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%.
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
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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).
Oak Forest city, IL Climate
Oak Forest city, IL has an average annual temperature of 9.9°C (50°F) and receives about 953 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.9°C
Avg Temp
953
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 42 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 38 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 69 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 100 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 97 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 105 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 98 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 98 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 91 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 70 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 80 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 65 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Oak Forest city, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Oak Forest city, IL are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.