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

Total population
26,805
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,990/yr
4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,659
-0.7% year-over-year change

Oak Forest population

How many people live in Oak Forest

Oak Forest is home to 26,805 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Oak Forest locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
26,805
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
13,226
Female
50.7%
13,579
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,226 49.3% 1.5%
Female 13,579 50.7% -2.0%
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 Oak Forest is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.9% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.9%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
16.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,531 16.9% -4.0%
15 to 24 3,169 11.8% 3.5%
25 to 44 7,150 26.7% -0.1%
45 to 64 7,460 27.8% -1.8%
Over 65 4,495 16.8% 3.1%
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 Oak Forest, 87.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68% of locals are Caucasian, 7.9% are African American and 5.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8%
Non-citizens
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,384 87.2% 2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,135 8% -10.0%
Non-citizens 1,286 4.8% -22.0%
Racial breakdown
White
68%
Black or African American
7.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
5.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11%
Other
7.3%
Value Percent
White 18,225 68%
Black or African American 2,115 7.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18 0.1%
Asian 1,561 5.8%
Two or more races 2,937 11%
Other 1,949 7.3%

Households in Oak Forest

A peek inside Oak Forest households

Oak Forest has 10,355 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69% are families, while the remaining 31% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,355
-0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,209
Family households
7,146
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,209 31% 3.8%
Family households 7,146 69% -1.6%
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 Oak Forest

The housing landscape of Oak Forest

Oak Forest's housing consists of 10,659 units, with 68.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
10,659
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,286 68.4%
1 unit, attached 525 4.9%
2 units 70 0.7%
3 or 4 units 331 3.1%
5 to 9 units 896 8.4%
10 to 19 units 1,186 11.1%
20 to 49 units 255 2.4%
50 or more units 110 1%
Homes built since 2020
47
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Oak Forest

In Oak Forest, the median construction year is 1975. About 1.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 207 1.9% -11.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 180 1.7% 7.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 788 7.4% 0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,433 22.8% -7.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,151 29.6% 9.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,427 13.4% -10.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,481 13.9% -6.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 849 8% 11.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 96 0.9% -2.0%
Built in 2020 or later 47 0.4% 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.

Oak Forest occupancy rates

Out of the 10,355 occupied housing units in Oak Forest, 82.4% are owner-occupied, while 17.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,355
-0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,819
Owner occupied
8,536
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,819 17.6% -14.0%
Owner occupied 8,536 82.4% 3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
2.9%
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.

Oak Forest housing costs

Housing costs in Oak Forest come to a median of $1,469 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,328.

Median housing costs per month
$1,469/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 Oak Forest
$1,328/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 Oak Forest

Oak Forest education at a glance

About 33.8% of the population in Oak Forest went to high school, while 25% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 20% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 592 2.8% -12.7%
High school diploma 7,139 33.8% -2.4%
College diploma 5,292 25% 1.2%
Associate degree 1,941 9.2% 6.5%
Bachelor's degree 4,223 20% 1.3%
Graduate degree 1,935 9.2% 5.6%
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 Oak Forest

How much people earn in Oak Forest

The average annual household income in Oak Forest was $110,832 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $91,990, reflecting a +4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Oak Forest
$110,832/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Oak Forest
$91,990/year
4.6% year-over-year change

Oak Forest income by age

In Oak Forest, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $104,119. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $97,744 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,935, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,726 in earnings. Overall, 93.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,935 0.5%
25 - 44 $104,119 6.2%
45 - 64 $97,744 -3.8%
Over 65 $62,726 -8.6%
Above poverty level
24,850
Below poverty level
1,745
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 24,850 93.4% -1.5%
Below poverty level 1,745 6.6% 19.4%

Average renter income in Oak Forest

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Oak Forest, their median household income was $58,438 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$58,438
Rent-to-income ratio
27.3%
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 Oak Forest

Workforce and job types in Oak Forest

The job market in Oak Forest is powered by 14,169 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 69.9% are employed by private companies, and 14% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
14,169
-1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
10,510
Blue collar
3,659
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,510 74.2% -1.7%
Blue collar 3,659 25.8% 0.3%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
69.9%
Governmental workers
14%
Not for profit companies
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,009 7.1% -9.5%
Private companies 9,898 69.9% -0.5%
Governmental workers 1,983 14% -0.5%
Not for profit companies 1,279 9% -0.5%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
2.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Oak Forest stands at 5.4%, 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 Oak Forest

How people get around in Oak Forest

In Oak Forest, the average commute time is 32 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 81.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
32 min
2.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,248 81.7% -1.7%
Taxicab 44 0.3% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 125 0.9% -23.3%
Subway or elevated 95 0.7% N/A
Railroad 544 4% -10.5%
Bicycle 37 0.3% 42.3%
Walk 145 1% -4.6%
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 Oak Forest by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60452 26,739 10,279 $93,076 $111,416

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FAQs about Oak Forest demographics 

What is the total population of Oak Forest?

Oak Forest has a total population of 26,805 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Oak Forest?

The gender ratio in Oak Forest is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (13,226 residents)
  • 50.7% females (13,579 residents)

What is the median age in Oak Forest?

The median age in Oak Forest is 40.5.

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

The age distribution in Oak Forest is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.9% (4,531 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (3,169 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (7,150 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (7,460 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.8% (4,495 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Forest?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Forest is as follows:
  • White: 68% (18,225 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.9% (2,115 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (18 residents)
  • Asian: 5.8% (1,561 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11% (2,937 residents)
  • Other: 7.3% (1,949 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.2% of the population in Oak Forest.

How many housing units are there in Oak Forest?

There are 10,659 housing units in Oak Forest, reflecting a -0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Oak Forest has a total of 10,355 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Oak Forest?

Oak Forest has a median household income of $91,990, representing a +4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.6% in Oak Forest, with a workforce of 14,169 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.2% (10,510 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.8% (3,659 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (1,009 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.9% (9,898 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14% (1,983 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9% (1,279 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