Living in River Forest, Illinois
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of River Forest · Census data 2020–2024
River Forest has 11,992 residents with a median age of 40. The median household income is $146,786 (76% higher than the Illinois median), the median home value is $687,300, the median rent is $1,554/month.
River Forest at a glance
- Population
- 11,992
- Median age
- 40State: 39
- Median household income
- $146,786State: $83,390
- Median home value
- $687,300State: $263,300
- Median rent
- $1,554/moState: $1,274
- Homeowners
- 87.7%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 72.9%
- Average commute
- 33 min
Is River Forest a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 76% higher than the Illinois median; a poverty rate of 2.7%.
Cons: Home values 161% higher than the state median; an average commute of 33 minutes; unemployment of 8.1%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in River Forest
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In River Forest the median home value is $687,300, 107% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,554 per month, which is 37.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
River Forest median household income
The median household income in River Forest is $146,786 and the income per person is $91,438. 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line (Illinois: 11.8%).
Housing in River Forest: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 4,680
- Owner-occupied
- 87.7%
- Renter-occupied
- 12.3%
- Vacant
- 4.7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1946
- Average household size
- 2.47
River Forest demographics
- Population
- 11,992
- Median age
- 40
- Under 18
- 24.5%
- 65 and older
- 18.8%
- Households
- 4,460
- Foreign-born
- 12.5%
- Veterans
- 3.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of River Forest ›
Education in River Forest
72.9% of adults 25 and older in River Forest have a bachelor's degree or higher (Illinois: 37.8%), and 45.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in River Forest
- Unemployment rate
- 8.1%State: 5.8%
- Average commute
- 33 minState: 28 min
- Work from home
- 26.8%
- Drive alone
- 41.8%
- Public transit
- 19.7%
- Walk to work
- 5.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 95.9%
River Forest vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Forest | 11,992 | $146,786 | $687,300 | $1,554 |
| Oak Park | 53,292 | $110,820 | $465,500 | $1,593 |
| Maywood | 23,201 | $68,815 | $229,800 | $1,209 |
| Forest Park | 13,943 | $77,221 | $304,700 | $1,367 |
| Elmwood Park | 23,868 | $91,955 | $339,300 | $1,334 |
| River Grove | 10,451 | $69,858 | $241,800 | $1,214 |
| Melrose Park | 24,549 | $66,189 | $275,800 | $1,176 |
| Bellwood | 18,256 | $79,513 | $230,000 | $1,293 |
| Broadview | 7,896 | $64,697 | $252,200 | $1,099 |
More for people moving to River Forest
River Forest ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in River Forest: FAQ
What is the median household income in River Forest, IL?
The median household income in River Forest is $146,786, 76% higher than the Illinois median of $83,390 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in River Forest?
The median home value in River Forest is $687,300, compared with $263,300 in Illinois.
How much is rent in River Forest?
The median gross rent in River Forest is $1,554 per month, about 37.8% of household income.
Is River Forest, IL a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 76% higher than the Illinois median; a poverty rate of 2.7%. Minuses: home values 161% higher than the state median; an average commute of 33 minutes; unemployment of 8.1%.
What is the median age in River Forest?
The median age in River Forest is 40 years (Illinois: 39).
How long is the commute in River Forest?
The average commute to work in River Forest is 33 minutes; 26.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in River Forest?
The unemployment rate in River Forest is 8.1% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is River Forest?
72.9% of adults in River Forest have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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