
Not for profit companies
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,271 14.8% -5.2%
Private companies 5,564 64.7% -1.4%
Governmental workers 780 9.1% 2.2%
Not for profit companies 987 11.5% 4.1%
Unemployment rate
1.8%
-17.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lake Forest stands at 1.8%, 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 Lake Forest

How people get around in Lake Forest

Commuting methods vary: 47.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.4% 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 4,100 47.9% -5.8%
Taxicab 29 0.3% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 46 0.5% 155.6%
Railroad 1,001 11.7% -9.9%
Bicycle 72 0.8% 38.5%
Walk 467 5.4% 6.9%
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 Lake Forest by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60045 21,074 7,470 $233,125 $298,127

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FAQs about Lake Forest demographics 

What is the total population of Lake Forest?

Lake Forest has a total population of 19,416 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lake Forest?

The gender ratio in Lake Forest is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (9,252 residents)
  • 52.4% females (10,164 residents)

What is the median age in Lake Forest?

The median age in Lake Forest is 46.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lake Forest?

The age distribution in Lake Forest is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.3% (2,977 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.2% (3,144 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17% (3,303 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (4,808 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.7% (5,184 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Forest?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Forest is as follows:
  • White: 82.2% (15,969 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (186 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (50 residents)
  • Asian: 6.5% (1,255 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.6% (1,661 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (295 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.8% of the population in Lake Forest.

How many housing units are there in Lake Forest?

There are 7,282 housing units in Lake Forest, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lake Forest has a total of 6,900 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lake Forest?

Lake Forest has a median household income of $235,081, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lake Forest?

The employment rate is 98.2% in Lake Forest, with a workforce of 8,602 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.4% (8,121 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.6% (481 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.8% (1,271 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (5,564 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.1% (780 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.5% (987 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