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Population Review

Oak Forest, Illinois Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Oak Forest, Illinois is 26,888 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 79th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $87,941, the median home value is $247,800, and the median age is 40.3.

The population has declined 4.2% since 2010 (27,987 → 26,813).

26,888

Population

4457

People / sq mi

$87,941

Median Income

$247,800

Median Home Value

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Oak Forest covers 6.0 sq mi of land at 4457 people per square mile.

About Oak Forest, IL

Oak Forest is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 8.4% of the population. With 26,888 residents, Oak Forest is a city in Illinois.

Household earnings are middling, with a median of $87,941 — above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US cities at 4.1%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $247,800, with typical rent around $1,287.

30.1% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 9.6% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.

Oak Forest city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Oak Forest city had a population of 27,987 in 2010 and 26,813 in 2024, a -4.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,223 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.30%.

2013 · 28K20102024
Oak Forest city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

26,813

Population (2024)

27,987

Population (2010)

28,223

Peak (2013)

-0.30%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201027,987
201128,091
201228,173
201328,223
201428,192
201528,057
201627,874
201727,634
201827,361
201927,173
202027,371
202126,864
202226,506
202326,418
202426,813

Race & Ethnicity

White68.8%
Black or African American7.9%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$87,941

Median Household Income

$41,268

Per Capita Income

4.1%

Poverty Rate

3.6%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$247,800

Median Home Value

$1,287

Median Rent

79.6%

Owner-Occupied

Education

92.3%

High School+

30.1%

Bachelor's+

Commute

6.4%

Drive Alone

77.2%

Public Transit

9.6%

Work From Home

31.1 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

8.4%

Foreign Born

77.5%

Non-English at Home

5.0%

Veterans

10.5%

With Disability

93.7%

Health Insurance

94.0%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management20.2%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate13.2%
Education, Health Care & Social Services9.7%
Manufacturing8.1%
Construction8.1%
Retail Trade6.8%
Information6.8%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.9%
Public Administration4.8%
Transportation & Warehousing1.1%
Agriculture & Mining0.1%

Largest cities in Illinois

Largest counties in Illinois

Part of Illinois

Metro areas in Illinois

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Oak Forest, Illinois has a population of 26,888 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 79th-largest city in Illinois.

The median household income in Oak Forest, Illinois is $87,941, with 4.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Oak Forest, Illinois is $247,800, with median monthly rent at $1,287 and a homeownership rate of 79.6%.

The median age in Oak Forest, Illinois is 40.3 years. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

The population has declined 4.2% since 2010 (27,987 → 26,813).

Where to stay in Oak Forest

Visiting or relocating to Oak Forest, IL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.