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
Oak Forest covers 6.0 sq mi of land at 4457 people per square mile.
About Oak Forest, IL
Oak Forest is a city in Illinois with a population of 26,888. It ranks #79 among cities in Illinois by population. The median age is 40.3, older than the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The median household income in Oak Forest is $87,941, above the US median of $74,580. 4.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $247,800, with monthly rent averaging $1,287. The homeownership rate of 79.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Oak Forest reflects 30.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.1 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%.
26,813
Population (2024)
27,987
Population (2010)
28,223
Peak (2013)
-0.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,987 |
| 2011 | 28,091 |
| 2012 | 28,173 |
| 2013 | 28,223 |
| 2014 | 28,192 |
| 2015 | 28,057 |
| 2016 | 27,874 |
| 2017 | 27,634 |
| 2018 | 27,361 |
| 2019 | 27,173 |
| 2020 | 27,371 |
| 2021 | 26,864 |
| 2022 | 26,506 |
| 2023 | 26,418 |
| 2024 | 26,813 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.8% |
| Black or African American | 7.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
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 & Management | 20.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 13.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.7% |
| Manufacturing | 8.1% |
| Construction | 8.1% |
| Retail Trade | 6.8% |
| Information | 6.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.9% |
| Public Administration | 4.8% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
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).
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.